SAFE Wins $40,000 Grant to Expand Services to Western MA  We’re thrilled to announce that SAFE Coalition has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Beveridge Family Foundation to expand our services into Western Massachusetts. This generous funding will support the opening of a new office in Springfield in Spring 2026.  This location will offer free Narcan distribution, overdose prevention trainings, and a Diaper and Car Seat Bank; a Mobile Outreach Van providing one-on-one support with housing, benefits, and recovery connections in Springfield, Agawam, and West Springfield; and partnerships with local schools, hospitals, and first responders to reach high-risk families.  This expansion fills a critical gap and brings our barrier-free model to communities in urgent need. We’re deeply grateful to the Beveridge Foundation  for supporting our mission to deliver judgement-free, compassionate care where it’s needed most!  Diaper Bank Receives Community Support  SAFE’s Community Diaper Bank recently received an outpouring of support from both local and philanthropic partners. The Franklin Cross Country Team delivered over 3,000 diapers, 6,700 wipes, and formula, all collected during a diaper drive they hosted last month. The team even ran to the SAFE office to hand deliver the donations! In addition, SAFE was awarded a $3,000 grant from Digital Federal Credit Union’s “DCU for Kids” Foundation, helping us meet growing demand for essential baby supplies across Southeastern Massachusetts. These contributions ensure that families in need have access to clean diapers and wipes—items not covered by public assistance programs like SNAP.  With diaper costs up 48% since 2020 and many families spending over $1,000 per child annually, this support is more critical than ever. In the past month alone, SAFE has distributed over 2,000 diapers.   Beyond supplies, the Diaper Bank connects families to broader services like recovery coaching, mental health support, and education—making it a true gateway to long-term wellness. We’re deeply grateful to our community and DCU for helping us ensure no child goes without this basic need.  Want to support the Diaper Bank? Host a diaper drive: Email info@safecoalitionma.org to collaborate.   Drop off donations at the SAFE office. Email intern@safecoalitionma.org to schedule.  Purchase diapers through SAFE’s Amazon wish list .  Therapy Available for Franklin Residents  Need someone to talk to? If you're 18+ and live in Franklin, you have access to no-cost therapy through SAFE! No insurance hassle, no co-pays—just confidential, professional support.  This is a two-year program funded by the Town of Franklin Opioid Abatement Funds Enrollment is open for 2025–26 Teen Programs   SAFE is proud to offer free teen programs designed to empower young people with practical life skills, wellness education, and emotional resilience. Parents, teachers, administrators—refer a student today! Teen Life Skills Classroom : New Topic Every Wednesday, 3–4 p.m. WhyTry : Resilience-building One-day Preventative Class, Wednesdays 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Online Diversion : School suspension alternative to help teens build wellness, communication, and critical thinking skills. Art Pharmacy Leads Community Conversation at SAFE Friday, November 14 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. SAFE looks forward to hosting Art Pharmacy’s next Community Conversation at our office in Franklin. This informal gathering will include:   A check-in with Emily Devlin (Art Pharm) and Erik Holmgren, Manager of Advancement and Strategic Partnerships, Massachusetts Cultural Council A brief overview of the Art Pharmacy program A discussion with the Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy about how, in partnership with Art Pharmacy, Franklin became the first municipality in the United States to use opioid relief funding to support this innovative program. There will also be space for community members to ask questions and learn how to get involved. Whether you’ve already participated or are curious to learn more, this conversation is a chance to connect, explore, and see how art can support healing and community well-being.  Receive Free Narcan Training Join an upcoming SAFE Narcan training to learn how to administer this life-saving medication. Free and open to all! No registration required.      Attendees will:    Learn how to recognize an overdose   Practice administering Narcan   Develop confidence in responding to an overdose    Leave with two 4 mg doses of Narcan  Upcoming Trainings Medway Narcan Training & Drop-in * - Thursday, Nov. 6. 10:00–11:30 a.m. Medway Public Library .  Norfolk Narcan Training & Drop-in*  - Wednesday, Nov. 12. 10:00–11:00 a.m. Norfolk Public Library. Foxborough Narcan Training  - Monday, Nov. 24. 2:30–3:30 p.m. Community Center.  *On these days, following the training, a counselor will be available to answer questions and help with resource connection.  Groups & Classes - Weekly Schedule Mondays Postpartum Support Group , 10:00–11:30 a.m. at North Attleborough YMCA. Registration required The Ripple Effect sibling support group , 7:00–8:00 p.m. on Zoom. Meeting ID: 831 8134 8873 Big Book for Beginners , 7:00–8:00 p.m., at SAFE Tuesdays Counseling for Millis  Residents, 3:00–5:00 p.m . by appointment. Families Anonymous , 6:30–8:00 p.m. at SAFE and online Wednesdays WhyTry Teen Prevention  One-day Program, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Registration required. Postpartum Support Group , noon–1:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA . Registration required Teen Skills Classroom , 3:00–4:00 p.m. at SAFE. Registration required . Big Book Study , 6:30–8:00 p.m., at SAFE 2nd & 4th Thursdays Grandparents Raising Grandchildren , 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA Fridays SAFE Cafe drop-in hours,  8:30 a.m.–noon at SAFE Saturdays Compass Yoga,  8:30–9:30 a.m. at SAFE Registration required FAMILY RECOVERY CORNER The Importance of Family Recovery   Jim Derick, SAFE Co- founder and Director of Family Recovery   Substance Use Disorder is a Family Illness   Substance misuse and mental health challenges do not occur in isolation. They touch family systems in profound ways—creating cycles of stress, fear, shame, and sometimes enabling behaviors that unintentionally prolong suffering. Parents may feel guilt or helplessness, siblings might struggle with resentment or neglect, and spouses or partners often carry the weight of emotional burnout.   Living with unpredictability—wondering if a loved one will relapse, self-harm, or return home—creates chronic anxiety. Over time, families can lose their sense of stability and identity, revolving entirely around the illness rather than their own lives and needs.    The Importance of Family Recovery   At SAFE, we know how profoundly important it is that the family, and each of its members, receives their own support. Family recovery is NOT about fixing the person with the disorder—it’s about healing the family unit and restoring individual wellness. Recovery for loved ones begins when they recognize that they, too, have been affected and that they deserve support.    At SAFE, support and recovery for families can include:    Support groups   For Families: Families Anonymous, a 12-step program for loved ones of those impacted by substance use disorder or mental health challenges. Tuesdays 6:30–8:00 p.m. in person @ SAFE (with a virtual option ).  For Siblings: “The Ripple Effect,” a meeting for siblings (18+) of those experiencing substance use disorder or mental health challenges. Mondays 7:00–8:30 p.m. via Zoom (ID: 831 8134 8873).   For Grandparents: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Thursdays in person @ 6:30 p.m. @ the Bernon Branch YMCA  Peer Support   One-on-one support provided by those who have faced similar challenges. By appointment @ SAFE.    Wellness Support   Family WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plans). By appointment @ SAFE.  Yoga and Mindfulness Training. Saturdays 8:30–9:30 a.m. @ SAFE.   Therapy and Counseling   Therapy helps members process emotions, learn healthy communication, and set appropriate boundaries. By appointment @ SAFE.    Education   Learning about substance use and mental health disorders helps replace blame and shame with compassion and understanding. Knowledge empowers families to respond rather than react.    Breaking the Cycle   When families begin their own recovery, they shift from enabling to empowering. They stop trying to control outcomes and instead focus on what they can manage—their responses, emotions, and choices. This shift can create a healthier environment for everyone involved, including the person in recovery.  