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SAFE Choices:
Serving Youth & Young Adults

Prioritizing the advancement of youth substance use prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery.

Our SAFE Choices Mission:

Foster resiliency in youth development through collaborative and diversified approaches that reduce risk of substance addiction and mental health challenges while empowering SAFE Choices in all stages of youth development.

Our Vision:

ALL youth reach their fullest potential.



Our Goals:

Ensure young people have the information and tools necessary for making meaningful SAFE Choices. Our goals respect individual basic motivation and personal autonomy, as well as self-determination, and the fact that every person is one choice away from a different life.

  • Goal #1: Design and implement innovative programs that build resilience and essential life skills through empowering and engaging education for disparate populations of underserved youth.
  • Goal #2: Advance evidence-informed prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery strategies that enhance youth social and emotional learning and wellness in all stages of youth development.
  • Goal #3: Foster life-fueling connection opportunities for youth that focus on stigma reduction and the promotion of healthy choices across the lifespan.
  • Goal #4: Advocate for effective mental, emotional, and behavior interventions for the youth sector through targeted outreach and the formation of collaborative relationships.

SAFE Choices Programs Available

No Shame Education Program

No Shame Education Program

Designed to increase knowledge and understanding of principles on the No Shame Pledge and empower action to combat stigma.

“Connections” Program

Youth and young adults impacted by disciplinary measures and/or the justice system have a unique chance to make positive human connections and develop essential life skills.

Additional SAFE Choices Resources

Youth & Youth-Led Groups

Prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery resources/activities for youth and young adults.

Parents, Guardians, & Caretakers of Youth

Prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery resources for parents, guardians, and caregivers of youth, including young children and teenagers.

Educators & Youth-Serving Organizations

Prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery resources for educators and youth-serving organizations.

Choose Knowledge: “Power to Empower”

Choose knowledge with these publications, journals, & reports that pertain to youth substance prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery.

May 2024: Mental Health Awareness Month

What is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Mental Health Awareness month began in the United States in 1949 by MentalHealth America. This national movement is dedicated to combating stigma, fostering open dialogue, cultivating empathy and understanding.

Why is Mental Health Awareness Important?

While society is getting more comfortable discussing mental health, many Americans still do not have access to high-quality, comprehensive treatment services. Stigma is a recognized roadblock between people struggling with mental health challenges and the tools that can help them to find recovery.

  • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and 1 in 6 U.S. youth have a mental health condition.
  • 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

When can I begin to take a Stance? Today!

  • Attain a higher level of understanding. Broaden your understanding through education and research via the section below (“Where can I find Mental Health Resources”).
  • Act – Take steps to encourage help and treatment needed by providing a shame-free environment. Consider joining SAFE Project’s No Shame Movement by taking the No Shame pledge.
  • Advocate – Pledge to stand up and speak out on the topic. Join in to break the silence and ultimately combat the perpetuating stigma caused by silence.

Where Can I Find Mental Health Resources and Expand My Knowledge?

Who will be impacted?

Because mental health conditions can affect anyone, the impact of increased education, open dialogue, and advocacy is good news for all! Together, we all can bring hope and movement forward for impacted individuals.

Additional Resources & Assistance

For more information about SAFE Choices, contact
Senior Director Ronna Yablonski at: choices@safeproject.us