HUGS Programs
HUGS, Inc. offers a myriad of programs supported by national experts and research as having proven effects on reducing risk factors and building protective factors in those who receive them. HUGS provides a full complement of workshops, assemblies, parent education, and youth training. Given the diverse needs of Suffolk County communities, the ever-changing alcohol and drug trends, and the societal pressures on youth, HUGS will customize training and workshops to address the needs of youth, parents, schools, workforces and communities in the areas of substance use, bullying, resilience, team building, leadership, and empowerment.
LONG ISLAND TEEN INSTITUTE
HUGS Inc. facilitates four weekend-long leadership conferences at Camp Quinipet on Shelter Island throughout the year called The Long Island Teen Institute (LITI). LITI is a 48-hour leadership development and substance abuse prevention training program for high school students who are natural leaders or who have leadership potential. LITI trainings emphasize positive peer influence and help teens and adults join together to formulate effective strategies to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse.
LITI gives teenagers the skills necessary to recognize and reduce high-risk behavior in themselves and their peers. LITI is based on the belief that youth and adults can make a difference and positively impact others with their skills and knowledge. Attendees are encouraged to use the skills they have acquired and return to their schools and communities carrying the message forward. By design, LITI is a youth-inspired, youth-driven and youth-led conference. Inspired by Mattituck youth in 1981, today’s student leaders have direct input in the workshop and content of LITI conferences. Through many days of trainings and planning sessions, students work alongside HUGS staff to create a comprehensive curriculum for each session of the LITI.
Since its inception in 1981, HUGS has impacted the lives of over 20,000 youth.
Workshops Include
Pre-Prom and graduation safety, underage drinking and the social host law, alcohol, parenting and raising healthy youth, adolescent brain development, the progression of addiction in youth, diversity and tolerance, bullying, problem gambling.
If you would like to discuss scheduling a workshop, assembly, or training, please email Jackie@hugsinc.org.
WORKSHOPS
HUGS offers a comprehensive menu of workshops that target the concerns of youth, parents and the community as a whole while developing environmental strategies that aim to reduce youth substance use and to promote healthy life choices. With the diverse needs of Suffolk County communities, ever-changing drug and alcohol trends, and the societal pressures on youth, HUGS will customize trainings, assemblies and workshops to address substance use, team building, gambling, bullying, leadership and empowerment. These informative, educational workshops are often free and certified by Eastern Suffolk BOCES Arts in Education as aligning with school curriculum. Whether it be a small group of concerned parents or a larger community forum, any opportunity to spread the message of prevention is an opportunity to create positive change.
HUGS Prevention Educators work with students from kindergarten through 12th grade delivering evidence-based programs. Subjects include, but are not limited to, peer pressure, healthy decision-making, effective communication, and the dangers of substance use.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Monday - Thursday
2:30 - 5:00 PM
Westhampton Beach, NY
DROP-IN CENTER
The Drop-In Center is an after-school program for students attending middle school in Westhampton Beach, operating Monday through Thursday from 2:30-5:00 PM. Overseen by professionally trained HUGS staff, the Drop-In Center is designed to ensure a safe, educational, social, and recreational place where students are given the resources they need to grow and learn important life skills.
Providing an opportunity for youth to strengthen interpersonal skills, promote healthy choices, and to foster leadership skills in an environment that encourages self-growth, self-respect, and respect for others. Daily activities are organized by staff to build on these life skills while socializing with peers regarding team building, leadership, self-esteem, drug and alcohol awareness, and bullying prevention.
SAFE IN SAG HARBOR
SAFE in Sag Harbor builds on the Sag Harbor Coalition goal of using proven strategies designed to engage all sectors of the Sag Harbor community in the common goal of creating a safer and healthier environment for both kids who use drugs and alcohol and those who do not. A substantial part of SAFE's mission is to continue to strengthen ties among youth, parents, local businesses, religious and fraternal orders, schools, media outlets, organizations serving youth, law enforcement, civic and volunteer groups, healthcare, government agencies, and any other organizations willing to help further SAFE's goals.
LONG ISLAND ADDICTION RESOURCE CENTER
The Long Island Addiction Resource Center (LI-ARC), funded by NYS OASAS and in partnership with HUGS and FIST, provides easy-to-use access to invaluable information about providers of education, prevention, treatment, and recovery services in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. This bi-county collaborative effort is aimed at all populations: community members and addiction disorder field professionals.
The goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and increase awareness of resources available locally.
EAST END THRIVE
A Center for Transformation, Healing, Recovery, Inspiration, Validation and Empowerment
THRIVE'S mission is to help individuals and families find, maintain and strengthen their recovery through peer-based support, navigation assistance and referral services; provide interactive educational programs that promote wellness, economic prosperity and civic engagement, and maintain a safe, welcoming haven for substance free recreational and social activities. Our vision: an engaged community that is healthier, safer and supportive of people in various stages of recovery. East End THRIVE is operated by Family & Children's Association (FCA) in collaboration with HUGS and is located at 110 Mill Road, Suites A & B, Westhampton Beach, NY.
