The Bay Net photo by Anna Bedford

CASASTART (Center of Addictions and Substance Abuse Striving Towards A Rewarding Tomorrow) is a substance abuse and violence prevention program targeting Lexington Park youth.  The program is administered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maryland and funded by the Local Management Board.  It is led by case managers, Kimberly Wilkins-McClane at G. W. Carver Elementary and Viet Nguyen at Spring Ridge Middle School. The program has come to be an effective means of improving grades, reducing truancy and drug use amongst at-risk youth in the Lexington Park C-Safe area. 

On Thursday, June 22 participants of the CASASTART program were celebrated and acknowledged not only for their hard work and dedication but for their resilience and determination to display good character and to be leaders amongst their peers.  The evening was sponsored by Raley, Watts and Associates. 

CASASTART graduation was supported by Senator Dyson, who spoke emphasizing the importance for youth to stay on the right road and not to be afraid of failure.  He stressed healthy families and positive interaction between children and adults.  These beliefs are some of the same principles that guide CASASTART as they work in coalition with St. Mary’s Public Schools and the Office of Community Services with the Strengthening Families initiative. The CASASTART case managers stress the importance of a good quality education as well as encouraging healthy families and promoting community involvement.

Big Brothers Big Sisters along with CASASTART believes that it takes a community to give a child the means to be a productive and positive citizen.  Our kids don’t just benefit from money, also time spent and exposure to positive influences.  They benefit from a second opinion and a trusting relationship. Kimberly, case manager, said “We set clear and understandable guidelines so they too can have a clear vision of their future and become successful adults.”  

Help local kids better their self-esteem, decision making, and social development.  If you are interested in impacting a local child’s life and want to do more for your neighborhoods, call 1800.881.6783, to learn more about the Big Brother Big Sister programs.