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Programs for Middle and High School Students
We all know that our children face (or will soon encounter) some very difficult choices with regard to alcohol and drugs. Studies show that children are exposed to substances at alarmingly young ages. Feelings of curiosity, insecurity, or wanting to "escape" lead our children to try substances.
It’s Not About If, But When…
We know it’s just a matter of time before our children are exposed to drugs and alcohol, if they haven’t been already. Our programs are not about scaring our children, but teaching them that substances are dangerous to their developing brains and bodies. We empower them with facts and help them develop refusal skills and build resilience so they can make informed and healthy choices.
Learn The Facts
There is a lot of misinformation out there about alcohol and drugs. Addiction is often misunderstood and mischaracterized. Learn the facts about substances like nicotine (vaping), alcohol, and marijuana. Learn about drug trends, and recognizing signs of use. Gain information about communication skills, prevention tips, and treatment options. Be informed.
CCSA’s evidence-based educational substance use prevention programs are presented by people with first-hand lived experience with addiction and are designed to educate and empower our children to make healthy decisions by:
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Teaching our children the facts about alcohol and drugs and their effect on their brains and bodies
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Explaining the risk of addiction to substances
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Discussing the reasons children try drugs and what factors can protect them
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Exploring refusal skills and tools that help our children make healthy choices
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Learning how to recognize if someone is struggling with substance use and how to help them
Please fill out the form to schedule a presentation in your school. This program is appropriate for both middle and high school Jewish students.
"The CCSA program at our high school provided a comprehensive approach to engaging our students and parents around the critical issue of substance abuse in the community. The program was creative and compelling, and sensitively provided crucial information about substance abuse prevention, education and peer pressure refusal skills, in a dynamic, supportive and relatable manner. We look forward to a continued collaboration with CCSA in the years to come!"
Ruth G. Glasser, PhD, Coordinator of Student Guidance
Naaleh High School for Girls, Fair Lawn NJ
"We are so grateful to CCSA for the presentations offered to our student and parent bodies about teen substance abuse and addiction. The opportunity for students to learn about these topics and ask their questions in an informative, non-judgmental space is invaluable. We greatly appreciate Etiel and Lianne Forman for generously sharing their experiences and perspective with our parent body. Thank you, CCSA, for doing such important work for our community!"
Sara Kalish, LSW
Kohelet Yeshiva, Merion Station PA
"We had the pleasure of having the CCSA substance abuse awareness program for the past two years at BPY. This program, which was carefully designed for yeshiva students, is incredibly informative and engaging. Students' attention was kept by the presenters who focused on various challenges that the students may face, providing effective tools and strategies to utilize in these situations. I would highly recommend this program and look forward to future programs at BPY."
Dr. Talia Hindin, School Psychologist
Ben Porat Yosef, Paramus NJ
"Communities Confronting Substance Abuse and the Formans are doing such an incredible job of assisting schools in educating staff, students, and parents on the risks and impact of adolescent substance abuse. Their knowledge and experience, both personal and professional, are what makes their message understandable, relatable and effective. Thank you!"
Lisa Donath, LCSW, Director of Guidance
Tenafly Chabad Academy, Tenafly NJ
"We have been privileged to have Mr. and Mrs. Forman join us as part of our annual Substance Abuse Prevention Program for our Sophomore class for the past few years. During this program, Mr. and Mrs. Forman addressed our parent and student body in their unique way, blending their personal experiences on the subject with evidence based material and information. They are both relatable, intelligent and well spoken, captivating all audiences with their candor, their struggle, and their will to help and educate our community."
Lisa Fogel, LCSW
SKA High School for Girls
"Extremely well-designed and informative, this program on substance abuse is a 'must do' for all 8th grade classes. Our students were engaged, asked questions without hesitation, and gained invaluable information that will remain with them for years to come."
Rabbi Tomer Ronen, Head of School
Yeshivat He'Atid, Teaneck NJ
“CCSA’s student program was informative, powerful, and educational. The most effective part for our 8th grade students was seeing people from our own communities give personal accounts of what they had been through, understanding that this problem exists in our world and needs to be taken seriously. The students were very engaged and could not stop asking questions at the end.
CCSA also conducted a parent program, which was very impactful. Hearing the personal story from the Formans gave it the extra poignant touch and it also allowed for better discussions between parents and students after the program to continue dialogue on their own. CCSA is providing a service that no other program can to our Yeshiva world.”
