We are pleased to introduce you to our September charity of the month: S.A.F.E (Substance Abuse Free Environment).

Since 1981, S.A.F.E has been dedicated to eliminating alcohol and substance abuse in the Glen Cove community. Combining the strengths of the public and private sectors, S.A.F.E provides Glen Cove residents with alcohol and drug intervention, prevention, and educational outreach services.

Executive Director Dr. Sharon Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist, oversees a number of programs through the nonprofit agency, including a free community walk-in program for mental health and substance abuse. S.A.F.E. also works closely with the Department of Social Services to provide housing support, domestic violence intervention, and evidence-based life skills classes for elementary and middle school students and their parents. The annual Family Awareness Day in Morgan Park, aimed at helping kids make good choices surrounding drugs and alcohol, is also a S.A.F.E.-run project.

Educating Glen Cove’s Kids & Teens

S.A.F.E.’s close relationship with the Glen Cove City Schools means excellent substance abuse prevention programming for Glen Cove students. S.A.F.E. pushes into the high school along with the Glen Cove Police Department for pre-prom presentations on alcohol and substance abuse, and has worked with the Nassau County District Attorney’s office to put a “crash car” on the lawn of Glen Cove High School. They also send a Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) to HOFTRA for training, then sends these high school juniors and seniors into the middle school to present on healthy decision-making skills, engaging in positive activities, and building individual resilience.

Check out the S.A.F.E. website to see just how many initiatives they’re part of, and how much they are doing to protect and educate our neighbors here in Glen Cove.