< Back Cobi Frongillo Member Cobi Frongillo (he/him) is a Franklin Town Councilor, committed to community connectedness and people-oriented service. After graduating from Franklin High School, Cobi received dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Economics, with an environmental science minor, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He went on to receive his Master’s in Public Policy the following year. Cobi advocates for future generations as a policy researcher for the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. He believes deeply in the SAFE Coalition's work and strives to support the mission in any way he can.

< Back Mary Clermont Vice President Mary is a business leader with hands-on and strategic experience in Human Resources across multiple industries. Connecting employee and community experience, her career started as an officer in the US Army. As a graduate of West Point, she focuses on elevating the employee experience to ensure a community and culture that provides inclusiveness and wellbeing. Her versatility is based on the prior roles in organizations she was a part of; Military, Putnam Investments, Pizza Hut and Fidelity. Mary also currently serves on the Board of the Hockomock area YMCA, serving as Chair 2018-2021.

< Back Richard Alberts Member Rick has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Suffolk University. Recently retired Rick spent over 40 years in Finance and Human Resource management including almost 15 years at Putnam Investments. Rick served on various client advisory boards and was a frequent speaker at conferences. He was elected to the Franklin Town Council in the early 90’s where he served 2 terms. Volunteered as a youth coach and served on local youth and high school boards. Currently you can hear Rick as the voice of the Franklin Panthers announcer on local cable TV. He has been involved with previous fundraising events serving as the co-chair on a scholarship committee. Rick is married to Audrey and has 2 children Kristen and Tim along with 2 grandkids Kinsley and Griffin.

< Back John Barrett Member Bio Coming Soon!

Board of Directors Wendy Cohen, MD President Read More Brian Hamlin Treasurer Read More John Barrett Member Read More Richard Alberts Member Read More Mary Clermont Vice President Read More Cobi Frongillo Member Read More Lindsay Semas Member Read More Monika Page, MD, FAAP Secretary Read More James Taylor Member Read More Reed Reynolds Member Read More

Home > About Us Our Mission SAFE is a judgement free community organization relentlessly committed to educating and supporting those affected by substance use disorder and mental health concerns across southeastern Massachusetts. Staffed by trusted, trained professionals and peer support volunteers, SAFE compassionately empowers individuals and their loved ones by breaking down barriers to treatment and emotional support in a way that inspires success on the journey to recovery. About Us Board of Directors Staff Our Approach Blog Location Address 31 Hayward Street, Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038 Mailing Address (for donations) PO Box 434 Franklin, MA 02038 Phone (508) 488-8105(tel:(508) 488-8105) Email info@safecoalitionma.org (info@safecoalitionma.org) Newsletters Where We Serve SAFE currently serves 55 communities throughout Massachusetts. We have organized diversion programs in 19 schools and communities, conducted Narcan training sessions in 44 communities (6,000 Narcan doses distributed as of Feb. 27, 2025), and delivered public presentations in 31 communities. Financials Videos In the News Boston News 25 - Pull back the pandemic and there’s teen vaping...again. October 4, 2021.(https://www.boston25news.com/news/health/pull-back-pandemic-theres-teen-vapingagain/FMW72DPN2BAODPDAPFRL4TDADE/) Boston News 25 - Pandemic stress causing students to attend class under the influence, counselors warn. October 11, 2020.(https://www.boston25news.com/news/health/pandemic-stress-causing-students-attend-class-under-influence-counselors-warn/HJIZKGATRJF4TO43SFBXDMXU5Q/) Boston News 25 - Study: America an emotional wreck after months of COVID-19. August 17, 2020.(https://www.boston25news.com/news/health/study-america-an-emotional-wreck-after-months-covid-19/WWBLFNW23BH45HNGCN4K65DBUI/) Milford Daily News - Marijuana delivery service proposed at new Plainville dispensary. February 24, 2021.(https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2021/02/24/new-marijuana-dispensary-plainville-just-opened-and-now-its-proposing-home-delivery/6746203002/) Franklin Matters - Community Leaders Recognized At Hockomock Area YMCA Annual Meeting. June 28, 2019.(https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/community-leaders-recognized-at.html) Photo Gallery Pamphlets Everything you need to know about vaping.(https://ff16bd3c-a9dc-4010-b10e-245e5d68f54b.filesusr.com/ugd/bb33cc_4fe4c73dcaca4650a110359a320f77ef.pdf) Marijuana 101(https://ff16bd3c-a9dc-4010-b10e-245e5d68f54b.filesusr.com/ugd/bb33cc_28be670bec3746c88d3a68984bb56d3d.pdf) Press Releases Podcasts https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1361-safe-coalition-housing-program-etc-01-22-25 002 - Jennifer Knight-Levine discusses substance misuse and the SAFE Coalition programs,https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vepfFDVuUrfv1vfEG2d9h Gala Night 2026 SAFE Gala Friday, April 17 | 5:30 p.m. Gillette Stadium, Foxborough Contact Meaghan Peters mpeters@safecoalitionma.org (mpeters@safecoalitionma.org) (508) 488-8105 Our Partners

