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WOODSTOCK — In October 2022, The Woodstock Academy secured a grant of $200,000 to establish a drug and alcohol counseling office for students struggling with substance abuse. The grant, which was made possible by State Representative Pat Boyd, has had a tremendous impact on the community in just nine months.
“I am grateful to the leadership of The Woodstock Academy for putting this money to use in a way that directly impacts students in northeastern Connecticut. Substance abuse and addiction services are hard to find in our region and WA is working hard to remove barriers to availability,” said Boyd.
One of the key factors in contributing to the success of this program was partnering with Project Courage, an agency based in Old Saybrook, that specializes in substance use and mental health related issues. Since its inception in October, the partnership with Project Courage has shown tremendous progress in addressing substance abuse and addiction-related issues among Woodstock Academy students with a counselor on-campus two days per week.
From October to June, WA scheduled more than 290 counseling appointments, ensuring that students receive the support and guidance they needed. Looking ahead to the 2023-24 school year, The Academy plans to increase the counselor’s presence to three days per week on campus to provide more opportunities for students to check in.
Recognizing the importance of education and awareness, The Academy has been in contact with superintendents, offering professional development and parent information sessions at their institutions. These sessions aim to equip educators and parents with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively identify and address substance abuse issues. Additional professional development offerings and community outreach opportunities are in the works.
“The partnership with Project Courage has been invaluable, and we are excited to expand their presence on campus next year. We are committed to increasing professional development training and community outreach, as we strive to increase awareness and address substance use within our community. Representative Boyd’s advocacy and dedication have made a profound difference in the lives of our students and the broader community,” said Karin Hughes, Dean of Student Affairs at The Academy.
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