Healing also opens the door to forgiveness and reconnection. Families learn that love doesn’t mean rescuing or sacrificing themselves; it means standing firm in compassion while maintaining boundaries that protect everyone’s health.    Shared Journey of Hope   Recovery, for both the individual and the family, is a journey rather than a destination. It requires patience, grace, and ongoing support. As families heal, they rediscover joy, resilience, and connection, reminding us all that while addiction and mental illness may bring suffering, they can also become catalysts for profound growth and transformation.    No one recovers alone. Families who seek their own healing not only strengthen themselves but also create a foundation of hope and stability that supports their loved one’s recovery, too.     For more information, please call Jim Derick, Director of Family Recovery, at (508) 488-8105 or email jderick@safecoalitionma.org    New Webinar Series Begins with ‘The Disease of Addiction’ Thursday, Nov. 20 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom   SAFE’s Family Recovery Center is proud to launch a new educational webinar series starting this November! This series is designed to deepen understanding of addiction, recovery, and the systems that support healing.  For our first episode, we’ll be joined by Kathryn Branca to discuss “The Disease of Addiction: Why Science Matters”  and explore how we can use science to better understand the disease of addiction. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of addiction as a chronic, treatable brain disease, learn how science shows us recovery is possible, and discover practical ways to apply the science to support themselves or loved ones in their recovery journey.  Up Next  Dec. 18: “Symptoms of Addiction: What We See and How We Understand" Jan. 29: “Systems of Care" Feb. 26: “Co-Dependency" Mar. 26: “Section 35/12' April 30: “What Does a Diagnosis Mean" In The Community In the past month, SAFE hosted or participated in 47 events across 15 towns, reaching over 1,200 people through events, educational programs, and community outreach. Check out the highlights from Franklin’s Trunk or Treat, Shrewsbury’s Fire Department Open House, RX Take Back Day, and more!  Help us continue our life-changing work.  Make your gift to SAFE today . Our Contact Information SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org

SAFE Connect Provides Transportation to Care For people navigating substance use disorders, getting to care is often the hardest part. A missed ride can mean a missed dose of medication-assisted treatment, a lapsed court date, or a wound that goes untreated until it becomes an emergency.   In suburban communities like Framingham and Natick where public transit is limited and most services require a car, reliable transportation isn't a convenience, it's the difference between staying connected to care and falling through the cracks.   That's where SAFE Connect comes in! Our rideshare program removes transportation barriers for residents seeking harm reduction services, treatment, recovery support, and more. Thanks to a Municipal Matching Grant from the Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership —a collaboration between RIZE Massachusetts Foundation and the MA Department of Public Health to double the impact of municipal opioid settlement funds—we're able to expand this vital work. This year, SAFE Connect will provide up to 2,750 rides and offer prepaid smartphones to clients who need them to stay connected to care and book their own transportation. Harm reduction meets people where they are. Transportation makes that possible. We're honored to continue this work and grateful for the partnerships that make it happen. New Support Group for Caregivers Navigating IEP, 504 Plans starts April 30 If you're a parent, grandparent, foster parent, or caregiver for a child who experiences learning differences, health-related diagnoses, and/or is navigating an IEP or 504 plan—SAFE Coalition has something for you this spring.  Starting April 30, we're launching a free, six-week Caregiver Support Group , meeting every Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at SAFE. Facilitated by Karen Bean, this group was created with a specific gap in mind: caregivers who are doing all the things—showing up to meetings, advocating for their child, researching every option—but still feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and alone. This group brings those caregivers together.  Each week, participants will have the opportunity to connect with others navigating similar experiences, learn practical strategies for challenging moments at home and school, and build confidence advocating for their child in educational, healthcare, and social settings. Curated resources will be shared throughout the series, tailored to the realities families actually face.  Sessions run April 30 through June 4. Registration is free and space is limited.  Help spread the word: share this with a caregiver in your community who could use a little support. LAST CALL: Youth Theater Program starts April 2 Date : Thursdays, April 2–May 7, 2026 Time : 3:00–5:00 p.m. Location : SAFE Adolescent Wellness Center (Franklin) Ages : 13–18 SAFE's Back to Life: Youth Theater Project kicks off this Thursday, April 2, and a few spots remain.   This free, 6-week program invites teens ages 13–18 to rehearse and perform an original play tackling substance use, fentanyl contamination, friendship, and asking for help. Whether a teen wants to be center stage or work behind the scenes with lighting, sound, or set design, there's a place for them. No theater experience needed.   The series wraps up May 7 with a public performance and community talkback featuring Dr. Joseph Shrand, a nationally recognized expert in adolescent addiction. Back to Life: Youth Theater Project is made possible by the generous support of Mass Cultural Council , Lawson Charitable Foundation , and Community Health Systems Foundation . Got Old Meds? Ditch them Safely on National Take Back Day   Date : Saturday, April 25  Time : 10 a.m. to noon  Locations :  Franklin, SAFE Office Medway Town Hall Norfolk Police Department  Wrentham Town Hall Millis Fire Department Most of us have a drawer or cabinet somewhere with old medications we're not sure what to do with. But keeping unused or expired prescriptions around isn't just clutter–it can be dangerous.   Kids, pets, or other family members could accidentally get into them, and flushing old meds down the toilet might seem like an easy solution, but it can contaminate our water supply and harm fish and other wildlife. Instead, safely dispose of medications at SAFE’s drive-thru disposal stations, part of the DEA’s National Take Back Day . It's completely free, totally anonymous, and you don't even have to get out of your car! What can you bring? Any medication you want to get rid of—over-the-counter pills, prescription medications (yes, including opioids), and even medical devices like vapes and cartridges. No questions asked, no judgment, just safe disposal. We CANNOT accept sharps/syringes.   Immediate Openings Available for Free Counseling Need someone to talk to? SAFE offers free, confidential counseling with a licensed clinical social worker—and we have immediate openings.   No insurance needed, no co-pays, no waitlist! Just professional support when you need it. Family Recovery: An Excerpt from Today a Better Way To the Newcomer: Welcome to Families Anonymous. We know how you're hurting, because we too were once new in this fellowship. We were confused and in pain, but we found hope in our FA meetings. We can't tell you what to do. We can only share our experiences with you and tell you how we found the strength to deal with our problems. Your loved one might be in recovery. Perhaps not. Or that person, for whatever reason, might not be physically present in your life. Regardless of your individual situation, all of us are here to welcome and support you. We've learned that we can live fuller, richer lives by studying and practicing the Twelve Steps of Families Anonymous. The despair that brought us to this program no longer dominates our lives. We have learned that we have rights and deserve to be happy, but it's up to us to create that happiness. These changes did not come about overnight. They happened because we attended our FA meetings, found sponsors, studied the Steps, made phone calls to other members, and turned to a Power greater than ourselves. You are no longer alone. Welcome to Families Anonymous. TODAY I WILL open myself to another so that both of us can be helped.   