Cranford Prevention & Wellness

03/21/2026

Did you know Cranford students participate in Project ALERT (Adolescent Learning Experiences Resistance Training)?

Since 2016, Cranford Police Department School Resource Officers have taught this program in 6th, 8th, and 9th grade, helping students understand drug and alcohol prevention, current trends, and how to handle peer pressure.

💬 Ask your child about it!
What have they learned? How would they handle a tough situation?

Keeping the conversation going at home makes all the difference.

03/07/2026

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day is almost here! 🍀

With parades, gatherings, and celebrations happening around town, it’s a great time to remember that holidays can sometimes bring an increase in binge drinking and substance misuse. At CPAW, we encourage our community to celebrate responsibly and look out for one another.

Whether you’re attending the parade, hosting friends or enjoying time with family, choosing safe and responsible behaviors helps keep our community healthy and strong. Modeling responsible choices also sends an important message to the young people in our community.

Let’s work together to keep Cranford a place where celebrations are fun, safe, and substance-free for our youth. 💚

🍀

02/22/2026

The Health and Wellness Coalition of Union County (HAWC) is hosting its 3rd Quarter Meeting on To***co Policy, Trends, and the Retail Landscape — and this is an important conversation for our Cranford community.

Join us on Tuesday, March 10th from 12:00–2:00 PM at the Cranford Community Center to learn about current to***co trends, how policies impact our youth, and what’s happening locally and statewide. Lunch is provided!

This is a great opportunity for parents, educators, community leaders, and residents who care about keeping Cranford healthy and informed.

We hope to see you there!

***coFreeNJ

02/07/2026

Staying informed helps keep our kids safe!

Special thanks goes to the Cranford Police Department for this short video which highlights some of the most current drug trends impacting teens in 2026. Trends change quickly and what families knew in the past may not reflect what youth are exposed to today.

We encourage parents and caregivers to watch and use this information as a conversation starter at home. Education, awareness, and partnership are key to prevention.

01/19/2026

As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we’re inspired by his reminder that “everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”

Our partners at Prevention Links live this every day, and here in Cranford we strive to do the same. Service, prevention, and caring for one another help create a community where everyone feels supported and valued.

At Cranford Prevention & Wellness, we’re proud to support efforts that strengthen families, uplift youth, and prevent substance use. Together, we work to ensure resources are accessible, compassion is centered, and every person has the chance to thrive.

Today and every day, we recommit to building a healthier, more resilient Cranford. 💙

Dr. King reminded us that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. At Prevention Links, this belief is woven into everything we do.

On MLK Jr. Day, we reflect on how service, prevention, and community care are acts of justice. Strengthening families, supporting youth, preventing substance use, and walking alongside individuals and families impacted by addiction are not just services. They are commitments to equity, dignity, and opportunity.

For over 50 years, Prevention Links has worked to meet people where they are and provide education, connection, and support that helps communities thrive. Honoring Dr. King’s legacy means continuing to address the root causes of harm, investing in prevention, and ensuring that help is accessible, culturally responsive, and grounded in compassion.

Today, and every day, we recommit to building healthier, more resilient communities together.

01/03/2026

A new year brings a fresh opportunity to prioritize what matters most: your health, your goals, and your future 🌱

Making intentional choices around alcohol and substance use can lead to better focus, stronger connections, and a healthier lifestyle.

Let’s start the year by supporting ourselves, and each other, in making positive, prevention-focused choices.

12/06/2025

📣 Cranford Community: You're Invited!

We’re excited to help spread the word about the upcoming HAWC 2nd Quarter Meeting happening right here in Cranford! This session will spotlight the latest trends in narcotics use and trafficking, an important conversation for anyone invested in prevention and community wellness.

Join local experts, connect with partners across Union County, and be part of the work that keeps our community strong. 💙

📍 Cranford Community Center
🥗 Lunch is provided!

Check out the flyer below to register or learn more. Let’s keep building a safer, healthier Cranford together!

11/23/2025

Our Family Game Night was such a wonderful success! Thank you to all the families who came out to laugh, connect, and spend quality time together. ❤️🎲

Events like this may seem simple, but they play a powerful role in prevention. When families build strong bonds, communicate openly, and make time for fun, it creates protective factors that help reduce the risk of future drug and alcohol misuse.

Cranford Prevention & Wellness is proud to support activities that strengthen our community from the inside out. We can’t wait for the next one! 💙

11/08/2025

Want to make a difference right here in Cranford? 🌟

Join Cranford Prevention & Wellness and help us support the health, safety, and wellbeing of our community! Whether you have a little time or a lot, your involvement makes a big impact. 💪

Check out the Township’s post below to learn how to get involved!

Reminder to fill out the Volunteer Survey by November 15.
Make a difference in YOUR community. There are a number of Township of Cranford boards, committees and commissions seeking resident volunteers for 2026.
Go to the official Township of Cranford website, cranfordnj.org, to fill out the Volunteer Survey and Learn More.

https://www.cranfordnj.org/community/webforms/2026-volunteer-survey

10/25/2025

🎲 It’s Game Night in Cranford! 🎲

Join Cranford Prevention and Wellness for a night full of fun, laughter, and friendly competition at our Play and Laugh: Family Game Night!

🕹️ Bring the whole family to play old favorites, learn a new game, or even bring one to share!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages are welcome. This is the perfect way to connect, unwind, and make great memories together.

📅 Friday, November 21st
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave, Cranford, NJ

👉 Please note: this is not a drop-off event. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Let’s roll the dice, deal some cards, and make it a night to remember!

Learn more at www.cranfordpreventionandwellness.com

10/11/2025

💜 October is a Month to Reflect & Raise Awareness 💜

CPAW is celebrating October as part of Red Ribbon Day. This marks both Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Substance Use Prevention Month… two issues that often intersect. While alcohol or drugs don’t cause abuse, they can make it more frequent or severe. And for survivors, substance use can sometimes become a way to cope with pain or trauma.

By promoting healthy coping skills, prevention education, and open conversations, we can help break this cycle and build a safer, stronger Cranford community. 💪

Let’s use this month to support survivors, reduce stigma, and remind our neighbors that help is always available. No one has to face abuse or addiction alone.

09/27/2025

🌱 Small steps make a big difference. When we take care of our mental health, whether it’s through exercise, journaling, spending time with friends, or practicing mindfulness, we build the strength and resilience needed to handle life’s challenges.

💙 Strong mental health isn’t just about feeling good in the moment. It also helps us make healthy decisions and avoid risky behaviors, including the temptation of drugs and alcohol. When stress feels manageable and support systems are in place, it’s easier to say no to harmful choices and yes to positive ones.

👉 What’s one small thing you do for your own wellness each day? Share below. We’d love to hear your ideas and inspire others in our Cranford community!