RYASAP's History

IN THE SCHOOLS

RYASAP has conducted incidence and prevalence surveys among 7-12th grade students every three years since 1985. The 1998 survey was expanded to collect baseline data on students' development assets, as well as risk factors
Student Assistance Teams, SAT's, in every elementary, middle and high school in the region are specially trained to identify and intervene with students experiencing behavioral and/or academic problems
In 1997, RYASAP spearheaded the concept of Resilient Schools in the region, providing training and technical support to participating pilot schools pioneering resiliency in their communities.
RYASAP's Youth Committee, consisting of more than 60 students from the region's public, parochial and private high schools, who set their own agenda and implement awareness, advocacy, and community service projects focussed on issues such as HIV/AIDS, violence and underage drinking.

IN THE COMMUNITIES

Over the past three years through its collaborative effort with the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition for the assets Project, RYASAP has:

trained resident volunteers to conduct surveys of the individual, association and institutional assets, capacities and resources of over 1200 individuals and organizations within their neighborhoods.
shared these mapped assets with Neighborhood Action Councils, allowing for matching people with needs to people with resources.
conducted semi-annual BLOCK BY BLOCK and NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR mini-grant programs to offer youth and adults opportunities to implement projects for improving the quality of life intheir communities.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AND REPLICATED

In recognition of its achievements, RYASAP has been cited as an exemplary program by NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.
In 1991, RYASAP was recognized by President George Bush as the 395th Point of Light.

Youth Committee members Jen Hoag and Jaime Rosario meet President Bush.
RYASAP has been replicated by the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services for its statewide Regional Action Councils, and nationally by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for its national Fighting Back Initiative