Informed Families named Christine Stilwell the incoming Statewide Director of Programs, starting July 1st after current Program Director Dr. Valmarie Rhoden retires at the end of June. Stilwell, who has served in various capacities for Informed Families since joining the organization in 2000, is excited to take on a larger role. 

“Our mission of helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free is just as important than ever for Florida’s future,” said Stilwell. “I’m honored to serve as Program Director and delighted to continue to build upon the successes of several existing programs, most notably the Statewide Ambassador Program, which allows us to reach students, families and communities across Florida with year-round prevention messages through a network of dedicated volunteers.”

Stilwell attended Pennsylvania State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. She is a Certified Prevention Professional and Former Community Vice-President of Junior League of Greater Orlando. She will be transitioning from her job as Central Florida Regional Director.

Things tend to change in the summer, less structure and routine can cause frustration – unless you have some set principles in mind. Just because it is summer doesn’t mean you are off duty as a parent or should your kids expect to backslide.

Here are four F’s of parenting for a summer full of fun and less frustration, and yes, they are good all during the year too!

Sex and Violence Sell, But What's The Limit?

Are you fed up? Are you willing to act?

Four South Florida teenagers were arrested this month after reportedly taking turns raping an unconscious woman in a hotel at an after prom party.

Children subconsciously believe images and behaviors we allow on screens are acceptable, normal or (heaven forbid) “cool.” Clearly, our social norms and behaviors are impacted by advertising, movies, video games, etc. For example, studies have shown that when teens are regularly exposed to repeated violence while playing video games, they are more likely to demonstrate aggressive behavior.

Generations of drug prevention supporters and Joe’s Stone Crab enthusiasts united to celebrate Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership’s 31^st Annual Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab on Monday, May 16^th.  Following the generations theme, the illustrious event was co-chaired by generous philanthropists Nancy & Jon Batchelor and Anna & Jon Batchelor, Jr. Close to $200,000 was raised to support Informed Families’ statewide prevention programs and initiatives designed to help kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free.

Over 400 guests attended the dinner, which was complete with local celebrity sightings, a pre-dinner social and of course Joe’s signature stone crabs, coleslaw, hash browns, key lime pie and legendary service. Several attendees who haven’t missed a Joe’s dinner were recognized with a special pin to commemorate their commitment to Informed Families and helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free.

Some notable event attendees include: State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Tammy & (Coach) Butch Davis, Jeff & Meg Wright, Dale Chapman Webb, Dorothy & Aaron Podhurst, Mary & Joel Eaton, Judge Robert Luck, Margarita & Armando Codina, Judge Norma & Eugene Lindsey, Dr. Larry Feldman, Penny Shaffer, Anita & Ron Shuffield, Ruth & Steve Marcus, Ginger Mead, Susan & Robin Shelley, Sherri & Doug Bartel and Judge Jason Bloch.

“Each year, we benefit from an outpouring of generosity from families who care about helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free,” said Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership President & CEO Peggy Sapp. “As a founder of the organization, it’s inspiring to see many of our supporters passing down the message to the next generation. This year, we honored those families.”

Aside from Informed Families, the big winner of the night was Steve Calderon, who won the grand raffle prize: dinner for 20 guests at Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant. 

Informed Families Thanks The Following Generous Event Sponsors:

Diamond Claw Sponsors: Peter L. Bermont, Richard B. Bermont, Adam E. Carlin, Michael D. Gold; EWM Realty International/Christie’s International Real Estate; Health Foundation of South Florida

Pearl Claw Sponsors: Nancy Batchelor Team and Gulliver Schools

Valet Sponsor: Coral Gables Trust Company

Sapphire Claw Sponsors: Avison Young; Dale Carnegie Training; Tammy & Butch Davis; Ginger Mead; Podhurst Orseck, P.A.

Silver Claw Sponsors: Betty B. Chapman, Dale Chapman Webb, Kristy Webb Figueras; Codina Partners; Fowler White Burnett, P.A.; The Garner Family Foundation; Goldsmith Family Foundation; Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen; JMH Development; Robert M. Levy & Associates; Markham & Stein; Police Officer Assistance Trust; Dr. Andrea Heuson-Sharp & Dr. Greg Sharp; Dr. Linda Neider & Dr. Paul Sugrue; Rick & Margarita Tonkinson; TUUCI

Invitation Sponsor: Jack & Natasha Lowell

Gift Sponsor: Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables

Friends of Joe's: Peggy Sapp; Village of Miami Shores Police Department

Special thanks to our long-time supporters, Baptist Health South Florida and Florida Blue.

