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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You know we love collaborating with our partners at Charge Ahead Marketing, but we love the people behind the work even more! In honor of his late son, our friend Matt from Charge Ahead created the Dare Greatly Foundation as a way to recognize the next generation of leaders who are following in Tanner’s footsteps. Tanner grew up in Clinton, so this special scholarship is open to all graduating high school students in the state. Take a look at their application now as the deadline is fast approaching!Hurry, the application deadline is April 15th, 2024! Apply today for a Dare Greatly Scholarship! 🚀✨ Follow YOUR path to a bright future with endless possibilities! All Connecticut high school seniors are welcome to apply! 🌟 Link in bio. #DareGreatly #Scholarships #DreamBig #RememberTanner #FollowYourPath #ApplyNow #Connecticut #HighSchoolSeniors ... See MoreSee Less

You know we love collaborating with our partners at Charge Ahead Marketing, but we love the people behind the work even more! In honor of his late son, our friend Matt from Charge Ahead created the Dare Greatly Foundation as a way to recognize the next generation of leaders who are following in Tanner’s footsteps. Tanner grew up in Clinton, so this special scholarship is open to all graduating high school students in the state. Take a look at their application now as the deadline is fast approaching!

Comment on Facebook

Thank you for this !!!

thank you for sharing this!

Matt Romanos

We are looking forward to presenting about our school-based vape prevention and intervention work on April 11. Sign up now!Set aside some time to join us on April 11 from 2:00-3:00 PM to learn about #VapingPrevention. Our presenters, Megan Albanese & Kristin Sandler will talk about the Southington STEPS Coalition & their work in the school system. Visit www.ctclearinghouse.org/registration to sign up. ... See MoreSee Less

We are looking forward to presenting about our school-based vape prevention and intervention work on April 11. Sign up now!

Proud doesn’t begin to describe the feeling we have for our Board President, Ret. Deputy Chief Bill Palmieri, who is being honored with Southington UNICO prestigious Gold Medal of Honor award!We are thrilled to announce that Retired Deputy Police Chief Bill Palmieri has been selected as the recipient of Southington UNICO's prestigious Gold Medal of Honor! 🏅

The recognition is the organization’s highest honor. Since 1945, the Gold Medal of Honor has been awarded to distinguished citizens in the Southington community.

“I really get chocked up talking about this. Besides family, this is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. Southington is such a great place to live. When people need help, everyone comes out and gets the job done. That’s what’s special here. The Gold Medal means the world to me,” said Palmieri.

Palmieri is not the only person in his family recognized for living UNICO’s motto of “service above self.” His parents, the late Lewis and Loretta Palmieri, were awarded the Gold Medal of Honor together in 1998 for their work developing the Western Little League complex of baseball fields on Spring Street.

A 1982 graduate of Southington High School, Palmieri retired from full-time work at the Southington Police Department in 2023 after nearly four-decades in law enforcement. Palmieri held several positions with SPD including being a SWAT team member before moving up the ranks to oversee administrative, operations, and investigative services. He became deputy chief in 2016.

Today, Palmieri is passionate about serving youth and helping people living in food-insecure households. He is the board president of STEPS, Southington’s youth crime and substance abuse prevention group and board secretary of Bread for Life.

“We need to listen to our youth. They need to be seen and heard because they are all valuable. As trusted adults, people whose words and actions make you feel safe, we can let them know they are loved and appreciated and help set healthy boundaries. The pressures youth face today are much more intense. When it comes to Bread for Life and food insecurity, we shouldn’t stereotype. There are people with dual incomes that can’t make ends meet. No one should go hungry.”

In his free time, Palmieri enjoys powerlifting, spending time with his family and always extends praise to those who have supported him throughout the years.

Palmieri has also coached youth sports, served on the board of St. Dominic’s Church, participated in Dementia Friendly Southington, Special Olympics and Town ambulance, safety, ordinance and diversity committees.

“There are endless options with volunteerism,” says Palmieri. “There’s nothing better. Every one of us has something of value to give. Everyone.”

Bill's outstanding service and dedication to our beloved town of Southington have truly made a remarkable impact. Join us in celebrating his contributions and commitment to our community at the Aqua Turf Club on Wednesday, May 15. Get your tickets by contacting Bill Lombardi at 860-302-3773, at Fasulo and Albini CPAs located at 16 Cornerstone Court, or from any UNICO member.
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Proud doesn’t begin to describe the feeling we have for our Board President, Ret. Deputy Chief Bill Palmieri, who is being honored with Southington UNICO prestigious Gold Medal of Honor award!

Comment on Facebook

Bill, so happy for you getting this wonderful recognition for all you have contributed to the Southington community! Well deserved! Congratulations!

Well deserved!! Congratulations Bill!

Congratulations!

Congratulations Bill! This is a well deserved honor!

Congrats !

Congratulations, Bill, so proud of your accomplishments.

Congratulations Bill. Thank you for your service and commitment to helping others.

Congratulations, Bill! Well-deserved honor.

Wonderful news, so deserving! Congrats, Bill 😊

Congratulations! 🥳

Wonderful!!!

The best person for this award!

Congratulations Brother, well deserved!!! Love you 💕🎊🎉🥳

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STEPS is hosting a TIPS training on April 6 at Homewood Suites, Southington, Connecticut. This responsible beverage serving class is open at all Southington establishments that serve alcohol - for FREE, thanks to our Prevention in CT Communities grant from Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. ... See MoreSee Less

STEPS is hosting a TIPS training on April 6 at Homewood Suites, Southington, Connecticut. This responsible beverage serving class is open at all Southington establishments that serve alcohol - for FREE, thanks to our Prevention in CT Communities grant from Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Thank you @fancybagels1 for having us today to promote our #itsnotcheesy project! 🍕♥️

Good communication is the first step in substance misuse prevention. Spend some time tonight going our over interactive quiz with your teens - it’s a great way to get conversation going as we take on the week ahead!
southingtonsteps.org/family
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3 weeks ago
Southington STEPS Coalition

🍕 It’s Not Cheesy…to eat pizza with your family! 🍕

Beginning this weekend, you’ll see a sticker featuring Randy the pizza slice and a QR code to our “It’s Not Cheesy” quiz on pizza boxes from many of our favorite Southington spots!

Thank you to the following restaurants for participating:
@craftkitchensouthington
@eldrions_pizza_offical
@partywithnonna
@renaldospizzasouthington
@spartan2restaurant
@thefireplacect
Southington Pizza House

You have a pizza our heart for helping us roll out our campaign! 🍕♥️

southingtonsteps.org/family #itsnotcheesy
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This project wouldn’t be possible without support and funding from Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services!

@followers

love this!

Love it!! Way to go Southington STEPS Coalition!

What can we do to help? I work at a local salon in town.

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