Community Connections
Shining a local light on:
Teen Awareness Group
Proudly serving:
Learn more about their charity:
Community Connections
Community Connections shines a light on local charities whose compassion, service, and dedication strengthen the fabric of our community. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire others and help the spirit of giving spread throughout our towns.
Under the spotlight today: Teen Awareness Group
An interview with Elaine Daignault, Teen Awareness Group
How do you brighten our community?
The Teen Awareness Group is a youth-run 501 (c) (3) at Staples High School, advised by Westport Human Services, that brings mental health and substance use awareness programs to the community. We are developing student leaders by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to lead and engage others through annual events and by representing their peers on the Westport Prevention Coalition. TAG meets every Monday night during the school year, organizing, funding, and participating in programs to enhance student connection, help them find resources, and reduce the stigma of addiction and mental health.
Who do you serve in our community?
Youth, Parents, and Families through interactive advocacy campaigns and activities.
What are you most proud of?
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Teen Awareness Group (“TAG”) hosts an annual GET REAL DAY at Staples High School. TAG's Get Real Day challenges students to "get real" about mental health and substance misuse. Each year, TAG students research science-based facts about addiction and mental illness, invite individuals with lived experience to share their stories, and encourage students to have honest discussions about their experiences to raise awareness of available resources and reduce stigma through an all-school assembly and wellness fair.
What was the spark that started your organization?
TAG started in 2000 when several Staples High School students faced issues with substance abuse and mental health issues went to the Town's Outreach Counselor seeking community among their peers. With the counselor's help, they formed a small support group to help with the transition back to school. That group grew annually into a group of like-minded students, both in recovery and not, who recognized an opportunity for peer-to-peer support and education about the issues kids face. They turned that group into TAG, a high school club, and incorporated in 2015.
What is one of your future impact goals?
How did you change a life?
Who are your community partners?
The Town of Westport, the Westport Prevention Coalition, Positive Directions, Generation SOS, and many others.
Local-Insta thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Community Connections series possible!
Celebrating the charities that make our community stronger.
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