The Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) Coalition in Oceanside kicked off the new year by reflecting on a year of progress and outlining priorities for the future during its annual New Year Kickoff Dinner on Jan. 15 at the Oceanside Library.
The event brought together coalition members, community partners, educators and law enforcement representatives to review accomplishments from the past year and renew a shared commitment to preventing youth substance misuse in the Oceanside community. EGP Oceanside catered the dinner.
“This is something we do every year as an effort to bring everyone together and really see the impact of the work we’ve done,” said Alison Eriksen, project coordinator of the coalition. “When you’re in the middle of it, everyone is pulled in different directions. This gives us a moment to step back and say, ‘Wow, we did a lot’.”
Eriksen presented a year-in-review highlighting the coalition’s strategies, trainings, community events and prevention initiatives. The presentation also served as a springboard for goal setting in the year ahead.
“It’s a really energizing way to begin a new year,” Eriksen said. “We celebrate our wins, but we also talk about what we want to accomplish next and where we can grow.”
A major focus for the coalition moving forward is sustainability. Oceanside SAFE is funded through the federal Drug-Free Communities grant, which provides support for up to ten years. The coalition is currently in its seventh year of funding.
“We’re really focusing now on sustainability and capacity building,” Eriksen said. “That means bringing in new partners, expanding our reach and planning for how we maintain this work once the grant ends.”
Each year, the coalition recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond in supporting its mission. This year’s honorees included the Nassau County Police Department’s Fourth Precinct POP Officers and Oceanside SAFE Coalition Board President Herb Pitkowsky.
Pitkowsky, a founding member of the coalition, was recognized for his longstanding commitment and behind-the-scenes work that helped establish and sustain the organization.
“He’s been here since the very beginning,” said Sara Dowler, chair of the coalition. “He’s an unsung hero who shows up to everything and has been instrumental in helping the coalition become what it is today.”
The Fourth Precinct officers were honored for their consistent partnership and enforcement efforts, including attending coalition meetings and supporting prevention initiatives.
“We truly couldn’t make the impact we’re making without their support,” Eriksen said. “They believe in our mission and help reinforce it through education and enforcement.”
Dowler emphasized that collaboration across all sectors of the community remains essential to the coalition’s mission and long-term success.
“Prevention starts with the community,” Dowler said. “It starts in the home, in schools, in businesses and through partnerships with law enforcement. This coalition brings everyone together to change the culture around youth substance misuse.”
Oceanside SAFE Coalition meetings are open to the public. Information about programs, events and resources is available at oceansidesafe.org.
