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Drug Abuse Prevention Group Opens Office At Greenwich YMCA

GREENWICH, Conn. -- The YMCA of Greenwich recently celebrated the relocation of Liberation Programs Inc.'s Youth Options office to its building. 

Liberation Program's youth options counselor Cerissa Orbegoso, Liberation Board member Dennis Monson and wife Donna Monson enjoy the open house at the Greenwich Y to celebrate the relocation of its Youth Options office.

Liberation Program's youth options counselor Cerissa Orbegoso, Liberation Board member Dennis Monson and wife Donna Monson enjoy the open house at the Greenwich Y to celebrate the relocation of its Youth Options office.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The two organizations will team on community-based programming that focuses on "fostering healthy decision making among adolescents as part of Liberation’s Education, Prevention and Wellness program," according to a press release.

The Youth Options office is also set to open a six-part Parent Seminar Series at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 with, “Open a Window into your Teen’s World,” according to the release. The seminar will take place at the YMCA of Greenwich, 50 E. Putnam Ave. in Greenwich and is free and open to the public.

The seminar is designed "to help families improve parent-child relationships," according to the release. The Parent Seminar Series is led by Barrie Halpin, a prevention specialist, and Cerissa Orbegoso, a youth counselor.

"Halpin has conducted presentations and activities for LPI for over 20 years," said a press release. "The series will include testimonials from current or former LPI clients, discussions of trends in treatment, interactive role-playing that includes audience participation and a Q&A session."

LPI President and CEO Alan Mathis said in the release there was a need for Youth Options in Greenwich.

“There are simply too few options for parents and teens to receive the education and support needed to manage these challenging times," Mathis said in the release. "Recent news reports have underscored the prevalence of dangerous drugs in Greenwich.

"At the same time, I have been encouraged by several community leaders to re-think how Liberation can become more involved in Greenwich – so that is exactly what we are doing.”

Ed Philipp, CEO of the YMCA of Greenwich, said in the release he was excited about the partnership with LPI.

“The YMCA of Greenwich is proud to partner with Liberation Programs," Philipp said in the release. "Liberation Programs has a very successful track record of helping people lead a happier, healthier, substance free lifestyle. Their Youth Options program here will be focused on the health and wellness of adolescents. It will provide age appropriate activities that address topics such as drug use, underage drinking, bullying, social media, anger management and peer and parent relationship.

"At a time when younger members of our community are struggling to learn how to deal with issues that could affect the rest of their lives, we felt it was important to have the resources of a program like Liberation Programs on site to help drive the conversation to healthier, happier community.”

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