SAFE hosts Families Anonymous each Tuesday from 6:30–8:00 p.m. in person and virtually. Email Jim Derick (Director of Family Recovery) for more info jderick@safecoalitionma.org   Groups & Classes - Weekly Schedule Mondays Postpartum Support Group , 10:00–11:30 a.m. at North Attleborough YMCA. Registration required SAFE Pop-up Office, 3:00–5:00 p.m., Millis Public Library. The Ripple Effect sibling support group , 7:00–8:00 p.m. on Zoom. Meeting ID: 831 8134 8873 Big Book for Beginners , 7:00–8:00 p.m., at SAFE Tuesdays Up in Smoke Teen Diversion class,  9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE. Registration required. Families Anonymous , 6:30–8:00 p.m. at SAFE and online Wednesdays WhyTry Teen Prevention One-day Program, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE Registration required. Up in Smoke Teen Diversion class,  9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE.  Registration required. Postpartum Support Group , noon–1:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA. Registration required Big Book Study , 6:30–8:00 p.m., at SAFE Thursdays Up in Smoke Teen Diversion class,  9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE.  Registration required. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren , 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA ( 2nd & 4th Thursdays only ) Fridays SAFE Cafe drop-in hours, 8:30 a.m.–noon at SAFE Saturdays Compass Yoga, 8:30–9:30 a.m. at SAFE Registration required Receive Free Narcan Training Join an upcoming SAFE Narcan training to learn how to administer this life-saving medication. Free and open to all! No registration required.      Attendees will:    Learn how to recognize an overdose   Practice administering Narcan   Develop confidence in responding to an overdose    Leave with two 4 mg doses of Narcan  Visit with SAFE about support resources Upcoming Trainings Millis: Monday, April 6 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. | Millis Public Library Wrentham:   Wednesday, April 8 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Fiske Public Library Millis: Monday, April 13 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. | Millis Public Library Norfolk:  Wednesday, April 15 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Norfolk Public Library Medway:  Wednesday, April 15 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Medway Public Library North Attleborough :  Saturday, April 18 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | North Attleborough Public Library Foxborough : Monday, April 27 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Foxborough Community Center Millis: Monday, April 27 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. | Millis Public Library Don't Miss Your Chance—Only a Few Tickets Left! The 2026 SAFE Gala: Celebrating 10 Years is almost sold out! This is our biggest celebration yet, and our last gala until 2031. Don't miss your chance to be part of it! Grab your tickets before they're gone.   Help us continue our life-changing work.  Make your gift to SAFE today . Our Contact Information SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org

Compass Yoga Starts Oct. 4 Date : Saturdays   Time : 8:30–9:30 a.m.   Location : SAFE Office   Instructor : Brittany Capozzi  This therapeutic yoga series focuses on sensation awareness, emotional presence, and nervous system regulation. Using trauma-responsive teaching methods, Brittany creates a safe space where invitational language and personal choice help you reconnect with your authentic self and build self-agency in your healing journey.  Here's what to expect: Tips, exercises, and meditation to calm your mind, balance your nervous system, and improve your sleep  Gentle stretches and restorative poses to restore your sense of control, increase mind-body connection, and help manage stress symptoms  Props and modifications that make this class perfect for everyone—no experience needed! Got Old Meds? Ditch Them Safely on National Take Back Day  Date : Saturday, Oct. 25  Time : 10 a.m. to noon  Locations : Franklin, SAFE Office  Medway Town Hall  Norfolk Police Department  Wrentham Fire Department (Open House)   Millis Fire Department  Most of us have a drawer or cabinet somewhere with old medications we're not sure what to do with. But keeping unused or expired prescriptions around isn't just clutter–it can be dangerous.   Kids, pets, or other family members could accidentally get into them, and flushing old meds down the toilet might seem like an easy solution, but it can contaminate our water supply and harm fish and other wildlife.  Instead, safely dispose of medications at SAFE’s drive-thru disposal stations, part of the DEA’s National Take Back Day. It's completely free, totally anonymous, and you don't even have to get out of your car! What can you bring?  Any medication you want to get rid of—over-the-counter pills, prescription medications (yes, including opioids), and even medical devices like vapes and cartridges. No questions asked, no judgment, just safe disposal. We CANNOT accept sharps/syringes.   Teen Skills Classroom Continueswith Topics such as Plumbing & Finances Date : Wednesdays  Time : 3–4 p.m.  Location : SAFE Office (unless otherwise noted)  The Teen Life Skills Classroom runs weekly and hosts basic life skills many of our amazing teens leave the home without knowing. As adults, it is our role to support the learning and encouragement of these skills, and SAFE is proud to offer a variety of classes taught in collaboration with local business owners.  Upcoming topics:  Legal Awareness – What changes when you turn 18  Healthcare Advocacy – Medical needs after leaving home  Home Maintenance – Plumbing, heating, electric basics  Communication – Effective telephone skills  Emergency Skills – Stop The Bleed & fire safety  Financial Literacy – Banking, saving, and credit  Life Management – Laundry, paperwork, mail & bills  Digital Safety – Internet safety & resume bui lding  Franklin XC Hosts Diaper Drive Date : Tuesday, Sept. 30  Time : 3–5:30 p.m.  Location : Dacey Field (Franklin) SAFE is honored that Franklin High Cross Country chose to run a diaper drive for our Community Diaper Bank. Come cheer on the Panthers and help local families in need! Accepted donations include diapers (we can repackage opened packs), baby wipes, and formula (min. 6-month shelf life).   The Bank runs 100% on community donations and provided over 13,000 diapers in the last fiscal year—we couldn’t do it without you!  Unable to attend the meet? Donations can be made at the SAFE office Monday–Friday between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or purchased through our Amazon wish list —make sure to tell us your donation is for the XC drive!   Did you Know? SAFE has been awarded Opioid Abatement Fund contractsfrom six towns to deliver substance use recovery support. Q: What are opioid abatement funds and why do they matter?    These are special funds designed to help communities fight the opioid crisis through 7 key strategies: supporting treatment, supporting recovery, connecting people to care, harm reduction (like Narcan distribution), helping the criminal justice-involved, family support, and prevention education.   Q: Where did the opioid settlement funds come from?   This pool of money comes from massive legal settlements totaling billions of dollars between thousands of state and local governments and the pharmaceutical companies, distributors, and pharmacies they sued for fueling the opioid epidemic through deceptive marketing and oversupply.   Q: How are funds used?   Funds in Massachusetts are accessed through grants given to municipalities and nonprofit organizations like SAFE Coalition. Together, grantees work to ensure funding achieves the greatest good, with limited administrative costs, and directly impacts as many families and individuals as possible. These funds are designated for treatment, recovery, and prevention efforts, essentially requiring companies that profited from the opioid crisis to pay for fixing it. Q: How many people have been impacted by the opioid crisis?    The scale of people impacted by the opioid crisis is staggering: In the last 20 years, approximately 800,000 Americans have died from opioid overdose. Overdose continues to claim 220 lives every day. At its height in 2018, over 600,000 people a year received treatment for opioid addiction. And the ripple effects of this level of hardship and loss place burdens on families, workplaces, the health care system, states, and communities.    Q: What’s SAFE role in delivering services through opioid settlement funds?    