Leora Sulimanoff, Director of Student Activities
Yeshivat Noam, Paramus NJ
“We were privileged to host CCSA at our annual drug prevention program. Ellie Forman's ability to teach the 9th and 10th graders while being so open and honest about her own journey was remarkable. Our students gained so much insight and information from her- they are still talking about it! I don't have the words to express my hakarat hatov to Mr. and Mrs. Forman. We are so inspired by their advocacy, leadership and willingness to help others. Our parents gained not only information on current drug trends, but useful strategies to start and continue conversations with their children about drugs and alcohol. We have all been touched by the Formans, and look forward to iy"h having CCSA again in the future.”
Mrs. Rebecca Gordon, LCSW, Director of Counseling
Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, West Hempstead NY
“The entire CCSA program was one of the most impactful programs we have ever run in our school. Each of the presenters was well-informed, articulate, relatable and empathic.
Ya'asher kochachem and thank you for your avodat ha'kodesh!"
Ora Lee Kanner, Principal
Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida, Boca Raton, FL
“Communities Confronting Substance Use & Addiction is a special organization that has truly mastered how to teach children and their parents about the impact of drugs and alcohol. Using a personal, honest, and reflective approach, the listener is moved by their stories. Your students' educational experience will truly be enriched by working with CCSA and the Forman family.”
Ilana Kustanowitz, School Psychologist
Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County
“When trying to effectively educate towards preventing substance misuse, it is critical to incorporate compelling presentations that reach kids emotionally. Ellie Forman’s presentation to each of our grades about her journey towards sobriety was educationally substantial and, at the same time, emotionally engaging. She managed to send a powerful message of deterrence while communicating in a nonjudgmental and empathic manner. Similarly, the presentation to our parents at Ramaz was informative, powerful, and led to a thoughtful discussion about parenting honestly and the importance of not assuming that “it can’t be my kid”. I strongly and unqualifiedly recommend the CCSA initiative to any school working on preventing substance use and misuse.”
Dr. Jerry Zeitchik, Director of Guidance
Ramaz Upper School
“We were so beyond grateful that CCSA was able to present to our students. Ellie Forman captured the attention of 100 + Seniors (not an easy feat) and they remained captivated throughout her presentation. Ellie was relatable and earnest while simultaneously sharing her personal experiences and educating about the dangers of alcohol and substance use. This was the perfect program to help our students begin to think about navigating their post high school world. We look forward to a long partnership with CCSA and hope that we will be able to bring their important programming to all of our grades and to our parent body in the future.”
Dr. Karen Lopata, Guidance Counselor
The Frisch School
"The CCSA program at our high school provided a comprehensive approach to engaging our students and parents around the critical issue of substance abuse in the community. The program was creative and compelling, and sensitively provided crucial information about substance abuse prevention, education and peer pressure refusal skills, in a dynamic, supportive and relatable manner. We look forward to a continued collaboration with CCSA in the years to come!"
Ruth G. Glasser, PhD, Coordinator of Student Guidance
Naaleh High School for Girls, Fair Lawn NJ
"We are so grateful to CCSA for the presentations offered to our student and parent bodies about teen substance abuse and addiction. The opportunity for students to learn about these topics and ask their questions in an informative, non-judgmental space is invaluable. We greatly appreciate Etiel and Lianne Forman for generously sharing their experiences and perspective with our parent body. Thank you, CCSA, for doing such important work for our community!"
Sara Kalish, LSW
Kohelet Yeshiva, Merion Station PA
"We had the pleasure of having the CCSA substance abuse awareness program for the past two years at BPY. This program, which was carefully designed for yeshiva students, is incredibly informative and engaging. Students' attention was kept by the presenters who focused on various challenges that the students may face, providing effective tools and strategies to utilize in these situations. I would highly recommend this program and look forward to future programs at BPY."
Dr. Talia Hindin, School Psychologist
Ben Porat Yosef, Paramus NJ
"Communities Confronting Substance Abuse and the Formans are doing such an incredible job of assisting schools in educating staff, students, and parents on the risks and impact of adolescent substance abuse. Their knowledge and experience, both personal and professional, are what makes their message understandable, relatable and effective. Thank you!"
Lisa Donath, LCSW, Director of Guidance
Tenafly Chabad Academy, Tenafly NJ
"We have been privileged to have Mr. and Mrs. Forman join us as part of our annual Substance Abuse Prevention Program for our Sophomore class for the past few years. During this program, Mr. and Mrs. Forman addressed our parent and student body in their unique way, blending their personal experiences on the subject with evidence based material and information. They are both relatable, intelligent and well spoken, captivating all audiences with their candor, their struggle, and their will to help and educate our community."
