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Up In Smoke A Teen Substance Use Diversion Program Ages: 14–18 Date: Three full-day sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Time: 9:00 am–2:00 pm Location: SAFE Office, 31 Hayward Street, Suite 2C, Franklin, MA 02038 LUNCH INCLUDED Refer a Student Enrollment in the Diversion Program includes the following steps: Referral Students are referred to the program by teachers, administrators, or counselors at the school. Guardians also have the option to submit referrals. Refer a student . Sign-Up Our front desk will reach out via email or phone to assist with enrolling the student, provide details about the program, and address any questions the referent may have. Agreement The student’s guardian must sign a participation agreement and review our policy handbook, outlining their commitment to the program’s requirements. About the Program: An alternative to traditional school suspension policies, SAFE’s own “Up in Smoke” is a diversion-based program that invites students to participate in three full-day, in-person, small group classes. With trained staff working in-person with groups of five students at a time, this program is the only one of its kind in the region. Founded in 2022 with help from a grant from the Bingham Trust, the program has logged over seven hundred hours helping more than 130 teens develop recovery plans for the use of nicotine, marijuana, and other controlled substances. “Up in Smoke” builds on the highly regarded “Why Try” and “Stanford Toolkit for Cannabis Use” curricula, guiding students in understanding how daily life informs their opportunities to seek freedom and self-respect. The program also addresses the impacts of substance use on the brain and body, and builds systems for stress management and fostering a sense of belonging. According to Kelley, the coursework is designed to “give students a chance to think critically about the reasons behind why they are using substances, and to build tools they can use to cope with difficult situations in their life.” Participants in the program report that the course provides greater perspective and a sense of camaraderie. "I felt very safe here,” says one program graduate. “I loved my counselor and my group was amazing. I never feel comfortable sharing anything with my parents or therapists, but I really felt comfortable here." “Up in Smoke” arrives at a critical moment in Massachusetts, where legislation passed in 2022 calls on public schools to use alternatives to suspension as a first-line response to rule violations. The measure specifically requires consequences that “re-engage the student in the learning process.” “Up in Smoke” deeply supports Law C.71’s emphasis on positive behavioral intervention and trauma-sensitive learning through a focus on four target areas: mediation, restorative justice, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving. Mikaela Weinstein Diversion Clinician mweinstein@safecoalitionma.org Mikaela graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2022 with a B.A. in Social Work and double minor in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Right after completing her undergraduate studies, she worked for Youth Village’s LifeSet Program in Boston, MA, for just under a year before returning to school. Mikaela graduated with her Masters in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Saint Anselm College in May of 2024. Since then, she has worked part-time as an adjunct professor at Saint Anselm College in the Criminal Justice Department, teaching courses in both Crisis Intervention and Theories of Crime. Additionally, she is a part-time intake worker for juvenile court diversion programs in both Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire. Meet the Instructor Upcoming Dates: No events at the moment Program Supported by: The Bingham Trust