SAFE Coalition has been awarded abatement fund contracts from the towns of Franklin, Medway, Medfield, Millis, Norfolk, and Wrentham. With this money, SAFE delivers comprehensive care completely free of charge, including support groups, resource connection, peer programs, and practical resources like Narcan training, medication take-back events, trauma-informed yoga, and even diaper banks. We help thousands of residents with programs and services that address the whole person, not just addiction. Receive Free Narcan Training Join an upcoming SAFE Narcan training to learn how to administer this life-saving medication. Free and open to all! No registration required.      Attendees will:    Learn how to recognize an overdose   Practice administering Narcan   Develop confidence in responding to an overdose    Leave with two 4 mg doses of Narcan  Upcoming Trainings Foxborough Community Center : Monday, Sept. 29, from 2:30–3:30 p.m. Norfolk Public Library *: Wednesday, Oct 1, from 10–11 a.m.   Medway Public Library *: Thursday, Oct. 2, from 10–11:30 a.m. Foxborough – Boyden Library : Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 4–5 p.m. North Attleborough  – Richards Memorial Library: Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1–2 p.m. *On these days, following the training, a licensed clinical social worker will be available to answer questions and help with resource connection.    See all upcoming dates Self Help Inc. Brings Mindfulness Class to SAFE Dates : Mondays Oct. 20–Nov. 17  Time : 10:30–11:30 a.m. Location : SAFE Office (unless otherwise noted)  Ms. Gina and Ms. Jen from Self Help Inc. CFCE return to SAFE this fall to offer a five-week parent/child class focusing on mindfulness. The class will focus on breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga, and it will even include a literacy element. Best for ages 3.5–6 years old.  Contact Jen & Gina at gmcgarrigle@selfhelpinc.org  or (508) 559-1666.   FAMILY RECOVERY WEEKLY SCHEDULE Mondays The Ripple Effect sibling support group , 7–8 p.m. on Zoom. Meeting ID: 831 8134 8873 Big Book for Beginners , 7–8 p.m., at SAFE Tuesdays Families Anonymous , 6:30–8 p.m. at SAFE and online Wednesdays Postpartum Support Group , noon–1:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA. Registration required Big Book Study , 6:30–8 p.m., at SAFE 2nd & 4th Thursdays Grandparents Raising Grandchildren , 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA Fridays SAFE Cafe drop-in hours,  8:30 a.m.–noon at SAFE Saturdays Compass Yoga,  8:30–9:30 a.m. at SAFE Registration required Parents Support Group Starts Oct. 20 Time: 4–5 p.m.   Date : Biweekly Mondays (starts Oct. 20)  Location : SAFE Office (Franklin)  Join our new support group for parents of children ages 1–5 to discuss the joys and challenges of parenting and life—the good, bad, and ugly—with the guidance of licensed clinical social workers.  New Webinar Series Premieres Oct. 30  SAFE's new Family Recovery monthly webinar series starts Thursday, Oct. 30! October’s topic: Addiction 101.   More details coming soon! Check our website for updates. Volunteer Spotlight: Ceci Pineda This month, we want to shine our spotlight on Ceci Pineda who first joined us to do her FHS senior project on SAFE. Ceci quickly impressed us with her strong work ethic and initiative, and she became a vital part of our team and asset to our Gala Auction planning. She has always been motivated by giving back, which is why she wanted to work with SAFE.   “It's truly inspiring to see all the work done behind the scenes to support everyone who relies on SAFE,” says Ceci. “From volunteers to the leadership team, and those who are in the office every day to those working from home, we each play an important role in shaping SAFE into the organization it is today.”  We’re thrilled Ceci has re-joined us as a volunteer this Fall. In just a few weeks, she has made a huge impact supporting our Development goals. We are so grateful to have you, Ceci!!  FROM THE COMMUNITY Walking the 12 Steps–for Family Members & Loved Ones Guest contributor: Robyn Heisey* Sitting at my first Families Anonymous (FA) meeting, my head spun a 360 with the suggestion that I, along with everyone else there, was there to work the 12 steps. Was I in the right meeting? I mean, if anyone needed to work the 12 steps, it was my loved one, not me. He was the one battling addiction and mental illness. I, on the other hand, was the onlooker. The one suffering as a result of his suffering. In other words, the victim. But the victim of his actions and illness. Why would I need to work the steps?    I went to FA looking for comradery and kinship. To hear the stories of others as well as find ears to hear my story. Needing a community of folks who were likewise suffering and could listen in on my struggles. Pretty much a therapy circle.    It took me about two years of attending FA to realize that without letting in and embracing the 12 steps and all they had to offer, I was only receiving a smidgen of what the group had to offer. Meeting after meeting, I resisted the step work on display, working for so many others in the group. I wanted desperately to have what others had, merely by osmosis. If I just showed up and led the group once in a while, I was hoping that would be enough.     The very thought of braiding the 12 steps into my life led me to a dense wall of resistance. How was it possible that a program meant for those suffering from addiction, worked for those of us suffering alongside them? Those of us attempting day in and day out to save the lives of those we loved.    And while spending all my spare time on my loved one, trying to save him from a life of what I saw were terrible choices, along with the consequences that would teach him to live his life on his terms, I resisted the 12 steps. I resisted Powerlessness. I resisted God. I resisted Letting Go. I held tight to every ounce of control I believed I had, mistaking detaching with love with abandonment.    It took me hitting my own emotional rock bottom for me to secure a sponsor and formally begin working the 12 steps. And as I did, so many things in my life started to fall into place. Others saying that the 12 steps saved their lives no longer sounded like riddle I would never know the answer to. And I learned step-by-step that I, too, had a life worth saving, and worth living.    *Excerpt from in-progress manuscript by Heisey Thanks to everyone who stopped by our tent at Franklin HarvestFest! We had a ball ringing in fall with you! Help us continue our life-changing work. work.  Make your gift to SAFE today. Our Contact Information SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org

Back to Life: Youth Theater Project Starting this April   Date : Thursdays, April 2–May 7, 2026 Time : 3:00–5:00 p.m. Location : SAFE Adolescent Wellness Center (Franklin) Ages : 13–18   This spring, SAFE is partnering with Drug Story Theater   to bring a powerful new program to the Adolescent Wellness Center. Back to Life: Youth Theater Project   is a free, 6-week theater program for teens ages 13–18. Starting April 2, participants will meet weekly to rehearse and perform an original play that tackles some of the hardest conversations facing young people today: substance use, fentanyl contamination, friendship, and asking for help.   Whether a teen wants to be center stage or help behind the scenes with lighting, sound, or set design, there's a place for them in this program. No theater experience is needed! The series wraps up with a public performance on May 7, followed by a community talkback with Dr. Joseph Shrand, a nationally recognized expert in adolescent addiction. It's an opportunity for teens to not only express themselves creatively, but to become real educators in their communities, helping audiences understand overdose prevention and destigmatizing the use of Narcan. If you know a teen who would benefit from this program, we'd love for you to share it with them. Registration is open now. Back to Life: Youth Theater Project is made possible by the generous support of Mass Cultural Council , Lawson Charitable Foundation , and Community Health Systems Foundation . Upcoming Webinar: Family Support—Why it Matters Date : Thursday, March 26 Time : 6:30–7:30 p.m. Location : Zoom When a loved one struggles with substance use disorder or mental health challenges, the entire family is affected. But recovery is possible, and family plays a critical role in making it happen. In the next installment of SAFE’s Family Recovery Webinar Series , Jim Derick (Co-Founder and Director of Family Recovery) will explore the powerful and often overlooked role of family support in the recovery process. Jim knows this journey firsthand. As both a parent and a professional, he has spent years helping families find their footing. In this one-hour session, he'll cover the importance of Family Recovery, how to recognize and address codependency, strategies for setting healthy boundaries, how