Our Programs
Youth & School-Based
We work with children directly through school and other youth groups, primarily focusing on prevention through positive character building.
Parents & Familes
We know that individual issues always affect more than just the individual, so we offer programs for families to find out how they can help.
Adults & Communities
We all need support from a community who cares, so we offer adult and community-based programs for those who are looking for a helping hand.
Annual number served – 10,000 individuals
Community Outreach— 239,500 individuals
Focused on Growth
Alcohol and drug dependency are not a choice – they are real medical conditions. However, this means that these dependencies can be treated and even prevented with the right interventions. We work with individuals experiencing substance dependency, and their families, to help them find their way to recovery.
For the People
Substance dependency is a public health crisis, and we believe it is our responsibility to provide prevention, treatment and recovery as a public response to all those who need it.
Did you know?
As up-to-date as you might be, there’s always more to learn. Here are some resources to help continue your education.
The Coucil in the community: Janice Burns joins the Talking Peace Podcast
The Tao of Conversation. With Janice Burns, Director of the Motivational Interview Program of the Prevention Council of Erie Co; Rev. Vivian Waltz, Director of the SSJ Sr Karen Klimczak Center for Nonviolence; and Vicki Ross, WNYPC Human Rights & Peace Education Chair, and Consultant for the Interfaith Peace Network. …. values we bring…. just because “A” is true doesn’t mean “B” is not true (paradoxes)…. shared learning/illuminating our truths…. how to disarm the (common) “immediate adversarial” …. ways to use, facilitate, support and get involved….Rev. Vivian Waltz
Our Mission
At The Prevention Council of Erie County, we are dedicated to promoting healthy behaviors through substance abuse prevention and intervention.
Try a Daily Mindful Check-In Practice
As you prepare for post-COVID life, try incorporating this practice from Bob Stahl into your daily routine. You can use it as a way to check in with how you’re adjusting to any shifts in your life. As best you can, do this practice in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed or distracted. This might mean closing the door to your home office, turning off your phone, or pausing in your car in the driveway when you get home. You can do this practice either lying down or sitting. If sitting, aim for a posture that’s supported, balanced, and upright but not rigid. Close your eyes if you’re comfortable doing so, but it’s also fine to simply lower and soften your gaze.
Appreciate your time. Take a moment to thank yourself for the time and space to do this practice. Amidst daily demands, it’s rare for people to consciously and deliberately set aside even a few minutes to just see how they are. Most people are more apt to do this for a close friend, their children, or their partner. Turning this generosity toward yourself warrants some acknowledgment and recognition. With this small gesture, you’re exercising a shift: resisting the tendency to just move along and instead making time and space to take care of yourself. You’re setting and honoring an intention to see what’s really within you.
Kindly attend to the moment. Now bring your full attention to the experiences of your body, your mind, and any thoughts or emotions that you’re aware of, just as they are. There’s no need to judge, analyze, evaluate, or assess your experience. The focus here is simply being with yourself fully, in the present moment and letting it all be. If a tendency to judge or figure things out arises, simply notice and acknowledge that, then gently return to the awareness of how you are. Continue directing your attention to the experiences of your body, mind, and emotions for about three minutes.
Acknowledge yourself. As your practice comes to a close, once again acknowledge your willingness to show up and be present, knowing that, in this way, you’re contributing to your wholeness and well-being.
(Taken from https://www.mindful.org)