CASA Community Action for Safe Alternatives

Winthrop’s CASA (Community Against Substance Abuse, Inc.) is a dynamic community coalition. We’re fun, and involved. We support youth and families in making healthy decisions, and we aim to keep Winthrop the healthiest community it can be!
As a prevention coalition, Winthrop’s CASA seeks to foster a community environment in which youth and families make healthy decisions. In Winthrop, there are many assets that support youth and families: good school systems, opportunities for community service, youth employment, recreation facilities, social services, and more. All these help make Winthrop a healthy, vibrant community.
Yet, CASA youth face a culture that is counter-productive to leading healthy lives. Negative media glamorizing drugs and violence, pressures from peers to conform, hurried lifestyles, a society that equates sports and celebration with alcohol use–all these influence youth. Winthrop’s CASA believes these negative influences can be counteracted. By working together we can encourage youth to be resilient. Resilient youth are grounded in values and adaptable to change. They feel connected, are goal-oriented, and are able to make good decisions. Despite challenges, resilient youth thrive.
Everyone has a role in supporting our youth, our community. Take our community challenge. Ask, “What can I do to foster a healthy Winthrop?” We invite you to explore this question, learn more about our activities, and join us in our community-building approach.