to support siblings, and how to best support a loved one in recovery. Whether you're just beginning to understand substance use disorder’s impact on your family or looking for practical tools to strengthen your support, this session is for you. The Family Recovery Webinar Series is designed to deepen understanding of addiction, recovery, and the systems that support healing. SAFE Expands Grief Support to Reach More Families in Need   No one should have to grieve alone, and with new philanthropic support, SAFE is making that commitment a reality for hundreds more families across Massachusetts. SAFE’s Grief Support Program provides individualized counseling, a weekly sibling support group, and immediate outreach to families following sudden losses. When local police or schools refer a grieving family, our counselor reaches out within 24 to 48 hours—long before a traditional mental health waitlist would budge. Clients can stay connected to SAFE’s wraparound care network as long as they need, with no time limits or out-of-pocket costs. SAFE’s approach is built on the understanding that grief tied to substance use, overdose, or mental health loss often carries unique stigma and isolation. Our program is specifically designed to meet families where they are, offering clinical expertise alongside peer-based community support. Thanks to a $13,000 grant from The Parmenter Foundation , SAFE is expanding its Grief Support Program in meaningful ways: doubling annual client capacity, launching new in-person grief groups, and deepening community partnerships to ensure families receive timely, trauma-informed care at no cost. Too many families are processing devastating losses from overdose, suicide, and mental health crises with nowhere to turn. Traditional grief services often come with long waitlists, insurance requirements, or costs that put support out of reach. SAFE fills that gap. Take a Breath: 7-Day Social Media Detox Challenge   Life can feel loud right now. Between the news cycle, social media notifications, and the everyday weight of whatever you’re carrying, it’s easy to lose touch with how you’re actually doing. SAFE is inviting you to slow down and try one small, intentional challenge to help you reconnect with yourself and the people around you. Try It: The 7-Day Social Media Detox Challenge You don’t have to delete every app or disappear from the internet! This challenge is about small, intentional pauses and noticing how they make you feel. Day 1: Notification Audit Turn off non-human notifications: likes, algorithm-driven news alerts, and app badges that don’t involve a real person reaching out to you. Day 2: Morning Grace Before you reach for your phone, give yourself 60 minutes. Make coffee. Sit quietly. Let your brain wake up on its own terms. Day 3: Real-Life Connection Instead of commenting on a friend’s post, call them. Or make plans to meet up. Notice how different that feels. Day 4: Digital Sunset Power down all devices one hour before bed. Your sleep will thank you. Day 5: Unfollow or Mute Take stock of who you follow. If an account consistently leaves you feeling worse about yourself or more anxious about the world, it’s okay to let it go. Day 6: Nature Break Spend 30 minutes outside without pulling out your phone for a photo. Just be there. Massachusetts has incredible trails, parks, and open spaces waiting for you. Day 7: Reflect How does your mind feel compared to Day 1? Even small shifts in focus, sleep, or mood are worth noticing and celebrating. If you find it hard to disconnect, that’s worth exploring too. Digital wellness is a real part of overall wellbeing, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Contact SAFE at info@safecoalitionma.org to connect with a counselor or peer mentor. Bridging Safety and Healing through Yoga Therapy A Whole-Person Approach to Nervous System Regulation, Awareness, and Sustainable Healing By Brittany Capozzi, C-IAYT and SAFE Compass Yoga Instructor  Brittany teaches Compass Yoga   at SAFE each Saturday from 8:30–9:30 a.m. Free and open to all! The reasons people seek out yoga vary widely, such as better balance, stress relief, or easing pain. But for some, a traditional class doesn’t provide the therapeutic support they need. One-on-one yoga therapy offers a more focused approach for individuals working toward a specific issue or long-term goal, such as easing chronic tension to return to tennis or rebuilding energy after grief to enjoy activities like Zumba again. Healing often begins with personalized tools: small functional movements, breathwork, and guided rest. In a yoga therapy session, the therapist observes what is—and isn’t—happening in the body. A symptom like arm tension may subtly alter natural breathing patterns. The therapist responds with an objective perspective, also noting emotional influences such as frustration that may disrupt rest, or recurring thought patterns like “I’m not strong” that shape movement. Rather than focusing solely on physical symptoms, therapy acknowledges the energetic, mental, emotional, and spiritual layers of a person and how they interact. For example, these facets can come together in the journey of a client recovering from hip surgery and relearning to balance on the injured leg. Her practice includes physical therapy, breath exercises, and guided meditations that regulate the nervous system. When she finally balances on the injured leg alone, her progress reflects more than physical strengthening, it reflects the power of rest to teach the body what safety feels like. When all facets feel safe, balance, strength, and steadiness can emerge. As therapy builds this foundation of safety, clients learn to notice what supports them and what doesn’t, including subtle patterns of compensation. Someone who tightens the neck when reaching overhead may be unintentionally overworking one area to relieve another, creating new pain on top of an unresolved root issue. These connections can be difficult to recognize alone. While internal sensations may shift naturally, the guidance of a yoga therapist opens new choices and directions, helping clients build awareness and move toward meaningful goals. This process mirrors substance use treatment. Both yoga therapy and recovery work support nervous system regulation, help individuals understand patterns of compensation, and strengthen self-trust. As people refine their physiological and emotional patterns, they shift away from brain states associated with pain, loneliness, and discomfort, and toward those that foster presence, ease, empowerment, and awe. If yoga therapy resonates with you or you know someone who may resonate with it, you can reach Brittany directly at Bellacoinforthought@gmail.com GROUPS & CLASSES - WEEKLY SCHEDULE Mondays Postpartum Support Group , 10:00–11:30 a.m. at North Attleborough YMCA. Registration required The Ripple Effect sibling support group , 7:00–8:00 p.m. on Zoom. Meeting ID: 831 8134 8873 Big Book for Beginners , 7:00–8:00 p.m., at SAFE Tuesdays Up in Smoke  Teen Diversion class, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE. Registration required. Families Anonymous ,   6:30–8:00 p.m. at SAFE and online Wednesdays WhyTry Teen Prevention  One-day Program, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE Registration required. Up in Smoke  Teen Diversion class, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE.  Registration required. Postpartum Support Group , noon–1:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA . Registration required Big Book Study ,  6:30–8:00 p.m., at SAFE Thursdays Up in Smoke  Teen Diversion class, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE.  Registration required. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ,  6:30–7:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA ( 2nd & 4th Thursdays only ) Fridays SAFE Cafe drop-in hours,  8:30 a.m.–noon at SAFE Saturdays Compass Yoga,  8:30–9:30 a.m. at SAFE Registration required Receive Free Narcan Training Join an upcoming SAFE Narcan training to learn how to administer this life-saving medication. Free and open to all! No registration required.      Attendees will:    Learn how to recognize an overdose   Practice administering Narcan   Develop confidence in responding to an overdose    Leave with two 4 mg doses of Narcan  Visit with SAFE about support resources Upcoming Trainings North Attleborough : Saturday, March 7 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Richards Memorial Library Wrentham: Wednesday, March 11 | 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Fiske Public Library Foxborough:  Tuesday, March 17 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Boyden Library Norfolk:  Wednesday, March 18 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Norfolk Public Library Medway:  Wednesday, March 18 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Medway Public Library Walpole:   Tuesday, March 24 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Walpole Police Dept, Community Room Help us continue our life-changing work.  Make your gift to SAFE today . Our Contact Information SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org