< Back Monika Page, MD, FAAP Secretary Monika has lived and worked in the Franklin area for the past 15 years alongside her husband and three sons. She is a partner at Pediatric Specialists of Foxboro and Wrentham, where she is deeply committed to helping children and families achieve their best health. Over the course of her career, Monika has seen the profound impact that substance use, addiction, and mental health challenges can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. She brings both her medical expertise and a deep understanding of these issues to the board, along with a strong commitment to supporting the organization’s mission and ensuring its continued growth and success.

< Back Kate Gross Communications Manager kgross@safecoalitionma.org Kate brings 20 years of writing experience to SAFE's communications work, with a background that spans newswriting, international business development, grant writing, and higher education. A former journalist and PhD in English, she has spent her career finding ways to make complex information clear and useful for the people who need it most. Kate first joined SAFE as a volunteer in 2023 on community outreach programs. Becoming Communications Manager in January 2024 was a natural next step in showing up for work she already knew and valued. Kate holds a BA from the University of Michigan, an MA from Boston College, and a PhD from the University of Connecticut, and has trained hundreds of college students in writing, professional communications, and media writing. She has also worked as a grant writer in Dublin, Ireland, where she learned to research new fields quickly and write with clarity. Driven by a belief that our best communications will benefit the communities we serve, Kate seeks to extend SAFE’s mission through its media channels. She loves building systems that help nonprofits communicate consistently and with impact, because her career has always been about making sure the people doing the most important work have the words to show it.

