October is National Substance Use Prevention Month, a time to recognize the importance of promoting healthy choices and raising awareness about the risks of substance use. Here at HK Youth and Family Services, we are committed to prevention and supporting youth and families in maintaining a healthy life. Stop by our HK Community Coalition tables at the HK Fall Festival on October 18th and the Pumpkin Run on October 26th to learn more about our work. We also invite you to join our next Community Coalition Meeting on Monday, October 27th at Noon. Encourage your kids to get involved with our Youth Coalitions—a great way to connect, lead, and make positive change in our community. For more information, please contact Kyana Anderson at
preventioncoordinator@hkyfs.org
.

Tips for Parents to Help Their Kids Stay Substance-Free:

1. Keep open communication—talk regularly and honestly about the risks of substances.
2. Be a role model—set a positive example with your own behaviors.
3. Know their friends and activities—stay engaged in who your child spends time with.
4. Set clear expectations—let your child know your values and rules around substance use.
5. Encourage healthy activities—promote sports, hobbies, and community programs that build confidence and connection.

Upcoming Events!

ONPoint Parenting

What do we all want for our kids? To be safe, secure, and happy! Unfortunately, kids are struggling and often we parents are overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn for trusted help and support.

Let’s change that now with an expert parenting resource like no other! We are thrilled to share Dr. Alicia Farrell’s ONPoint Parenting with the HK Community.

Check out
Alicia’s Video Here

for an overview of ONPoint Parenting! We invite you to attend her upcoming Webinar on building grit and resilience that will also serve as a launch for this important resource.  

Join us for a night out to learn more about the impact of social media on our kids’ mental health.

Can’t Look Away is a gripping documentary that exposes the dark side of social media and its devastating impact on young users. Directors Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz take viewers inside the high-stakes legal battle to hold tech companies accountable for the harm caused by their negligence and dangerous algorithms. Based on investigative reporting by Bloomberg News’ Olivia Carville, the film follows the Social Media Victims Law Center fighting for justice for families whose children suffered tragic consequences linked to social media use. As families seek justice, Can’t Look Away underscores the urgent need for industry reform and serves as both a wake-up call about the dangers of social media– and a call to action to protect future generations.

Following the film will be a 30–45-minute panel conversation with Claudia Califano, MD- child psychiatrist and professor at the Yale Child Study Center, as well as other local leaders

Haddam’s Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat is Back!

Join us Saturday, Oct. 18th at HKHS White House Field & Parking Lots for music, games, food, face painting & of course lots of candy.

A family-friendly night you won’t want to miss!

Join us! We’re still looking for more Trunk & Booths!

Interested? Please email executivedirector@hkyfs.org

Celebrate the Fall Season with this family friendly event! The Pumpkin Run benefits Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services by supporting their programs for youth and families in the areas of counseling, substance abuse prevention, positive youth development, family programming, juvenile restorative justice, and social services. 

The Pumpkin Run is the biggest fundraising event for HKYFS and truly demonstrates coming together as a community to create positive change. HKYFS envisions a connected community where youth and families are resilient and feel safe, supported, and empowered.

This fun event features a fast road race with a 5K run, 2 mile walk, as well as a fun run for our Kids! Halloween is right around the corner and costumes are encouraged with prizes! Community vendors and fun activities are on site to add to the festivities! This is truly an iconic HK Family Event!

For more information, including how to become a sponsor, email: 
events@hkyfs.org

Upcoming Programs!

Girls Talk

Join us for a fun and informational night! This workshop will be full of laughs, connection, and warmth and is designed to give girls and a trusted adult a better understanding of the changes their bodies will go through during puberty, as well as the importance of positive self-worth, healthy communication, and how to deal with difficult situations that may arise during this dynamic time.

Who: 4th-6th Grade Girls

Dates: October 14th

Time: 6:00 -8:00 PM

Where: HKIMS Library

Girls With A Purpose

Girls with a Purpose is an 8-week group designed for 4th and 5th grade girls to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and practice kindness. Through fun activities like journaling, crafts, and games, participants will explore topics such as self-esteem, positive relationships, and personal growth.

Who: 4th & 5th Grade Girls at HKIS

Days: Tuesdays

Dates: October 21th – December 16th

Time: 8:00 – 8:45 AM

Banana’s Split, Too!

A 10-session support group for children of divorced, separated, or single-parent families & families going through transition within their family dynamic. The group will participate in activities geared toward developing communication, coping skills, identifying feelings, and understanding family transitions healthily.

Who: 4th & 5th Graders at HKIS

Days: Mondays

Dates: October 20th – December 15th

Time: 3:45 – 4:45 PM

NALOXONE & QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

Join us for a 1.5-hour training designed to save lives. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, properly administer naloxone, and connect individuals to support. In addition, the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) component will cover how to identify warning signs of suicidal thoughts, offer help, and guide someone to appropriate resources. This training provides practical tools to respond in moments that matter most.

Date: Monday October 27th, 2025

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Where: Killingworth Library

The HK Community Coalition meets to share insights into everyday issues and challenges facing the community and to collaboratively develop plans, policies, and strategies to meet those challenges. Issues addressed include alcohol and drug abuse, vaping and marijuana use, and mental health needs and concerns.

The group includes parents and young people, as well as representatives from businesses, the media, law enforcement, schools, faith organizations, health providers, youth-focused agencies, and town leadership. We welcome all residents willing to help build and better our community.

Join us for the first meeting of the year! 

Contact us for link preventioncoordinator@hkyfs.org

HKYFS extends sincere thanks and gratitude to Dillon Zak, an HKHS graduate and owner of Glenwood Barber Shop in Clinton, for bringing this event back for the seventh year! Dillon and two other talented barbers offered free haircuts for students, helping them look and feel their best as they return to school. Their generosity of skill, talent and time demonstrates a spirit of community that inspires us all!

We also want to share our gratitude with the local churches, community groups, and individuals who donated to our annual School Supply Backpack Program. We want to thank all those who shopped from our Amazon Wishlist and to the local businesses and Town Halls in both towns who had collection boxes. With their generosity and support, we were able to ensure that Sixty-one students started their school year prepared and confident!

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