Begun in 1994, Peers Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) targets middle school and high school students involved in peer-helping programs in their communities and at their schools in 21 towns.  PAWS objectives are to create a positive peer influence in schools and communities; increase youth’s self-esteem, sense of purpose and personal power; provide opportunities for youth to increase leadership skills, to get involved in pro-social opportunities with their peers, and to make a real contribution to their community. Annual conferences are organized with the input of youth, planned by the PAWS Advisory Committee, and coordinated by ERASE staff.  Several conferences each year feature experts and exciting speakers.  PAWS staff and volunteer adult advisors provide technical assistance for youth-led community projects and their peer-helping programs.  This program has more than doubled its size since its inception.   For upcoming PAWS Events,
visit our Events page!
 

One of the most important factors in youth substance abuse prevention and early intervention is parental awareness and involvement.  With this in mind, ERASE has created a monthly parent newsletter called “Parents on Board.”  Each month, the newsletter addresses topics of concern for parents of high school and middle school students.  Our goal is to increase parents’ knowledge by giving them accurate and current information and offering helpful tips.  “Parents on Board” is available in each community in our region. 
 

 
ERASE conducts qualitative research on problem gambling such as community roundtable discussions and surveys.  Research results are used to benefit prevention and early intervention practitioners.  To increase the public’s knowledge of the seriousness of problem gambling, ERASE will work with Student Assistance Teams at local schools, and assist in developing training curricula and educational videos for the business community.  ERASE has worked with area police officers and will continue to do so to assist them in including on-line gambling as part of their Internet Safety presentations.  ERASE will provide regional trainings to service providers of senior citizens to increase their knowledge of the risks and warning signs of problem gambling in the senior community.
 

ERASE provides interactive presentations about a host of topics to youth and adults.  Recent presentations have included information about over-the-counter drugs, inhalants, role-modeling, tobacco, and local ordinances.  ERASE strives to develop each presentation to meet the particular need of the individual community.
 

ERASE has developed a Student Survey which is available to all schools in the ERASE region.  This tool assesses students’ attitudes and actions in regards to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, problem gambling, and school climate.  ERASE develops the tool, works with the school system to administer the survey, compiles the data and writes the report.  Local school systems have found this helpful in deciding the types of services needed in their schools and community.

ERASE provides technical assistance to Community Groups and
Local Prevention Councils.  For more information, please contact ERASE.

ERASE disseminates state-of-the-art information about prevention and early intervention through the Local Prevention Councils, Youth Service Bureaus, schools, and community groups/agencies in its region.  Currently, we are creating a resource center at our East Hartford office. Please contact ERASE for more information.

You are the

person to visit this page!

This site was designed by Out-Source Communications.  If you experience technical difficulties with this site, please contact the webmaster at out-sourcecom@sbcglobal.net.