We Bring Southington Together to Build Assets and Prevent Substance Misuse

Our Mission

STEPS makes prevention a priority in our community through education, limiting access, and advocacy for policy change.

Our prevention work focuses on underage drinking, tobacco/vaping, cannabis/marijuana use, prescription drug misuse, and more. We believe that positive youth development is an essential building block to create generations of youth that are caring, competent, successful, and substance free.

Our Focus on Youth

STEPS was founded in 2007 with a mission to help our youth grow up to be caring, competent and successful. We develop programs and opportunities for young people to step up and showcase their best selves.

STEPS partners with Southington Public Schools to follow an Asset Building Classrooms (ABC) model. We also have STEPS Youth Council leadership opportunities, a youth community service initiative, and a classroom-based curriculum to improve student health and safety.

STEPS Youth Council

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Stay informed about our latest prevention efforts, news, and events.


Our Prevention Efforts

Our work in Southington to keep young people healthy and safe is a top priority. Data shows that substance use at a young age can lead to:

  • Higher suicide risk
  • Long-term substance use disorders
  • Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, psychosis)
  • Poor school performance (lower grades, absenteeism)
  • Physical health issues (diseases, injuries)
  • Risky behaviors
  • Social and economic impacts (damaged relationships, missed career opportunities)

All these reasons are why substance use prevention among young people is so important. Take a moment to learn more about our work in Southington right now.

Areas of Focus

In both youth and adults, the perceptions around the risk of marijuana use has decreased dramatically. This is true not only in Connecticut but all over the United States. Some of this shift is in response to changes in social policies and laws.

It is risky to misuse prescription medications or obtain medications that are not provided by a doctor or other medical professional. This is a main cause of preventable overdoses.

Although tobacco use among youth in Southington is decreasing  – only 7% of Southington teens report using tobacco products – the usage of vaping products is on the rise.

Many activities have ages when young people can safely start them. A person must wait until age 16 to start driving, age 18 to marry without parental consent, age 35 to become president, and so on. The legal age to drink is 21 for a reason – it is based on research that shows young people react differently to alcohol.

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The Men & Boys' Fund at the Main Street Community Foundation is hosting their MVP Breakfast on Tuesday, June 3. It's sure to be a morning of motivation and inspiration! ... See MoreSee Less

The Men & Boys Fund at the Main Street Community Foundation is hosting their MVP Breakfast on Tuesday, June 3. Its sure to be a morning of motivation and inspiration!

Calling all high school artists! Southington Youth Services is looking for artists of all skill levels to join their Mural Arts Program.

The program gives young artists a chance to showcase their skills in collaboration with other talented students. Local professional artists will offer mentorship and resources to support the creation of a mural that reflects the spirit of our town.

Sign up here for more info: www.signupforms.com/registrations/41151
... See MoreSee Less

Calling all high school artists! Southington Youth Services is looking for artists of all skill levels to join their Mural Arts Program.

The program gives young artists a chance to showcase their skills in collaboration with other talented students. Local professional artists will offer mentorship and resources to support the creation of a mural that reflects the spirit of our town.

Sign up here for more info: https://www.signupforms.com/registrations/41151

We’re beyond proud to stand alongside such a dedicated group of prevention professionals! Each one is a champion of their community, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives that inspire and strengthen our work.

Thanks to our PCC grant, STEPS has launched initiatives like the “It’s Not Cheesy” campaign and Prom Perfectly, while building stronger partnerships within our community. We set a goal to reduce underage alcohol use by 5%, and thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, we've exceeded it with a 6.4% decrease! From 14% in 2020 to 13.1% in 2024, we're making real progress. By 2026, we aim to reach just 12.5%.

Together, we are "growing great kids" and building a healthier future!⭐️DMHAS funded Prevention in CT Communities (PCC) and Partnerships for Success (PFS) Prevention Program Coordinators and Evaluators gathered last week with 20 community partners to reconnect, strategize, set goals and share innovative strategies to reduce underage drinking prevention among youth and young adults in the community! The energy, collaboration, and passion at this meeting reflects a shared commitment to creating a safer, healthier CT!💪⭐️

Towns Represented: Ansonia, Bolton, Burlington, Derby, East Hartford, East Haven, East Windsor, Ellington, Groton, Haddam, Harwinton, Killingworth, Middletown, New Haven, Southbury, Southington, Stamford, Thomaston, Windham.

#PreventionHappensHereCT #LetsMentionPrevention
... See MoreSee Less

We’re beyond proud to stand alongside such a dedicated group of prevention professionals! Each one is a champion of their community, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives that inspire and strengthen our work. 

Thanks to our PCC grant, STEPS has launched initiatives like the “It’s Not Cheesy” campaign and Prom Perfectly, while building stronger partnerships within our community. We set a goal to reduce underage alcohol use by 5%, and thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, weve exceeded it with a 6.4% decrease! From 14% in 2020 to 13.1% in 2024, were making real progress. By 2026, we aim to reach just 12.5%. 

Together, we are growing great kids and building a healthier future!

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Wonderful work!!! Thank you!!! ❤️

Such wonderful work!!!

Love this!

Go team!

Southington Youth Services introduces the next in a series of parent education workshops: Deep Listening for Peaceful Parenting!

This two part series will be held via Zoom on March 5 + 19. Sign up online at www.signupforms.com/registrations/40888 to receive the link.

Learn more about Southington Youth Services at southington.org.
... See MoreSee Less

Southington Youth Services introduces the next in a series of parent education workshops: Deep Listening for Peaceful Parenting! 

This two part series will be held via Zoom on March 5 + 19. Sign up online at https://www.signupforms.com/registrations/40888 to receive the link. 

Learn more about Southington Youth Services at southington.org.
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