Our History
NCPN was established in February 2010 as a grassroots collective of passionate residents and organizations organizations, and passionate citizens of the six towns that form the Region One school district: Canaan/Falls Village, Cornwall, Kent, Salisbury, and Sharon. The coalition was established with the purpose of enhancing Northwestern Connecticut youth and families' abilities to make informed, healthy decisions about substance use prevention and risky behaviors.
What is a Coalition?
The Northwestern Connecticut Prevention Network (NCPN) was established in February 2010 through the joint efforts of individuals, organizations, and dedicated citizens across the six towns within the Region One school district. This coalition embodies the spirit of grassroots activism, driven by a shared commitment to empower youth and families in Northwestern Connecticut with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed, healthy decisions regarding substance use prevention and other risky behaviors. Our members represent a diverse array of agencies, businesses, schools, prevention professionals, churches, law enforcement, students, and parents, collectively working as a group of volunteers dedicated to promoting healthy communities. Over the years, NCPN has evolved into a dynamic force for positive change, implementing innovative programs, hosting educational events, and fostering partnerships that promote resilience, well-being, and thriving communities.
Behind the Scenes...the NCPN Team
Emma Foster
Hi, I’m Emma Foster, the Project Coordinator for the Northwest Corner Prevention Network (NCPN). I hold a B.A. in Psychology from Keene State College and am passionate about empowering youth, supporting mental health, and promoting substance use prevention throughout Region One. In my role, I have the opportunity to collaborate with community partners to strengthen prevention efforts and contribute to creating a healthier, more connected community. I’m also working toward my Master’s in Social Work. Outside of work, I love making art, spending time outdoors, hiking, and going for runs.
Antonio Gonzales
My name is Antonio Gonzales. I am a Prevention facilitator for NCPN and McCall serving the Northwest Corner of Connecticut. Leading the implementation of best practice youth substance prevention initiatives in the Region 1 school district. I am also a Southern Connecticut State university Alumni, and my focus was in Psychology. Besides school I love hiking, car shows and going to the gym in my free time. I have been in the substance and mental health field for 5 years and am excited to be serving the Northwest Corner of Connecticut.
Mission
Northwest Corner Prevention Network carries out the mission of making prevention a priority to reduce youth substance use and misuse, and to enhance the emotional well-being and decision-making skills of youth and families in the Region One community.
Vision
Northwest Corner Prevention Network aims to be the go-to organization in the Region One school district for the community to become more informed and take action toward prevention strategies.
Through its work, the coalition builds healthier communities in the Region One school district. The work will encompass strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors, for youth to feel supported and empowered to make healthy decisions and build emotional resilience.
The 12 Sector Collaboration Series
The 12 Sector Collaboration Series places the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) into the context of the 12 Sectors of Coalition Building: Youth, Parents, Business, Media, Schools, Youth-serving Organizations, Law Enforcement, Faith-based Organizations, Civic or Volunteer Groups, Healthcare Professionals, State or Local Agencies, and Substance Abuse Agencies. Each sector is examined for how it can be incorporated within each step of the SPF, assess current coalition engagement level of each sector, building capacity to increase engagement and overcome barriers, and learn from the lived experience from a guest panel.
Towns We Serve
Northwest Corner Prevention Network serves the six towns that make up the Region One school district:
- Kent
- Cornwall
- Sharon
- Falls Village
- Salisbury
- North Canaan
Together, we are dedicated to fostering a healthy and resilient environment for our residents."
Kent
Incorporated in 1739, Kent has had a history as a farming community and thriving iron ore producer. It is now a rural community of about 3,000 residents with many small hamlets, such as Bulls Bridge, Kent Hollow, South Kent and The Cobble.
Cornwall
Set in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in rural Litchfield County, “The mind, eager for caresses, lies down at its own risk in Cornwall.” – local poet Mark Van Doren, describing the seductive beauty of our town. Incorporated in 1740...
Sharon
Sharon, CT was incorporated in October of 1739. It held its first town meeting on December 11th of that year and today, in the 21st century, continues a Town Meeting form of government including Selectmen and a Board of Finance. The population of Sharon is 3,052.
Falls Village
Falls Village is a place where people come to enjoy life in a New England country setting; where neighbor helps neighbor, the schools are excellent, the virtues of small-town life still exist and this town’s long, colorful history is cherished and preserved.
Salisbury
The Town of Salisbury is nestled in the northwest corner of Connecticut. Salisbury and its villages of Lakeville, Taconic, Lime Rock and Amesville are convenient to the Appalachian Trail, hiking, skiing, lakes for fishing and canoeing, and numerous art/music venues.
North Canaan
The Town of North Canaan, known locally as Canaan, did not separate from the parent town of Canaan until 1858. The population is approximately 3315. It's town government consists of a Selectman, Town Council and Board of Finance.
How We Are Funded
The work of Northwest Corner Prevention Network is funded through state and federal grants, including the DMHAS-funded Local Prevention Council (LPC) grant, which is awarded through Western Connecticut Coalition, the area's Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization (RBHAO)
In 2021, the coalition was awarded the Drug Free Communities grant, a federal program through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This 5-year grant allows the Coalition to increase the potential for its programming and work done throughout the community.
NCPN serves the 6 towns that make up the Region 1 school district. The coalition operates through a partnership between McCall Behavioral Health Network and Housatonic Youth Service Bureau, and is funded through local and federal grants.
