Local problems require local solutions.

We lead community coalitions that build healthier environments for young people. Better data, real partnerships, fewer kids at risk.

Founded in 1971 | Coalition-led | Youth-focused | Free and confidential | We never turn anyone away

Need help finding the right place to start? We’ll guide you.

Local problems require local solutions.

We lead community coalitions to create healthier environments that foster mental wellbeing and prevent risky behaviors, with a primary focus on supporting youth.

Our Community Prevention Coalitions

We co-lead The Norwalk Partnership and partner with coalitions across Mid-Fairfield. Local voices, local data, local action.

Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project

A grant-funded effort to reduce youth cannabis use through community-level change, not scare tactics or one-off campaigns.

Survey Data

Our youth surveys surface what young people are actually facing. Schools, parents, and policymakers use this data to act.

Training and Workshops

We train educators, parents, providers, and community members on prevention, mental health, and substance use.

Mental Health and Suicide Resources.

Plain-language guides, hotlines, and tools. For families, teachers, and anyone supporting a loved one.

Substance Misuse Resources.

Free resources for parents, students, and providers. No shame, no jargon, just useful information.

Where prevention shows up.

Prevention looks like a coalition meeting on a Tuesday night, a youth survey that tells the truth, a school referral that arrives before a crisis does. We do this work alongside neighbors, schools, providers, and young people themselves.

Young people are the center of our prevention focus. We lead and partner in The Norwalk Partnership and other Mid-Fairfield coalitions, and our youth surveys have consistently surfaced the realities facing kids who are most at risk, including LGBTQIA+ youth. That data has helped partner organizations push for programs and policy changes that meet those needs.

Everything we do is rooted in community-level evidence and built with the people closest to the problem. We do not run one-off campaigns. We support coalitions that stay.

Testimonials

Caring staff. Skilled support. Positive change.

People come to Positive Directions as a trusted partner, whether for one-on one support or community-level change. We meet you with respect, skill, and support, and help build the approaches and tools that make things better.

“Quinn has supported me through ups and downs… Having Quinn as a mentor and peer supporter has been an awesome experience, as they have been there to talk with me and have offered insight and guidance when I needed it. I think every teenager/young adult should be able to have someone like that.”

“Positive Directions is a tremendous resource for our communities. The work
done by this agency in all aspects of mental health and well-being is
exceptional!”

“What a great addition [your peer substance counselor] has been to our community. She has connected with many students that seek her out every Friday and has already made an impact on their decision making and coping skills.”

“HUGE shoutout to Quinn who miraculously managed to bring E. out of their shell a bit and into a peer support relationship…. E. seems encouraged and hopeful, which has been rare these days!!!”

Built with our community.

Coalitions, schools, and partner organizations across Mid-Fairfield.

Help us reach the next family.

Volunteer your time, sponsor a training, or refer a school. Prevention works when more of us show up.

Prevention is free for families because donors make it free.

Help fund coalition work, youth surveys, and community trainings.