Lisa Fogel, LCSW
SKA High School for Girls
"Extremely well-designed and informative, this program on substance abuse is a 'must do' for all 8th grade classes. Our students were engaged, asked questions without hesitation, and gained invaluable information that will remain with them for years to come."
Rabbi Tomer Ronen, Head of School
Yeshivat He'Atid, Teaneck NJ
“CCSA’s student program was informative, powerful, and educational. The most effective part for our 8th grade students was seeing people from our own communities give personal accounts of what they had been through, understanding that this problem exists in our world and needs to be taken seriously. The students were very engaged and could not stop asking questions at the end.
CCSA also conducted a parent program, which was very impactful. Hearing the personal story from the Formans gave it the extra poignant touch and it also allowed for better discussions between parents and students after the program to continue dialogue on their own. CCSA is providing a service that no other program can to our Yeshiva world.”
Leora Sulimanoff, Director of Student Activities
Yeshivat Noam, Paramus NJ
“We were privileged to host CCSA at our annual drug prevention program. Ellie Forman's ability to teach the 9th and 10th graders while being so open and honest about her own journey was remarkable. Our students gained so much insight and information from her- they are still talking about it! I don't have the words to express my hakarat hatov to Mr. and Mrs. Forman. We are so inspired by their advocacy, leadership and willingness to help others. Our parents gained not only information on current drug trends, but useful strategies to start and continue conversations with their children about drugs and alcohol. We have all been touched by the Formans, and look forward to iy"h having CCSA again in the future.”
Mrs. Rebecca Gordon, LCSW, Director of Counseling
Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, West Hempstead NY
“The entire CCSA program was one of the most impactful programs we have ever run in our school. Each of the presenters was well-informed, articulate, relatable and empathic.
Ya'asher kochachem and thank you for your avodat ha'kodesh!"
Ora Lee Kanner, Principal
Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida, Boca Raton, FL
“Communities Confronting Substance Use & Addiction is a special organization that has truly mastered how to teach children and their parents about the impact of drugs and alcohol. Using a personal, honest, and reflective approach, the listener is moved by their stories. Your students' educational experience will truly be enriched by working with CCSA and the Forman family.”
Ilana Kustanowitz, School Psychologist
Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County
“When trying to effectively educate towards preventing substance misuse, it is critical to incorporate compelling presentations that reach kids emotionally. Ellie Forman’s presentation to each of our grades about her journey towards sobriety was educationally substantial and, at the same time, emotionally engaging. She managed to send a powerful message of deterrence while communicating in a nonjudgmental and empathic manner. Similarly, the presentation to our parents at Ramaz was informative, powerful, and led to a thoughtful discussion about parenting honestly and the importance of not assuming that “it can’t be my kid”. I strongly and unqualifiedly recommend the CCSA initiative to any school working on preventing substance use and misuse.”
Dr. Jerry Zeitchik, Director of Guidance
Ramaz Upper School
“We were so beyond grateful that CCSA was able to present to our students. Ellie Forman captured the attention of 100 + Seniors (not an easy feat) and they remained captivated throughout her presentation. Ellie was relatable and earnest while simultaneously sharing her personal experiences and educating about the dangers of alcohol and substance use. This was the perfect program to help our students begin to think about navigating their post high school world. We look forward to a long partnership with CCSA and hope that we will be able to bring their important programming to all of our grades and to our parent body in the future.”
Dr. Karen Lopata, Guidance Counselor
The Frisch School
"The CCSA program at our high school provided a comprehensive approach to engaging our students and parents around the critical issue of substance abuse in the community. The program was creative and compelling, and sensitively provided crucial information about substance abuse prevention, education and peer pressure refusal skills, in a dynamic, supportive and relatable manner. We look forward to a continued collaboration with CCSA in the years to come!"
Ruth G. Glasser, PhD, Coordinator of Student Guidance
Naaleh High School for Girls, Fair Lawn NJ
"We are so grateful to CCSA for the presentations offered to our student and parent bodies about teen substance abuse and addiction. The opportunity for students to learn about these topics and ask their questions in an informative, non-judgmental space is invaluable. We greatly appreciate Etiel and Lianne Forman for generously sharing their experiences and perspective with our parent body. Thank you, CCSA, for doing such important work for our community!"
