Alcohol & Drug Awareness Council of Orange County

01/17/2026

Interested in learning how to prevent opioid overdose deaths? Contact ADAC at any time via our Hope Line 844- 984-HOPE (4673) or register for one of the following trainings offered by the Orange County Department of Mental Health.

01/16/2026

🎉 Welcome Our New Executive Director! 🎉
The ADAC Board of Directors is proud to announce MaryAlice Kovatch as ADAC’s new Executive Director!
MaryAlice brings more than 13 years of service to ADAC, including a decade as Prevention Director, where she led innovative programs like Hidden Mischief and the IMPACT Prevention Program. With professional credentials in prevention, treatment, and recovery, and a BS in Addiction Studies, MaryAlice’s leadership is rooted in experience, compassion, and collaboration.
MaryAlice often reminds us that this is HEART work, and her heart remains firmly with ADAC’s staff and the individuals and families we serve throughout Orange County.
Please join us in welcoming MaryAlice to her new role! 💙

01/16/2026

Join us on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM (Virtual)
to learn more about ADAC’s CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) Training Program beginning in September 2026. This session will cover program structure, schedule, admissions, financial assistance, and next steps.
To register:
https://forms.gle/564QVqiQtkmMjAGbA

01/15/2026

We’re excited to share the Stepping Stones Grant! This grant supports grassroots efforts, individuals, and groups working to address substance-related challenges in their communities. Funding is available for prevention, education, and community initiatives. Reach out to ACES@adacinfo.com to learn how to apply.

01/13/2026

Recently, ADAC Prevention Specialists Denise Hulse and Wanda Febus Marrero and Prevention Educator Arabia Shearn facilitated a drowsy and distracted driving presentation and simulation in Port Jervis High School health classes! They visited 8 PJHS health classes and engaged 130 participants.

Port Jervis City School District Orange County STOP DWI & Traffic Safety Program

01/12/2026

01/08/2026

ADAC threw its "Peace Out Pizza Party" to celebrate the retirement of James “Jim” Conklin, our Executive Director!

Jim has dedicated over 30 years to providing drug prevention services across Orange County, NY. Throughout his career, he has inspired countless community members, strengthened partnerships, and led ADAC with unwavering commitment, passion, and vision. His work has left a lasting impact on the lives of students, families, and the community at large.

While Jim has officially retired, his legacy lives on in the mission of ADAC and the ongoing work to promote awareness, prevention, and wellness throughout our county.

Jim, we thank you for your decades of service, leadership, and dedication to the prevention field!

01/07/2026

SeansDream and Milo's Mission are hosting a free grief support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. This group is a safe, supportive space to process loss, share stories and find healing together. Please see the flyer below for more details!

SeansDream

12/29/2025

ADAC is proud to have partnered with the Orange County Youth Bureau and participate in their 36th Annual Adopt-a-Family for the Holidays Program! 🎁

12/27/2025

On December 15th, Prevention Specialist Ashley Nelson, TCPC Director Alayne Eisloeffel, and TCPC Program Assistant Isabella Bragaglia held a spin-the-wheel tabling event at Circleville Middle School. Students were asked questions on various prevention topics such as va**ng, alcohol, and more for prizes. Students were also able to write their names on slips of paper for our bulletin board to, "Be a Cool Kid! Stay Drug Free".

12/26/2025

🎨📝 Our 39th Annual Substance Use Prevention Poster and 8th Annual Prevention Essay Contest is underway! 🎨📝 Our theme this year is:

English theme: "Picture Your Future Through a Drug Free Lens"
Spanish theme: "Imagina Tu Futuro Desde una Perspectiva Libre De Dr**as"

All youth in grades 1-12 are invited to participate in this important awareness campaign. Each year, we receive more than 1500 submissions from young people throughout our community. Please share with all young people you work with in school, recreational activities, after school clubs, and beyond. We want every young person to have the chance to participate and be recognized for their support of a healthy lifestyle. Cash prizes available! Entry form (provided below) must be included with each poster or essay.

Check out the flyers below for more details. Questions can be emailed to prevention@adacinfo.com! 🎨📝

12/25/2025

Happy holidays from ADAC! ❄️

Make sure to stay/travel safe this holiday season!