Melanie Williams, a mother of four and an active PTSA volunteer in Orlando, wants to do everything she can to protect her children and others in the community from the devastating consequences associated with drug abuse and addiction.

“Drug prevention is so important because drug abuse is so silently dangerous,” said Williams. “It’s easy for kids to get involved with drugs and it’s so damaging to the body; it destroys lives.”

Williams, a mother of four boys ages 10, 13, 15 and 16, became involved with Informed Families after being invited by a school guidance counselor to attend an Informed Families Parent Peer Group Leader training in Orange County last November.  

“The material at the training was mind boggling,” said Melanie. “I learned so much. I’m an involved parent with kids in three different schools. And yet some of the stuff from the training, I really had no clue about. I asked my 16-year-old son, ‘do you know about this?’ He said, ‘yes.’ Attending the training was truly transformative for me. I realized that I need to pay more attention to what my children are learning and what they are exposed to.”

Common Myths Masquerading As Common Sense

“Underage drinking is a harmless rite of passage.”

Really? Is that so?

“Teaching my child to drink will lead to moderation in the future.”

Ever heard one of these?

“I drank and smoked pot in my youth and lived to tell the tale. My child will too.”

Ever believed it?

“If it’s prescribed by a doctor, it’s harmless.”

Are common myths masquerading themselves as common sense? If enough people around you are saying the same thing, whether it’s true or false, do you start to question your own judgment, knowledge?

“If my child 'parties' and still gets good grades, he/she doesn’t have a problem.”

Our Safe Homes Smart Parties campaign aims to inform and empower parents of underage youth to set guidelines around springtime parties to ensure that drugs and alcohol are not present or tolerated. We know that underage drinking is responsible for 4,300 deaths and 189,000 emergency room visits each year. This isn’t make believe.

“Marijuana is a plant so it’s not harmful or addictive. It’s natural.”

According to extensive research (22 studies) published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, “parental provision was generally associated with increased adolescent alcohol use and, in some instances, increased heavy episodic drinking as well as higher rates of alcohol-related problems.”

There Is Nothing New Under The Sun

First Lady Nancy Reagan, who passed away last week, tirelessly dedicated her time and energy, during her husband’s presidency in the 1980’s, to shine a light on the nation’s drug problem.

Her “Just Say No” message originated during an event in Atlanta where a child asked her what to do if someone offered her drugs. Reagan replied with the now famous response and the media picked it up. While we can all agree that it’s not easy to say “no” and the latest prevention science provides us with more comprehensive and effective ways to educate and inspire children to make healthy choices, the message was clear: our children have a right to grow up safe, healthy and drug free – and we have the responsibility to make that happen.   

At the time, some people heard the message, some people didn’t hear the message and others didn’t like the message. The same is true today. There is nothing new under the sun. Scientists continue to identify dangers of marijuana use, states who have legalized it are seeing a rapid increase in use among youth – and yet, the legalization trend is not slowing down. Prescription drug use and heroin use are epidemics we can no longer ignore.

Below is a formal statement from Informed Families and the National Family Partnership mourning the loss of our friend Nancy Reagan. We appreciate all of her support over the years. We also appreciate and thank each of you, our readers and supporters, for your dedication to helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free.

Peggy

It’s never too early to promote safe, healthy and drug free living for kids. Just ask Ambassador and early childhood specialist Jacynta House, who serves as director of the Beautiful Mindz Preschool in Miami Gardens.

“I think everyone needs prevention education,” said House. “If we educate children when they are young, they will be less likely to do drugs. My goal as an early childhood educator is to give children the best life possible.”

When asked whether she thought that children in preschool are too young to be exposed to drug prevention, Jacynta quickly replied with a definitive “no.”

“They see drug abuse everywhere because our school is in a low income, high crime environment,” said House. “Every morning, I have to clean the playground because there are bags and wrappers everywhere from drug use. I want our children to seek a different, healthier life for themselves.”

Many of the students who attend the preschool have parents who work long hours, some of whom pick up their children as late as 8pm, and many come from insecure home environments. Jacynta dedicates herself to creating a stable and safe learning environment for these young children, ages zero to five, every day.