Sara Kalish, LSW
Kohelet Yeshiva, Merion Station PA
"We had the pleasure of having the CCSA substance abuse awareness program for the past two years at BPY. This program, which was carefully designed for yeshiva students, is incredibly informative and engaging. Students' attention was kept by the presenters who focused on various challenges that the students may face, providing effective tools and strategies to utilize in these situations. I would highly recommend this program and look forward to future programs at BPY."
Dr. Talia Hindin, School Psychologist
Ben Porat Yosef, Paramus NJ
"Communities Confronting Substance Abuse and the Formans are doing such an incredible job of assisting schools in educating staff, students, and parents on the risks and impact of adolescent substance abuse. Their knowledge and experience, both personal and professional, are what makes their message understandable, relatable and effective. Thank you!"
Lisa Donath, LCSW, Director of Guidance
Tenafly Chabad Academy, Tenafly NJ
"We have been privileged to have Mr. and Mrs. Forman join us as part of our annual Substance Abuse Prevention Program for our Sophomore class for the past few years. During this program, Mr. and Mrs. Forman addressed our parent and student body in their unique way, blending their personal experiences on the subject with evidence based material and information. They are both relatable, intelligent and well spoken, captivating all audiences with their candor, their struggle, and their will to help and educate our community."
Lisa Fogel, LCSW
SKA High School for Girls
"Extremely well-designed and informative, this program on substance abuse is a 'must do' for all 8th grade classes. Our students were engaged, asked questions without hesitation, and gained invaluable information that will remain with them for years to come."
Rabbi Tomer Ronen, Head of School
Yeshivat He'Atid, Teaneck NJ
“CCSA’s student program was informative, powerful, and educational. The most effective part for our 8th grade students was seeing people from our own communities give personal accounts of what they had been through, understanding that this problem exists in our world and needs to be taken seriously. The students were very engaged and could not stop asking questions at the end.
CCSA also conducted a parent program, which was very impactful. Hearing the personal story from the Formans gave it the extra poignant touch and it also allowed for better discussions between parents and students after the program to continue dialogue on their own. CCSA is providing a service that no other program can to our Yeshiva world.”
Leora Sulimanoff, Director of Student Activities
Yeshivat Noam, Paramus NJ
“We were privileged to host CCSA at our annual drug prevention program. Ellie Forman's ability to teach the 9th and 10th graders while being so open and honest about her own journey was remarkable. Our students gained so much insight and information from her- they are still talking about it! I don't have the words to express my hakarat hatov to Mr. and Mrs. Forman. We are so inspired by their advocacy, leadership and willingness to help others. Our parents gained not only information on current drug trends, but useful strategies to start and continue conversations with their children about drugs and alcohol. We have all been touched by the Formans, and look forward to iy"h having CCSA again in the future.”
Mrs. Rebecca Gordon, LCSW, Director of Counseling
Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, West Hempstead NY
“The entire CCSA program was one of the most impactful programs we have ever run in our school. Each of the presenters was well-informed, articulate, relatable and empathic.
Ya'asher kochachem and thank you for your avodat ha'kodesh!"
Ora Lee Kanner, Principal
Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida, Boca Raton, FL
“Communities Confronting Substance Use & Addiction is a special organization that has truly mastered how to teach children and their parents about the impact of drugs and alcohol. Using a personal, honest, and reflective approach, the listener is moved by their stories. Your students' educational experience will truly be enriched by working with CCSA and the Forman family.”
Ilana Kustanowitz, School Psychologist
Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County
“When trying to effectively educate towards preventing substance misuse, it is critical to incorporate compelling presentations that reach kids emotionally. Ellie Forman’s presentation to each of our grades about her journey towards sobriety was educationally substantial and, at the same time, emotionally engaging. She managed to send a powerful message of deterrence while communicating in a nonjudgmental and empathic manner. Similarly, the presentation to our parents at Ramaz was informative, powerful, and led to a thoughtful discussion about parenting honestly and the importance of not assuming that “it can’t be my kid”. I strongly and unqualifiedly recommend the CCSA initiative to any school working on preventing substance use and misuse.”
Dr. Jerry Zeitchik, Director of Guidance
Ramaz Upper School
“We were so beyond grateful that CCSA was able to present to our students. Ellie Forman captured the attention of 100 + Seniors (not an easy feat) and they remained captivated throughout her presentation. Ellie was relatable and earnest while simultaneously sharing her personal experiences and educating about the dangers of alcohol and substance use. This was the perfect program to help our students begin to think about navigating their post high school world. We look forward to a long partnership with CCSA and hope that we will be able to bring their important programming to all of our grades and to our parent body in the future.”
Dr. Karen Lopata, Guidance Counselor
The Frisch School