Ask SAFE Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker will answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, and more. Ask SAFE a Question Submit Past Questions and Answers Can someone recover from substance use disorder without going to rehab? Yes, absolutely! Recovery is unique to each person and shaped by their individual needs and circumstances. Rehab is just one option. Some people benefit from outpatient counseling, peer support groups (like AA or NA), medication-assisted treatment, faith-based programs, or a combination of approaches. What matters most is finding support that works for you! Is it okay to date someone else who is in recovery? Yes, but it’s best to wait until both parties are firmly established in recovery—ideally at least one year. Dating too early can make it difficult to focus on your own recovery if both people are struggling to maintain sobriety. Invest in your own recovery and healing first. You'll be stronger, healthier, and ready to build something meaningful with someone when the time is right. What are the signs of alcohol poisoning? Alcohol poisoning (or overdose) occurs when excessive alcohol in the bloodstream shuts down critical brain functions and could be life-threatening. Call 911 immediately if you expect someone may be experiencing alcohol poisoning. Symptoms include mental confusion, difficulty remaining conscious or inability to wake up, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, slow heart rate, clammy skin, and low body temperature. When should I call a crisis hotline? Anytime is the right time to call a crisis hotline—no concern is too big or small. The federal 988 lifeline offers immediate support for issues like depression, suicidal thoughts, intrusive thoughts, substance use, feelings of hopelessness and loneliness, and more. If you’re unsure where to start, 988 is a great resource, and you don’t need to be in “crisis” to reach out. How can I support a loved one who is struggling with their mental health? Compassion, acts of kindness, listening, and patience! Be present and provide a compassionate listening ear when they need to talk something out. You can also suggest activities to do together for some distraction or deliver something to the person that they would enjoy—any way you show the individual you are there for them and willing to sit alongside them through these challenges will make a difference. How can I practice mindfulness in my daily life? Mindfulness means being aware—aware of your body, surroundings, experiences. It’s tough with daily distractions, but you can start small. For example, while walking the dog: notice the color of the sky, the feel of the leash, the sound of your dog’s paw-steps. Tune into your senses and allow yourself to fully exist in every moment How do I know if I'm ready to start recovery? So often we look for specific green lights or red lights to help us with decision making. The time is always right to consider a life of recovery! Recovery is a regaining of control of something that you may feel is controlling you. RECOVERY IS A JOURNEY and for some, sobriety is the destination. Recovery is defined by the individual struggling, whereas sobriety is the absences of substances. Recovery often looks like a decrease in substances, an increase in community supports, or even a change in the style of substances being used. What are some common triggers for relapse and how can I manage them? Relapse triggers are events, situations, or emotions that can lead to a strong desire to use drugs or alcohol again. Triggers differ from person to person—it's important to know what our triggers are so we can develop a plan to avoid or cope with them. Common triggers include increased stress, unwanted or unpleasant feelings, or physical pain. Our social connections (being around people we have used drugs or alcohol with in the past) or lack of social support (loneliness and isolation) can also trigger relapse. The best way to manage triggers is to proactively develop a relapse prevention plan that outlines our recovery goals, triggers, coping skills, supportive people and places, etc., and to share this plan with those who support us in our recovery. How does exercise impact my mental health? Exercise has been shown to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and it also can improve our quality of sleep, short-term memory, and attention span. As we engage in physical activity, we can feel less stressed as our brain releases more endorphins and serotonin (which make us feel happier and improve our overall well-being.) Formal exercise programs may also lead to more interpersonal connections, a sense of purpose and achievement, and improved self-esteem. It's helpful to start small! Begin with a short walk outside with a friend or try a beginner's yoga class! What is self-care and what are some easy ways to add it to my daily routine? Self-care is any activity that meets your needs and promotes overall wellness. Self-care can look different for everyone, and each person should identify what that looks like for them. This practice should meet your needs and promote overall wellness physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. One easy way to incorporate this into your daily routine is to make sure that you have some component of movement, mindfulness, creativity, and service to others sprinkled into your day! For example, you could go for a nature walk, try an adult coloring book, cook a nutritious meal, or spend time with friends. I’m a teenager. Is it safer for me to use cannabis rather than drink alcohol? It's impossible to definitively state one substance is safer than another, as both cannabis use and alcohol consumption have inherent risks for individuals across the lifespan and especially for teenagers. The use of alcohol and cannabis both impact brain development, which means our ability to make healthy decisions, to drive a car, and to regulate our thoughts and emotions. Further, cannabis is not federally regulated, and research shows that the potency of THC in cannabis today is three times more concentrated than it was decades ago (whether it is being smoked, vaporized, or consumed as an edible.) Both substances can lead to unintentional consequences when used in large quantities (think blackouts from drinking alcohol excessively, violent or illegal behaviors, or hallucinations from excessive cannabis use.) These effects can be extremely dangerous, scary, and lead to long-term impacts on our brains, our bodies, and our overall futures. How can I be a supportive friend to someone going through recovery? Being a supportive friend to someone in recovery might look different depending on that person's wants, needs, and preferences. You can start by communicating how proud or happy you are for them to be taking steps to improve their well-being. You can also ask them directly how you can be helpful. This might sound like "I know you are early in your recovery journey, and I'm so proud of you for seeking treatment. I want to be supportive. Is there anything specific that I can be helpful with?" You can offer to join them at a meeting or drive them to an appointment with their providers. It will also likely be helpful for you to maintain an environment that is conducive to their sobriety or recovery, for example, by refraining from your own substance use while with them, avoiding people or places that might encourage their misuse, and using language that communicates your encouragement and support. See this article for guidance on language to use: https://tinyurl.com/SUDterms What are harm reduction strategies and why do they matter? Harm reduction refers to strategies that aim to reduce the negative consequences of drug use. The concept of harm reduction is based on the principle that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and that recovery from drug use is most successful when we meet people where they are at. Harm reduction approaches work to address the broader health and social issues of a community through improved policies, programs, and practices by providing people with resources to support their physical, emotional and social well-being. Some examples of harm reduction strategies and techniques include: • Preventing overdose deaths by distributing Narcan • Providing access to clean needles and syringes • Distributing substance test kits, including fentanyl test strips and xylazine test strips • Offering access to nicotine cessation therapies • Delivering psychoeducation about substance use as well as referrals to appropriate resources in the community Smoking cannabis helps me sleep, why should I stop using? Quality sleep is so important to our overall health and wellness—it impacts our energy, mood, physical health, among other areas of our life. But using smoking to help sleep can end up being more detrimental than helpful. It's important that we learn how to fall asleep (and stay asleep) without the use of substances. If we become dependent on smoking to fall asleep, it can become really hard to fall asleep on our own, which can lead to addiction. It can take several weeks to develop a healthy sleep hygiene routine, but with time, it can improve our quality and quantity of sleep and also increase our confidence in our ability to develop healthy habits. For optimal sleep, we want to create a cool, dark sleeping environment. Avoid watching TV, playing video games, spending time on our cell phones or other devices for 30–45 minutes before bedtime. Instead try doing some deep breathing, listening to calming music, or reading a book. It's also important to exercise and get outside during daytime hours and be mindful of our caffeine intake. Sometimes I get really down on myself and have a hard time getting myself out of a bad mood. What can I do to feel better? Sometimes we can have negative or unhelpful thoughts that lead to more negative and unhelpful thoughts and feelings. We call this spiraling, and it can be challenging to catch ourselves. Try asking yourself: Would I say this to my best friend? If not, we shouldn't say it to ourselves.

< Back Meghan Monahan Grief Counselor mbrewer@safecoalitionma.org Bio Coming Soon!

< Back Sarah Fleming Director of Harm Reduction sfleming@safecoalitionma.org Bio coming soon!