Welcome to the WhyTry Program at SAFE Coalition. This handbook provides an overview of the policies and procedures that guide our program. SAFE is a judgment-free community organization relentlessly committed to educating and supporting those affected by mental health concerns and substance use across southeastern Massachusetts.

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WhyTry is an evidence-based, social-emotional program designed to help teens reframe life’s challenges into opportunities. Through hands-on lessons and activities, students build coping tools, strengthen decision-making, and learn strategies to navigate peer pressure, labels, and obstacles with confidence.

Primary Objectives:

The primary objectives of the WhyTry Program are to:

1. Build Resilience: Teach students how to overcome setbacks and persevere through life’s challenges.

2. Encourage Positive Decision-Making: Equip teens with tools to evaluate choices and consequences effectively.

3. Promote Coping Skills: Introduce healthy strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and peer pressure.

4. Foster Connection and Community: Create a supportive, judgment-free environment where students feel valued and respected.

5. Empower Independence: Help participants recognize their strengths and move toward independence with confidence.

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Program Enrollment:

Enrollment in the WhyTry Program includes the following steps:

1. Referral: Students are referred to the program by school staff, administrators, or counselors. Guardians may also submit referrals.

2. Sign-Up: Our front desk will contact families to complete enrollment, review program details, and answer questions.

3. Agreement: A guardian must sign this policy handbook prior to the student’s attendance.

Program Components:

Each WhyTry session includes:

1. Resilience Lessons: Evidence-based activities and metaphors that teach students to view challenges as opportunities.

2. Coping Tools: Practical strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions, and respond to peer pressure.

3. Skill Development: Exercises in decision-making, motivation, and building positive relationships.

4. Community-Building: Group discussions and activities to promote respect, empathy, and accountability.

5. Lunch Provided: SAFE will provide lunch for all participants.

Participant Responsibilities:

Students are expected to:

1. Attend scheduled program days.

2. Follow all program rules and expectations.

Confidentiality:

At SAFE Coalition, we value participant confidentiality. SAFE follows HIPAA guidelines and staff are mandated reporters, meaning we must report any suspected abuse or neglect to authorities.

Data Collection and Reporting

SAFE Coalition collects participation data and survey responses to better understand the impact of our programs and to continuously improve the services we provide.

• Purpose: The information helps us measure program effectiveness, improve existing services, and guide the creation of new programs. We may also create summaries to share with the community, funders, or researchers.

• Privacy: All information is confidential. Students are assigned a unique ID number so their names or other identifying details are never linked to their responses. Individual answers will not be shared with parents/guardians or the public.

• Voluntary Participation: Surveys are voluntary. Students may choose to skip any question or stop at any time without it affecting their participation in the program.

• Use of Information: Any information shared externally will be de-identified and reported in summary form only.

SAFE is committed to creating a supportive and judgment-free environment, and the information collected is used only to strengthen our programs and ensure they are meeting the needs of teens and families in our community.

Program Code of Conduct

To ensure a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed environment, participants must follow these rules:

1. Respectful Communication: Speak respectfully; disruptive or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.

2. Confidentiality: Respect the privacy of others by keeping personal information shared in group discussions confidential.

3. Attendance and Punctuality: Arrive on time and remain engaged throughout the day.

4. Respect Property: Treat SAFE property and materials with care.

5. Substance-Free Space: No possession or use of substances on SAFE property.

6. Professional Boundaries: Maintain appropriate and respectful relationships with peers and facilitators.

7. Prohibited Behaviors: Violence, bullying, sexual behavior, or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

Weather Protocol

• If local schools close due to inclement weather, WhyTry sessions will also be canceled.

• SAFE staff will remain on-site until all students are safely picked up or transported in the event of early dismissal.

Transportation Protocol

SAFE Coalition understands that transportation needs vary for each family and school district. The following outlines our transportation procedures:

• To Program: Students may be transported to SAFE Coalition by their school, a parent/guardian, Uber for Teens (with guardian permission), or by driving themselves (with guardian permission).

• From Program: Students may return to school via school transportation, Uber for Teens arranged by SAFE Coalition, or be picked up/driven home by a parent/guardian, or drive themselves (with guardian permission).

• Guardian Permission: A signed guardian release is required for students to participate in Uber for Teens transportation or to drive themselves.

Lunch Protocol

• Lunch will be provided for all participants.

• Guardians must notify staff of any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to attendance.

Contact Information:

For more details about the program, please visit our "WhyTry" page at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/whytryprogram. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@safecoalitionma.org or at 508-488-8105.

Guardian Agreement and Signature

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the policies and procedures outlined in the WhyTry Program Policy Handbook. I give permission for my child to:

1. Participate in the WhyTry Program at SAFE Coalition.

2. Use transportation options as needed, which may include school-provided transportation, Uber for Teens arranged by SAFE, parent/guardian transport, or self-transport if applicable.

3. Participate in SAFE Coalition’s program survey, understanding that it is voluntary, confidential, and may be ended at any time.