SAFE Secures Funding to Expand Mental Health, Recovery Services  Thanks to recent grant funding from CHNA 6   and the Community Foundation for MetroWest , SAFE is expanding our capacity to support individuals and families navigating substance use and mental health challenges across Massachusetts. These grants will allow SAFE to reach hundreds more residents by increasing prevention, recovery, and family support services in communities facing the greatest barriers to care.   A newly hired Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, partially funded by CHNA 6, will provide direct, compassionate support grounded in lived experience, offering peer-led guidance to help community members access the resources they need.   Funding from Community Foundation for MetroWest will also strengthen SAFE's Collaborative Care program and increase the reach of the SAFE Mobile Outreach Van, bringing harm reduction supplies, essentials, and individualized navigation directly into local neighborhoods.   This work wouldn't be possible without the generosity of CHNA 6, the Community Foundation for MetroWest, and the countless individuals and organizations committed to supporting recovery and healing in our communities. THANK YOU!  Board of Directors Announces New Leadership   SAFE is excited to announce changes to its Board of Directors. Dr. Wendy Cohen steps into the role of Board President, Mary Clermont takes on the Vice President position, and Dr. Monika Page assumes the role of Secretary, alongside returning Treasurer Brian Hamlin.  “SAFE is in a period of rapid expansion, with new partnerships and programs launching all the time,” says CEO and co-founder Jennifer Levine. “Our board's combined strengths empower us to rise to the challenge, and I know they will help us keep our community-first values at the heart of everything we do.”  Dr. Wendy Cohen has been a practicing primary care physician in Southeastern New England for 15 years. She has witnessed firsthand the impact of opioid addiction on patients, families, and communities and has been instrumental in helping SAFE lead the charge in increasing Narcan availability and training across Massachusetts.    Mary Clermont brings with her decades of experience serving in Human Resources across multiple industries. Clermont has built her career on fostering inclusive, supportive workplace cultures and connecting employee and community wellbeing. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Bernon Family YMCA.   Dr. Monika Page is a partner at Pediatric Specialists of Foxborough and Wrentham and a longstanding resident of Franklin. Through her medical career, she has gained deep insight into how substance use, addiction, and mental health challenges affect individuals and families. Upcoming Webinar Explores Systems of Care Systems of Care: Navigating Mental Health and Substance Use Services Thursday, Feb. 26 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom  Understanding how to access mental health and substance use services can feel overwhelming. In the next installment of SAFE's Family Recovery Webinar Series, CEO and Co-Founder Jennifer Levine breaks down the interconnected systems that support healing in Massachusetts.  During this session, attendees will explore how judicial, medical, and behavioral health systems work together to coordinate care; learn the practical differences between private- and insurance-based services; and gain guidance for navigating these resources. Whether you're looking for information on bed availability, sober home criteria, or program qualifications, this is your opportunity to get answers directly from an expert.  The Family Recovery Webinar Series is designed to deepen understanding of addiction, recovery, and the systems that support healing.   Miss our last episode?   “ Managing the Holiday Season: Strategies for Self-Care, ” presented by Karen Bean , is now available online ! This webinar covers tips on how to prioritize your needs while also accomplishing necessary tasks and strategies to manage stressors. Up in Smoke Program Helps Teens Build Recovery Plans  SAFE Coalition is accepting referrals for Up in Smoke , a FREE diversion-based alternative to school suspension designed to help teens (ages 14-18) develop personalized recovery plans for nicotine, marijuana, and other controlled substance use.  The program works with small groups of just five teens at a time over three full-day sessions, allowing for meaningful dialogue and individualized support. Using evidence-based curriculum including Why Try and Stanford's Cannabis Toolkit, participants explore not just what they're using, but why—while also learning how substance use affects the brain and body and building tools for stress management. Lunch is provided each day, and SAFE can help with transportation.  Teachers, administrators, counselors, and guardians can refer students directly through SAFE's website.  Local Businesses Help Spread SAFE’s Mission SAFE has been making the rounds at local businesses, sharing SAFE Coalition's programs and services while building meaningful partnerships throughout Franklin.  "It's been a blast connecting with local businesses and spreading the word about all of the programs and services SAFE has to offer," says Anthony Tuffo, SAFE Narcan Trainer and team member overseeing this initiative. "I was able to do an impromptu Narcan training at Vallee's Fine Jewelers and our window sticker is now visible to anyone that gets their car detailed at Franklin Car Wash!"  These partnerships strengthen SAFE's reach by positioning local businesses as allies in mental health and substance use recovery.  Want resources for your business? Contact Anthony at atuffo@safecoalitionma.org Groups & Classes - Weekly Schedule   Mondays Postpartum Support Group , 10:00–11:30 a.m. at North Attleborough YMCA. Registration required Pop-up SAFE Office , 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Millis Public Library (History Room) The Ripple Effect sibling support group , 7:00–8:00 p.m. on Zoom. Meeting ID: 831 8134 8873 Big Book for Beginners , 7:00–8:00 p.m., at SAFE Tuesdays Up in Smoke  Teen Diversion class, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE. Registration required. Families Anonymous ,  6:30–8:00 p.m. at SAFE and online Wednesdays WhyTry Teen Prevention  One-day Program, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE Registration required. Up in Smoke  Teen Diversion class, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE.  Registration required. Postpartum Support Group , noon–1:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA. Registration required Big Book Study ,  6:30–8:00 p.m., at SAFE Thursdays Up in Smoke  Teen Diversion class, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE.  Registration required. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ,  6:30–7:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA ( 2nd & 4th Thursdays only ) Fridays SAFE Cafe drop-in hours,  8:30 a.m.–noon at SAFE Saturdays Compass Yoga,  8:30–9:30 a.m. at SAFE Registration required Receive Free Narcan Training Join an upcoming SAFE Narcan training to learn how to administer this life-saving medication. Free and open to all! No registration required.      Attendees will:    Learn how to recognize an overdose   Practice administering Narcan   Develop confidence in responding to an overdose    Leave with two 4 mg doses of Narcan  Visit with SAFE about support resources Upcoming Trainings Millis : Mon, Feb. 2 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. (drop-in anytime) | Millis Public Library North Attleboro : Sat, Feb. 7 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Richards Memorial Library Millis : Mon, Feb. 9 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. (drop-in anytime) | Millis Public Library Wrentham : Sat, Feb. 14 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Fiske Public Library Franklin : Wed, Feb. 18 | 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Franklin Public Library Medway : Sat, Feb. 21 | noon–1:00 p.m. | Medway Public Library Norfolk : Sat, Feb. 21 | 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Norfolk Public Library Foxborough : Mon, Feb. 23 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Foxboro Community Center Millis : Mon, Feb. 23 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. (drop-in anytime) | Millis Public Library You’re Invited to the 2026 SAFE Gala! Friday, April 17, at 5:30 p.m. Gillette Stadium, Foxborough   We're celebrating 10 years—and we want YOU there! Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 SAFE Gala. Join us for an unforgettable evening of hope, community, and celebration featuring: Gourmet dinner at the iconic Gillette Stadium Live music performed by those in recovery Powerful testimonials Exciting silent and live auctions featuring amazing packages and experiences Presentation of the Jeffrey N. Roy Excellence in Community Service Award Over the past decade, SAFE has been a lifeline for individuals and families across southeastern Massachusetts. This milestone gala is our chance to celebrate every barrier broken, every life changed, and every moment of compassion that's defined our work.   Looking for even more excitement? Add a Golden Ticket for $100—one lucky winner gets first pick of ANY travel package from our live auction before bidding begins! Only 100 available.   Sponsorship opportunities   are also available for businesses and community partners looking to make a visible impact.  Help us continue our life-changing work.  Make your gift to SAFE today . Our Contact Information SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org

SAFE Receives Grant for Adolescent Wellness Center The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation   has awarded SAFE a $2,500 grant to support the Adolescent Wellness Center (AWC). This first-of-its-kind hub in southeastern Massachusetts provides free mental health and substance use services for teens.   Each year, AWC supports   local youth through programs like WhyTry (SEL curriculum), Up in Smoke (diversion program), mentorship, life skills training, and new offerings such as drama therapy and trauma-informed yoga (coming soon!). These initiatives help teens build resilience, avoid risky behaviors, and stay connected. Funding will expand programming and outreach, ensuring equitable access to prevention and wellness services for hundreds of teens annually. The AWC fills a critical gap in adolescent services by addressing rising rates of daily substance use, anxiety, depression, and isolation among local teens. Programs are trauma-informed, strengths-based, and designed to meet youth where they are—helping them remain in school, avoid future justice involvement, and connect with caring adults and peers.  Virtual Event Provides Tips for Self-Care during the Holidays Thursday, Dec. 18 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom  Does the holiday season feel heavy this year (or every year)?  Do you worry about how you will manage all that needs to get done?   Join us virtually for “ Managing the Holiday Season: Strategies for Self-Care ” to learn about maintaining your peace and increasing joy throughout the holidays.   Presented by Karen Bean , licensed clinical social worker, this FREE  webinar will cover tips on how to prioritize your needs while also accomplishing necessary tasks and strategies to manage stressors.  This episode is part of our Family Recovery webinar series , a new educational initiative designed to deepen understanding of addiction, recovery, and the systems that support healing.  Miss our last episode?   “ The Disease of Addiction: Why Science Matters ,” presented by Kathryn Branca , is now available online !   Gain a deeper understanding of addiction as a chronic, treatable brain disease, learn how science shows us recovery is possible, and discover practical ways to apply the science to support themselves or loved ones in their recovery journey.  Help SAFE Support those looking to Begin Again  Recovery is possible, and it starts with you! At SAFE, we believe everyone deserves the chance to BEGIN AGAIN , and your support makes that possible! Dec. 2 is Giving Tuesday : Give early and help us bring hope, healing, and second chances to our community. Donate online   or text safe2025  to 50155 Even more, the Lawson Charitable Foundation and SAFE’s Board of Directors will MATCH every donation, up to $4,500, making your gift go further.  With your support, we can stand beside those in our community who are looking to begin again.  Breathing Exercises to Usher you through the Holiday Hustle by Brittany Capozzi , C-IAYT and Compass Yoga   instructor  Breathwork is often labeled as either “calming” or “energizing.” For example, we hear that nasal breathing is “calming.” While it can be, some people find this unsettling and breathe through their mouth because this feels calm. Because no nervous system is the same, breathwork cannot be prescriptive. Only when we explore choices can we learn which exercises best fit the needs of our body, what brings rest or what brings stimulation. This holiday season, try out some of the exercises below to feel what supports you and how. Do they provide rest or stimulation? All can be done seated or standing. Some may be easier to explore while reclined. As you explore, ask yourself: “Is there ease?” and “Am I being honest with my body, not pushing?” Bee Breath  Bring your lips together, inhale through the nose and on the exhale through the nose, begin humming. If you’d like, bring your hands to your ears.   Do this for a few breaths. Notice what you notice.    Breath of Joy On a single inhale, complete these three movements, each lasting about 1/3 of the inhale: Raise your arms in front of you to shoulder level, parallel to the ground and palms facing each other Move your arms out to the side, like a ‘T’ Raise your arms directly over your head, now making an ‘I’ As you exhale, release a “ha” from your mouth and swing your arms behind your back, leaning forward slightly to draw your ribcage toward your thighs. If you are practicing this exercise standing, try lowering into a squat while you do this motion.  Pursed Lip Breathing  Inhale for 3 seconds through the nose and exhale through the mouth (through ‘pursed lips’) for 6 seconds. The exhalation is twice as long as the inhalation. Repeat for a few breaths. What do you notice afterwards?  Reflections Sometimes an exercise offers a different result the next time you try it. This is because context matters. Your state of mind, body’s energy level, and the environment all contribute to what we end up experiencing.  Did you try one exercise on more than one occasion only to notice different responses over time? Have you tried any at different hours of the day or while experiencing opposite moods? Try these exercises and more with Brittany each week at Compass Yoga ! Saturdays | 8:30–9:30 a.m. | SAFE Office Feel like sharing your reflections? Reach out to Brittany . GROUPS & CLASSES - WEEKLY SCHEDULE Mondays Postpartum Support Group , 10:00–11:30 a.m. at North Attleborough YMCA. Registration required The Ripple Effect sibling support group , 7:00–8:00 p.m. on Zoom. Meeting ID: 831 8134 8873 Big Book for Beginners , 7:00–8:00 p.m., at SAFE Tuesdays Counseling for Millis  Residents, 3:00–5:00 p.m. by appointment. Families Anonymous , 6:30–8:00 p.m. at SAFE and online Wednesdays WhyTry Teen Prevention  One-day Program, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Registration required. Postpartum Support Group , noon–1:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA. Registration required Teen Skills Classroom , 3:00–4:00 p.m. at SAFE. Registration required . Big Book Study , 6:30–8:00 p.m., at SAFE 2nd & 4th Thursdays Grandparents Raising Grandchildren , 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA Fridays SAFE Cafe drop-in hours,  8:30 a.m.–noon at SAFE Saturdays Compass Yoga,  8:30–9:30 a.m. at SAFE Registration required Receive Free Narcan Training Join an upcoming SAFE Narcan training to learn how to administer this life-saving medication. Free and open to all! No registration required.      Attendees will:    Learn how to recognize an overdose   Practice administering Narcan   Develop confidence in responding to an overdose    Leave with two 4 mg doses of Narcan  Upcoming Trainings Norfolk: Wed, Dec. 3 | 10–11 a.m. | Norfolk Public Library Medway: Thu, Dec. 4 | 10–11:30 a.m. | Medway Public Library Foxborough: Tue, Dec. 16 | 4–5 p.m. | Boyden Library *On these days, following the training, a counselor will be available to answer questions and help with resource connection.  Gala Sponsorships Now Available! SAFE is thrilled to offer five different sponsorship tiers   for the 2026 Gala, including our exclusive Presenting sponsorship, offering businesses and community partners a meaningful way to support SAFE’s mission while gaining high-profile visibility. Each sponsorship tier comes with unique benefits, ensuring that your commitment to SAFE is celebrated and remembered long after the gala concludes. Accepted Payment Methods : Debit/credit card, check/e-check, ACH transfer How to secure : purchase Champion, Advocate, and Ally sponsorships online , or contact Meg Peters, director of development, to secure any level sponsorship at mpeters@safecoalitionma.org     Thank you to Direct Federal Credit Union , Arbella , and Bluestone Bank   for already securing 2026 sponsorships! We’re grateful to have them standing with us as we work to expand hope, healing, and access to support. Help us continue our life-changing work.  Help us continue our life-changing work.  Make your gift to SAFE today . Our Contact Information SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org Make your gift to SAFE today.Help us continue our life-changing work.  Make your gift to SAFE today. Help us continue our life-changing work.  Make your gift to SAFE today. Help us continue our life-changing work.  Make your gift to SAFE tod

