Our teens need your help!

Since 1985, the New Beginnings Program (NBP) has provided a comprehensive wellness initiative for schools, parents and communities for hundreds of youth involved in drug and alcohol addiction. The presentations, classes, one-to-one education, and true life testimonies have made a substantial impact. As a result of the recent cuts in funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, NBP has cut its staff, supplies and other expenditures jeopardizing the support for over 120 youth currently in the program.

The New Beginnings Program faces a critical need for financial resources to sustain the counseling services that our youth at risk require.

Please visit the NBP website to find information regarding its services, successes, and to make a contribution.

Bill Phillips, the founder of New Beginnings, was a central part of the WASTED presentation at Franklin High School in December, 2008.


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This was originally posted at Franklin Matters

teenage substance abuse

My mother-in-law once offered to take our daughter from us when she was a teen and give her back to us later. It was a tempting offer that we declined.

Teenage is such a rough age. The struggle between finding their own individuality and growing into a normal separation from the family circle is enough of a challenge. Throw in the barrage of media inputs about the good life with drink or drugs and you are putting fuel to the fire.

How should parents deal with their teens?

Communication. It is as easy and as hard as that.

Not just talking about the weather, but good honest open discussions on all the topics of the day will set the framework for appropriate growth and development of the teenage mind.

This has been reinforced in the past couple of weeks with the W.A.S.T."E".D. Information Session at Franklin High School on December 2 (recording and text available here) and the forum at King Phillip Regional High School on December 17 (notes captured here).