At SAFE, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed grief support that meets people wherever they are in their healing process. Our approach combines education about grief with personalized counseling and a focus on practical coping tools — all in a space designed to feel safe and nonjudgmental. Grief Services Compassionate, trauma-informed grief support for individuals, families, and communities. Request an Appointment A Safe, Non-judgmental Space to Grieve At SAFE, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed grief support that meets people wherever they are in their healing process. Our approach combines education about grief with personalized counseling and a focus on practical coping tools—all in a space designed to feel safe and nonjudgmental. We support individuals, families, and communities affected by loss, including those navigating sudden, traumatic, or complex grief. What sets SAFE apart is our emphasis on empowerment, cultural sensitivity, and helping people build resilience and find meaning at their own pace. What we offer One-on-One Support: Personalized grief support tailored to your needs and goals. Sessions are short-term (typically 90 days or less) and available either in-person or virtually. Request an appointment for one-on-one support. Professional Consults & Education: We partner with municipalities, schools, workplaces, faith communities, and other organizations to provide professional grief consultation and education. We offer support on acute or complex individual cases, as well as educational presentations on what grief is, how to support those who are grieving, and how to talk about loss with care. Available across the MetroWest region. Email info@safecoalitionma.org to schedule (minimum 2 weeks notice) Healing Hearts Youth Groups: A free grief support group series for children and teens. Groups use art and play to help young people process loss at their own pace—no pressure to participate. Open enrollment; kids and teens can join anytime. Separate groups are available for Bereavement (loss through death) and Grief & Loss (any significant loss). Biweekly on Wednesdays from June 17 through August 26 3:00 p.m. Bereavement (Teens 14–18) 3:45 p.m. Grief & Loss (Teens 14–18) 4:30 p.m. Bereavement (Ages 6–13) 5:15 p.m. Grief & Loss (Ages 6–13) Register for Healing Hearts In collaboration with Hockomock Area YMCA . Holliston Hours: Free drop-in grief support for adults and children—no appointment or referral needed. SAFE's grief specialist is available on select summer dates at Holliston Youth & Family Services (1750 Washington St), with virtual sessions also available. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Summer 2026: June 10 July 8 August 5 August 19 In collaboration with Holliston Youth & Family Services . Who can access this People of all ages and backgrounds, including children, teens, and adults. No referral needed. Types of grief we support Bereavement (loss of a loved one) Anticipatory grief (preparing for a loss) General grief and ambiguous loss (life transitions, relationships, and other significant changes) Multiple Dates Healing Hearts - Teen Bereavement Group Wed, Aug 26 SAFE Coalition, 31 Hayward St Suite 2C, Franklin, MA 02038, USA Share RSVP Multiple Dates Healing Hearts - Teen Grief & Loss Group Wed, Aug 26 SAFE Coalition, 31 Hayward St Suite 2C, Franklin, MA 02038, USA Share RSVP Multiple Dates Healing Hearts - Children's Bereavement Group (Ages 6–13) Wed, Aug 26 SAFE Coalition, 31 Hayward St Suite 2C, Franklin, MA 02038, USA Share RSVP Load More Grief Services made possible with support from: Request an Appointment Who is this request for?* Myself A minor in my care First name of person receiving support* Last name* Birthday* Month Day Year Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* City* Zip / Postal code* Language spoken at home Email* Phone* Preferred Contact Method (select all that apply)* Email Phone Call Emergency Contact Full Name* Relationship to Emergency Contact* Emergency Contact Phone Number* Did the YMCA Refer you to SAFE? Yes No Do you currently see a therapist or grief counselor?* Yes No Not sure Briefly tell us what brings you to SAFE* I confirm that I understand that these services are not for emergencies. SAFE does not offer 24/7 care or have a clinician on-call. If you are having an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency center. * I verify that I am at least 18 years of age and voluntarily submitting this form for services for myself. * Submit

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< Back James Taylor Member James relocated to Massachusetts over 30 years ago, where he excelled in a variety of operational roles, cultivating a comprehensive understanding of business management and customer service. After two decades, he transitioned to real estate, establishing his own brokerage firm. This transition helped James empathize with and address the nuanced needs of individuals. James is a passionate advocate for community well-being, recognizing the critical need for accessible support systems. He believes every individual deserves a safe and supportive environment to address addiction, mental health, and other challenges, whether personally or within their family. His commitment to SAFE Coalition stems from a deep dedication to creating a safer and more inclusive community for all.

< Back The Trickle Up Effect How to build inclusive environments to facilitate thriving students, clients, & colleagues through understanding gender identity & sexuality. Date: Per Request Time: Per Request Details: Email to book: info@safecoalitionma.org Price: Reach out for pricing. About the Program: How to Build Inclusive Environments to Facilitate Thriving Students, Clients, and Colleagues Through Understanding Gender Identity and Sexuality Meet the Instructor: Graduate Intern Oomiya Kawas okawas@safecoalitionma.org READ BIO

< Back Karen Bean, LCSW Clinician kbean@safecoalitionma.org Karen has worked with Children and Families since her first job out of high school. As an adult, she fostered children for 11 years, and over that time also held roles as cofacilitator of Massachusetts Approach to Positive Parenting (MAPP) training for others to become licensed to foster, as well as Family Liaison for Massachusetts Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) to provide ongoing support for foster parents/kinship placements to parent children experiencing foster care. Following her journey with foster care, Karen received her master's in social work at Simmons University, where she interned at South Bay Community Services and Kaleidoscope Family Services. She provided in-home therapy and Behavioral Health services to individuals and families. She brings deep empathy to every interaction and tailors her work to each person's unique needs, helping clients process complex emotions, address trauma, and build resilience. Karen enjoys painting, going for walks, spending time with family, and going to the Beach in the Spring and Fall.