America's ongoing opioid crisis has led researchers and clinicians to explore safer alternatives for managing chronic and severe pain. As the dangers that come with opioid misuse continue to rise, researchers are adopting a new range of strategies built around traditional and cutting-edge ways of understanding the brain and body, from cutting-edge, high-tech options to proven traditional methods. Alternatives to opioid pain management can be divided into two categories: high-tech options which implement advances in the medicinal field, and low-tech or traditional options which place an emphasis on therapeutic techniques and promote peace of mind. High-Tech Treatment Opioid Alternatives These therapeutics typically involve targeting and sending signals towards the pathways in the brain and body to create a response that helps to relieve pain. One widely used high-tech option is spinal cord stimulation . For this procedure, a physician implants a small pacemaker-like device near the lower back. Patients can then use a remote control to send signals to nerves for help with reducing pain. Another approach associated with high-tech treatment is the use of radio wave therapy . This involves the insertion of needles next to the source of pain. An electrical current is then generated using radio waves which works to heat and damage the targeted nerve. This current helps interrupt pain signals and can provide patients with pain relief lasting up to one year. Low-Tech Treatment Opioid Alternatives These interventions are typically more focused on mental and physical rejuvenation. Physical therapy has been shown to improve individuals’ mental and physical health. For instance, following a consistent exercise routine can increase a person’s mobility and relieve pain signals. Acupuncture is the process of inserting tiny needles into different areas of the body where pain signals are located. The procedure is commonly painless and according to Elevance Health , it can relieve symptoms of chronic pain including neck and back pain, as well as headaches and migraines ( Acupuncture Found to Reduce Opioid Use and Emergency Department Visits , n.d.). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on the present and aims to develop coping skills for everyday challenges. This therapy has been stated to be one of, if not the most effective treatment for managing chronic pain with opioid dependence. CBT can help patients steer their way of thinking in a positive direction and develop strategies for managing symptoms of pain. These can include practice with advocating for one’s own needs and setting goals to make small steps at a time to lead towards long-term progress. At SAFE , we make it part of our mission to help individuals navigate the challenges that come with substance use disorder including opioid pain management and mental health challenges. Through education, compassionate and judgment-free support, as well as access to safer alternatives, we help individuals take the next step toward healing.

SAFE Coalition was awarded a $25,000 grant from Community Health Systems Foundation  to break ground on its Adolescent Wellness Center.     The Adolescent Wellness Center will be a central space for teens across southeastern Massachusetts to access resources that combat substance use and mental illness. Built inside SAFE HQ in Franklin, the Center will offer a fully dedicated spot for teens-only support. The space will host larger events, small-group learning, and private consultation as well as educational nights for area caregivers.     The Center is designed to directly address the high rates of mental illness and substance use among teens. Research shows that offering teens neutral social spaces, like the Adolescent Wellness Center, is essential to maintaining a sense of wellbeing and community. Such spaces decrease social isolation and build a psychological sense of belonging. Regular visitors to these places report better overall mental health. The space will offer drop-in hours, referral services, mentorships, peer groups, classes and more. Events like drama therapy, sobriety nights, and trauma-informed yoga will offer more ways to play, cope, and grow.  Supports will also be available for education, prevention and recovery from substance use. The Center will offer programs to help students build resiliency to combat the perceived need for substance use, while support groups and peer mentorship will give teens added ways to be heard, gain advice, and belong. Recovery plans, referral services, and accountability check-ins will offer additional touchpoints.  The need for teen mental health and substance use support is greater than ever. Rates of teen depression and anxiety have remained high since 2020 and remain one of the Surgeon General’s top priorities. And teen overdose is at an all-time high, while the prevalence of vaping and other substance use persists.   Yet in-school and extracurricular programs across the region have shuttered due to cuts in school spending despite their success in preventing teen isolation, increasing touchpoints with supportive adults, and building self-esteem. Community-led programs are helping to close a critical gap in support by offering judgement-free, compassionate care to teens who need it most.   Community Health Systems  (CHS) was established in 1994 to support nonprofit organizations that enhance the community’s capacity to achieve optimal health, wellness, and quality of life.   SAFE began in 2015 after a community discussion on the increasing deaths from opioid use and what could be done to combat the rising epidemic. Today, the nonprofit works with first responders, local and state politicians, municipalities, schools, other nonprofits, and concerned citizens across southeastern Massachusetts to fill gaps in substance use prevention and education, harm reduction, recovery, and mental health support.     Learn more about SAFE Coalition .   ###

National Medication Take Back Day, a day for people to safely and anonymously drop off unwanted medicine, is on April 26. It’s important to know how you can contribute to removing potentially dangerous medicines from homes to keep families safe. SAFE Coalition is hosting drive-thru disposal stations in multiple Massachusetts towns including Franklin, Norfolk, Foxborough, Medway, and Wrentham. Over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions including opioids, and devices including vapes and cartridges are all accepted.   Learn more here . Having unused or expired prescriptions at home can be dangerous. In 2023, 20% of individuals  in possession of opioid prescriptions misused them, either by taking unapproved higher doses or in a manner unauthorized by their care providers. Unwanted medications can collect dust in cabinets or be scattered throughout the home, leading to dangerous situations including accidental overdose or poisoning if children, pets, or other individuals gain access to them. And flushing substances can contaminate the water supply and harm aquatic wildlife. SAFE Coalition partners with Deterra to implement effective and safe methods for substance disposal within their organization. For those who can’t make it to a Take Back event, community members can also visit the Deterra website  to purchase drug deactivation systems like disposal pouches, lockboxes, and containers. The takeback day initiative was started by the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2010 and occurs in April and October. Organizations across the country work to set up drop off stations where individuals can dispose of unused or expired substances anonymously and without judgement. Together, we can take the proper steps to keep our communities safe and healthy. Join SAFE Coalition in making a difference for Medication Take Back Day 2025.