Local problems require local solutions.

We lead community coalitions that build healthier environments for young people. Compelling education, robust local data, partnerships that catalyze action, environmental change… Fewer kids at risk.

Community-based | Youth-focused | Data-driven

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 lead The Norwalk Partnership and the Westport Prevention Coalition and partner with other coalitions across Mid-Fairfield. Local data, local & regional voices, statewide policy impact.

Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project

We created a regional approach to youth cannabis prevention, building capacity and collaboration across five sectors in five towns.

Survey Data

Our youth surveys and other analyses surface local needs, protective and risk factors, and identify high-risk populations. The data drive action by coalitions, schools, nonprofits, and policymakers.

Training and Workshops

We train educators, parents, youth, 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.

It's all about the community.

You’ve heard that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The goal of our prevention work is to build mentally healthier communities where risky behaviors like substance misuse, suicide, or problem gambling never gain a stronghold.

Our work focuses primarily on youth and families. It’s guided by our Youth Surveys, and it’s rooted in the Strategic Prevention Framework and the 7 Strategies for Community Change models.

We build coalitions of youth, parents, schools, police, community providers, local government, and other stakeholders who care about youth mental wellbeing.
We conduct youth surveys and other data collection to surface issues, identify protective and risk factors, and guide local prevention and wellness work throughout the community.
We provide prevention expertise and leadership in planning and implementing educational and environmental strategies, including initiatives like our Teen Nights Out.
We work with decision makers to review and revise consequences, policies, and laws to improve youth wellbeing and be restorative.
We develop projects and grants to support innovative work, such as our Behavioral Health Systems Change work in Norwalk and our Mid-Fairfield Cannabis Prevention Project.

Our work has led to improved mental health and access to behavioral health services, increased awareness and education, and safer policies and environments.

Where We Work

We currently lead The Norwalk Partnership and the Westport Prevention Coalition, and we partner with other area communities on initiatives such as our Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project and our annual Regional Legislative Forum. Our trainings and online events are open to anyone in the region or state.

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.

I’ve had 6 students come to me with concerns about a peer or friend that they became aware of after your QPR training. All these students brought forward valid and concerning situations and shared that the training helped them feel more confident addressing concerns and seeking help. Thank you again for the impact of this work—it’s clearly making a difference.

We are so fortunate to have Positive Directions serving Fairfield County- the team is compassionate, professional and extremely talented – I highly recommend them for young people and their families in need of their services.

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

Positive Directions’ leadership of The Norwalk Partnership coalition gives us tools and resources that as partnering organizations and individuals we likely wouldn’t have otherwise. For example, the data from the youth surveys, where queer and marginalized youth have consistently shown up as highest risk, has created momentum and opportunities for Triangle Community Center to push on initiatives and programs specifically supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.

It was great being in your [training] session today. I learned a ton!

What a great addition Jennifer was to our school community. She connected with many students who seek her out, and she made an impact on their decision making and coping skills.