< Back WhyTry Program Ages: 14–18 Date: Wednesdays (3–4 classes/month) Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Location: SAFE Office, 31 Hayward Street, Suite 2C, Franklin, MA 02038 Target Audience: This is a prevention program for any youth open to learning about decision-making and building personal resiliency. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch are provided. Refer a Student Enrollment in the WhyTry Program includes the following steps: Referral: Students can be referred to the program by teachers, administrators, or counselors at the school. Guardians may also submit referrals. Refer a student. Enrollment: Once a referral form is submitted, SAFE staff will contact the youth’s guardian to complete the necessary paperwork and enroll them in the next available class. About the Program: WhyTry is an organization that helps individuals develop resilience. The WhyTry school curriculum provides students with resources to build essential skills and knowledge, such as problem-solving, handling adversity, fostering resilience, building relationships, and increasing motivation for success. These skills are taught using practical, evidence-based tools designed to engage students in a way they can understand and remember. What do we mean by resilience? Simply put, resilience is the ability to develop skills and strategies that tap into various sources of strength, allowing young people to bounce back and thrive in the face of challenges. The WhyTry Curriculum: WhyTry helps participants develop a greater appreciation for their relationships with family, friends, teachers, and counselors. It also fosters increased motivation toward responsibility, goal-setting, and maintaining a positive attitude while working toward those goals. 10 WhyTry Learning Units: The WhyTry curriculum consists of ten units, each titled after a visual metaphor that helps participants understand the topic. During your time at SAFE, we will cover 4 of the 10 units to best fit your needs. Refer a Student Meet the Instructor Director of Adolescent Wellness Emma Kelley ekelley@safecoalitionma.org READ BIO

Postpartum Support Groups North Attleborough Time : Mondays 10:00–11:30 a.m. Location: N. Attleboro YMCA REGISTER Franklin Time : Wednesdays Noon to 1:30 p.m. Location: Bernon Family Branch YMCA REGISTER Are you a new or expectant mom? This group is for you! Receive peer support in a welcoming and compassionate space. You’ll learn coping skills to manage tough moments and connect with others who truly understand. Each week we will touch on different topics such as Motherhood Myths Identity & Values Self-care Thoughts Self-esteem Art & Creativity Hosted by SAFE and the Hockomock YMCA

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

Connect with other parents navigating special education. Get practical strategies, emotional support, and resources tailored to your family's needs. IEP/504 Caregiver Support Group Connect with other parents navigating special education. Get practical strategies, emotional support, and resources tailored to your family's needs. Register Time 6:00–7:30 p.m. Thursdays Aug. 20: Kickoff - Prepare to advocate for your child Sept. 10: IEP/504 form walkthrough Sept. 24: Understanding the assessment process for IEP/504s Oct. 8: Mock IEP meeting Oct. 29: Identifying helpful accommodations, data tracking at home Location SAFE Coalition Franklin Who this group is for This group is for parents, grandparents, foster parents, and caregivers of children who have: An IEP (Individualized Education Program) A 504 plan Learning differences or developmental needs and/or Health-related diagnoses affecting school Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, or high school—and whether you're brand new to special education or years into the journey—you're welcome here! Benefits of Joining Connection with people who get it Meet other caregivers facing the same challenges—no need to explain what an IEP meeting feels like or why you're exhausted. Practical advocacy strategies Learn how to communicate effectively with schools, understand your rights, and prepare for meetings with confidence. Resources you can actually use Get curated tools for organizing documentation, tracking goals, and navigating school systems—not a generic brochure. A space to breathe Caregiving is hard. This is a judgment-free space to share what's working, what's not, and feel supported along the way. What to Expect Each session, we'll gather for 90 minutes of guided discussion, skill-building, peer support, and knowledgeable guest speakers. You're not sitting through a lecture. This is a conversation. You can share as much or as little as you're comfortable with. Some sessions you might need to vent, other sessions you might just want to listen. Both are welcome. Topics are created and will be adjusted to meet the groups needs as we move through the school year. Karen has spent her career supporting children and families, including 11 years as a foster parent, work as a Family Liaison with MSPCC, and co-facilitating foster parent licensing training. She holds a master's in social work and has provided in-home therapy and behavioral health services to individuals and families. She brings warmth, lived experience, and deep expertise to every group she facilitates. Meet the Facilitator Karen Bean Registration Form Form not loading? Open in a new browser.

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.