CAPE – Council on Addiction Prevention and Education of Dutchess County

The Council on Addiction Prevention and Education of Dutchess County is located in Wappinger Falls, New York. They provide premier substance use disorder and addiction prevention and recovery services. They serve primarily young adults and adolescents providing them access to supportive programs that encourage health and wellness. This aligns with their core goals of strengthening the younger generation, breaking unhealthy cycles of substance abuse and creating a healthier community.

All their services are based on nationally established educational programs and policies. And their prevention educators are certified by the National Safety Council. This means their programs and services meet the highest quality standards. Up to ten prevention and education programs are available.

The “Alive at 25” is a court mandated and research backed course for young drivers aged 16 to 24. This four-and-a-half-hour class helps participants gain awareness, develop safety skills, and create a healthy decision-making foundation. In addition, they offer addiction prevention education and counseling to families, faculties and students across ten schools in four districts through the Project Success Program.

This is achieved through individual and group counseling, referral and family communication services. Another research-backed program, Team Teen, serves teenagers aged 12 to 19 who exhibit mild to moderate issues related to drug and alcohol abuse.

Motivational interviewing is employed in this program to improve coping skills and communication while educating the teen on the negative impacts of substance abuse on health. There’s also a more elaborate program known as “ Too Good for Drugs and Violence” that lasts for fifteen weeks. This drug and violence prevention course promotes social and emotional learning via fun and interactive lessons.

These lessons minimize the risk associated with substance use disorders while boosting the protective factors. These protective factors include a pro-social attitude, healthy relationships and resistance to substance use. Most of the programs are fee-based, while few are grant-funded.

Teens aged 12 to 18 can also join the agency’s Generation Hope Youth Clubhouse. This free program offers a safe and conducive space for middle and high schoolers to hang out, socialize and play fun games. All while accessing services that promote health and wellness. Comments from past clients mainly indicate a positive experience with this agency, with some highlighting their friendly environment and staff.