STOP Grant

Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act Grant (STOP Act) works to prevent and reduce alcohol use among youth and young adults aged 12-20 in communities across Southeastern CT. With this funding, SERAC will reestablish the Adolescent Learning and Leadership Institute (ALLI) program to increase and strengthen youth coalition members and expand education on underage drinking and binge drinking.

This is intended for middle and high school aged youth that are vulnerable to health disparities, including juvenile justice diversion program, JRB’s, alternative education programs, LGBTQ+, veteran and military families, and Indigenous population. Reach out to get your group involved!

Goals:

Address community norms regarding alcohol youth use
Reduce opportunities for underage drinking
Create changes in underage drinking enforcement laws
Address penalties for underage use
Reduce the negative consequences associated with underage drinking

Main Objectives:

Reduce the rate of binge alcohol use (4 or more drinks) among youth and young adults by 25% by September 2026
Implement the Adolescent Learning and Leadership Program by September 2026

Girl’s Circle is an evidence-based, structured support group for girls (ages 9-18), and those who identify with female development. It integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training designed to increase positive connection, personal and collective strengths, and competence. The aim is to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede growth and development by promoting an emotional safe setting and structure where they can develop caring relationships and use their authentic voices to build confidence. This program is being offered to SERAC’s communities to help foster leadership and independence in young girls.

To learn more about the STOP grant, or to set up a Girls Circle, please contact Megan Erdman at (860)383.9930 or via email at merdman@seracct.org.

The STOP grant is funded in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services and Substance Abuse and Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).