HUMAN UNDERSTANDING & GROWTH SERVICES INC

Description

HUGS, Inc. is a not-for-profit youth leadership and development, substance abuse prevention agency serving Suffolk County, NY. Each year we reach an estimated 20,000 parents, teachers, kids, and community members through the services and programs listed below:

The Long Island Teen Institute (LITI) is a leadership development and substance abuse prevention conference for middle/high school students. Trainings emphasize positive peer influence, and help teens and adults collaborate to formulate effective strategies to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse. LITI is based on the belief that youth and adults can make a difference and positively influence others with their skills and knowledge.

The Drop-In Center at Westhampton Beach MS provides safe, recreational activities, positive role models, and protective factors for its members after school, during the school year.

We deliver evidence-based substance use prevention programs in schools to students in grades K-12; we offer workshops to which serve to educate and inform about the dangers of youth substance use, and help adults develop sound policies with the youth in their lives surrounding youth substance use.

We advocate for the proliferation and funding of prevention services on the local, county, and state level. We collaborate with numerous coalitions, task groups, and community agencies to educate and raise awareness about social issues that impact our youth, families, and communities.