"Calling All Parents: Be the Number One Force in your Child's Life"

April 6, 2012 - PRLog -- Parents are a powerful force in the lives of children… and so often they don’t realize this or recognize the significance of this simple fact. This April, as we acknowledge Alcohol Awareness month, the Lower Fairfield County Regional Action Council (LFCRAC) is working to raise awareness and support parents to understand their significant role in helping to reduce underage drinking.

Across Fairfield County, coalition members are working within their respective communities and within the state at large, to outreach to families a simple, unified message. “Don’t be afraid to talk to your children. Speak with them often and begin at an early age. Speak on a level that is age appropriate, but get your message across. Leave no doubt in your children’s minds that you do not approve of their drinking while underage, and be clear on your reasons,” LFCRAC chairperson Stephanie Paulmeno shares. “You are their parent, not their friend so let them know what you expect and why you are concerned for them. It is an act of love, not confrontation.”

In New Canaan, a campaign highlighting that “the easiest place to find alcohol is right next to the milk” is being unveiled with refrigerators placed throughout the town. In addition, students are doing public service announcements, reminding others that they can choose not to drink and not everyone is drinking. In Greenwich, the Youth Outreach Club – SADD Chapter have created the mantra “Party Sober- Keep It Dry”. In Stamford, the Parent Teacher Council is posting information for parents on their website. In Darien, information on the second Search Institute survey results are being shared with community members. The survey includes information on family communication and setting boundaries; two developmental assets correlated to reducing risky behavior such as underage drinking.

The LFCRAC has developed a brochure entitled “The Power of Parents” which offers tips to increase influence and strengthen the bonds between parent and child. Interested persons can download a free copy of this – and other helpful information – at www.lfcrac.org. One can also join the LFCRAC coalition and move to become part of the solution and sign up to receive periodic email newsletters for ongoing updates that include new resources and reports on substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment.

For additional information on various outreach efforts throughout lower Fairfield County, the following individuals should be contacted directly: Jenny Byxbee, Greenwich 869-2221, Meg Domino, New Canaan 966-7862, Terri Drew, Stamford 977-5674, Martha Rhein, Darien 203-858-6022, Alicia Sillars, Darien 203 656-7326.

Lower Fairfield County Regional Action Council (LFCRAC) is a collaborative of dedicated representatives from a variety of sectors in Lower Fairfield County. Members include: Elected Officials, Parents, Youth, Law Enforcement, Treatment Service Providers, Persons In Recovery Advocates, Multicultural Communities, Local Community Coalitions, Social Service Providers, Behavioral Health Providers and Advocates, Prevention Specialists, Faith-Based Organizations, Public Health and Health Providers, Schools, Businesses, Media. LFCRAC is a regional resource to support local initiatives. We provide information on substance misuse across the lifespan, speakers, trainings, evidence-based programs, legislative efforts, funding sources, coalition building, evaluation tools and community-based initiatives in both English and Spanish. We also facilitate regional planning and collaborations to address gaps and strengthen local initiatives. LFCRAC is a member of the Connecticut Prevention Network. Support for LFCRAC includes funding from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Contact Information: Stephanie R. Paulmeno, MS, RN, Chairman, LFCRAC Ingrid Gillespie MSc, Director, LFCRAC email: spaulmeno47@yahoo.com email: rac@liberationprograms.org phone: 203-326-0400 phone: 203-391-7914

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Lower Fairfield County Regional Action Council (LFCRAC) is a collaborative of dedicated representatives from a variety of sectors in Lower Fairfield County. Members include: Elected Officials, Parents, Youth, Law Enforcement, Treatment Service Providers, Persons In Recovery Advocates, Multicultural Communities, Local Community Coalitions, Social Service Providers, Behavioral Health Providers and Advocates, Prevention Specialists, Faith-Based Organizations, Public Health and Health Providers, Schools, Businesses, Media.