Sunny’s Story

A drug prevention book written by a mother who lost her son to a drug overdose from the viewpoint of the family beagle, Sunny. It's a great learning tool for kids, parents, teachers, and others.

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Educational Programs & Curriculum

Learn more about Courage to Speak® substance use prevention education programs for Elementary, Middle, and High School students.

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COURAGE TO SPEAK EMPOWERING YOUTH TO BE DRUG FREE FAMILY NIGHT

The 10th Annual Courage To Speak Empowering Youth to Be Drug Free Family Night will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 5:15 p.m., at West Rocks Middle School in Norwalk (Snow date:  March 20).  All are invited to the event, which will bring students, parents, educators, school and government officials, business and community leaders together to affirm their commitment to keep our children safe from drugs and other risky behaviors.

A complimentary dinner will be served. Bring your children with you.

This exciting media event will spotlight the outstanding work and words of students who participate in the Courage to Speak Foundation’s programs and curricula in their schools taught by the health class teachers.

Norwalk’s Mayor Harry Rilling, Chief of Police Thomas Kulhawik and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Manuel Rivera will introduce the students who take the microphone and speak out with their vows not to use drugs. State Representative Lawrence F. Cafero, Jr. will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

On display will be the remarkable artwork created by the students during their drug prevention classes with their teachers. Highlights of the event include the students’ readings of their drug prevention messages and the Courage to Speak Presentation for parents and students by Ginger Katz.

For more information about the event, to become a sponsor and volunteer, visit www.couragetospeak.org call (877) 431-3295, email Ginger Katz at gkatz@couragetospeak.org

About The Courage to Speak® Foundation:
The Courage To Speak® Foundation, Inc. exists to save lives by empowering youth to be drug free through fostering education and open communication about the dangers of alcohol and other drug use. Ginger Katz founded the nonprofit organization in 1996, just months after her 20 year old son Ian James Eaccarino died of an accidental drug overdose.

Katz and her husband Larry pledged to do everything in their power to help prevent such a tragedy from happening to another family. The Courage To Speak Foundation develops drug prevention curriculum for elementary (based on Sunny’s Story), middle and high school students as well as for parents through Courage to Speak – Courageous Parenting 101.

Katz has given nearly 1,000 presentations to over a million young people and the adults who care about them.

Did You Know?

  • 1 out of 5 fifth graders have been drunk
  • Prescription painkillers are the new gateway drug to heroin among 12 to 17 year-olds
  • Prescription drugs are the 2nd most commonly used drugs today, behind marijuana
  • Kids reduce drug use by 65% if middle school prevention programs are in place
  • Kids who learn a lot about the risks of alcohol and other drugs from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use