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Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA)
Mission
To reduce the use of drugs and alcohol throughout the community, with a primary focus on youth, by encouraging healthy decision making and providing resources that address prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery throughout the lifespan.
Monthly Meetings
Open to all
Held on the third Monday of each month, with the exception of holidays, at 3:30pm. Meetings alternate between Zoom and in-person at 79 Pleasant St.
Zoom link:https://zoom.us/j/96861411311?pwd=ZHdWU1AwcUh1OG5CU0JTc0RIQm9Gdz09
Meeting ID: 968 6141 1311
Email us for the passcode
2021-2022 Meeting Schedule
- December 20th, 2021- Zoom at 3:30pm
- January 18th, 2022; Tuesday in-person at 3:30pm. Pequitside Farm, 79 Pleasant St.
- February 28th, 2022- Zoom at 3:30pm
- March 21st, 2022 in-person at 3:30pm. Pequitside Farm, 79 Pleasant St.
- April 29th, 2022 from 11:00am - 3:00pm at Paul Revere Heritage Site. Please RSVP.
- May 16th, 2022 in-person at 3:30pm. Pequitside Farm, 79 Pleasant St.
- No June meeting
- No July meeting
- August 15th, 2022 in-person. Pequitside Farm, 79 Pleasant St.
- September 19th, 2022 in-person at 3:30pm. Pequitside Farm, 79 Pleasant St.
- October 17th, 2022; Zoom at 3:30pm
Mindfulness course with Mindful Presence
CAASA is teaming up with Mindful Presence to offer free, 8-week virtual mindfulness lessons to middle and high school teens (residents only please). Led by experienced mindfulness practitioner, Christine O'Shaughnessy.
Mindfulness is open awareness with no agenda. Scientific research suggests that negative effects of stress on the body reduce our immune system and overall health. With consistent mindfulness meditation practice, physical changes in the brain change how we respond to stress creating healthier ways of being with ourselves and others.
Registration required. Register here. After, registering you will receive course dates, a Zoom link and class material via email. Participants encouraged, but not required, to attend all sessions.
Course will be held:
- Sunday, April 24th; 8pm - 9pm
- Sunday, May 1st; 8pm - 9pm
- Sunday, May 8th; 8pm - 9pm
- Sunday, May 15th; 8pm - 9pm
- Sunday, May 22nd; 8pm - 9pm
- WEDNESDAY, June 1; 8pm - 9pm
- Sunday, June 5th; 8pm - 9pm
- Sunday, June 12th; 8pm - 9pm
CAASA Youth Group
CAASA is seeking participation in its new youth group. The purpose of this group is to lend student voice to CAASA’s substance prevention programs. Help us name our new group, organize our first annual event, and work on a youth-led photography project. Meet new peers, grow your skills, earn community service hours, have fun, and make a difference in Canton! Fill out the interest form below. Middle and high school students welcome with parental consent form. Our kickoff meeting is coming soon!
Parks & Recreation's Trunk or Treat
After the Halloween parade, we set up our decorated trunk in parking lot in front of the Rodman Center for Trunk or Treat. We passed out candy and balloons to trick or treaters.
Farmer's Market
CAASA was a Community Table at the Oct. 3rd Canton Farmer's Market. We asked kiddos "What questions do you have about drugs or alcohol?" and we asked adults "What programming or ideas do you have for CAASA?". People wrote their answers on pizza toppings on our big pizza board and were entered to win gift cards to two local pizza spots, Apollo Sub & Pizza Shop and Stone L'oven!
Celebration of Life
A Candle Lighting Ceremony with Photo Display to Honor Loved Ones Lost
Tuesday, August 31, 2021, 7:00 PM
Grounds of Department of Elder and Human Services (Senior Center location), 500 Pleasant Street, Canton
The Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) invites the public to its annual Celebration of Life. Held in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day, this event remembers those lost to overdose and those currently struggling with substance use disorder.
Listen to the podcast, "Up to Speed," an interview with Harriet Burak of CAASA on Canton's Celebration of Life
For more information, visit https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/2021/07/30/caasa-celebration-of-life-5/
Protecting Teen Health
Local trends, signs of emotional distress and how to get help if you need it. This is a great one to watch with your teen. Presented by OASIS, the Stoughton Police Department and the Stoughton Youth Commission.
Videos on Youtube:
- Part 1: Teen Mental Health
- Part 2: Marijuana and Teens
- Part 3: Marijuana, Teens, and the Law
- Part 4: Questions and Answers
Social Host Liability Law and Your Community
Learn about Underage Drinking and COVID-19. As the current pandemic is causing a surge in favorable attitudes towards alcohol, availability and access to alcohol and other drugs, little sense of community, conflict, anxiety and depression; we're committed to addressing youth substance abuse in Stoughton, MA, and our surrounding communities.
Video on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBym8S6BNo8&t=42s
Finding Your Motivation During Quarantine with Olympic Gold Medalist Kikkan Randall
This talk is for the whole family! Join Cross-Country Ski Gold Medalist Kikkan Randall as she shares practical tips for staying motivated that work for everyone!
Video on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=Az8N06LWPuk
Managing Pain Safely with Dr. Dan Muse
Hear from Dr. Dan Muse on current trends/issues with opioids and alternatives for managing acute pain. Watch the video.
Town-Wide Canton Cleanup
CAASA is supporting the Canton Walk, Bike & Hike, Beautification and Sustainability committees in their inaugural Town-Wide Cleanup day on Saturday, April 30th from 10 -12pm. CAASA needs volunteers to direct the separation of alcohol- and drug-related litter from the rest in order to 1) raise awareness about this type of trash and 2) further the fact that a substance- free community benefits everyone.
Sign up here >>include CAASA as name of organization on form.
CAASA Retreat
To be held at the Paul Revere Heritage Site on Friday, April 29th from 11am - 3pm. We will strategically plan programs, talk data, and have fun! Contact our Program Manager or a CAASA member if you are interested in attending. Open to current and prospective members.
Half-Day Programs
After select Galvin Middle School early release days, participating students remain at school and join CAASA for some fun. Students enjoyed a free, pizza lunch and play age-appropriate, health-themed games (and some regular ones too). They won prizes and socialized with students from other grades, all while learning about health and wellness!
Past program dates:
January 14th
February 11th
March 11th
Interest Form for Youth
CAASA in the News
Select Board backs CAASA overdose awareness efforts
July 16, 2021