Alcoholism Prevention Willow Tree Teen Institute, Inc.
PO Box 265, Green Village, NJ 07935
Phone: (973) 377-7748; Fax (973) 301-9105

Executive Director and Director of Volunteers: Sue Nobleman, Willow Tree phone: (973) 301-9104

Description of Program:
Willow Tree Teen Institute (WTTI) is an exciting statewide year 'round Prevention, Wellness and Leadership training program for New Jersey Middle School students. The program begins with an intensive, yet fun-filled, four-day skill building conference, concurrent with Teacher's Convention, and continues on throughout the school year with support from Willow Tree staff.

Through WTTI, young teens learn how to:

• Be effective prevention advocates,
• Create natural highs through laughter and play,
• Creatively teach others about the effects of alcohol and tobacco,
• Develop and implement positive community service projects,
• Make positive choices
• WTTI continues to provide support throughout the year to help sustain the energy created at the Kick-Off Conference and to help the students to spread this energy to a larger group of peer leaders.

How the ministry has helped people in need:
South River Middle School Advisor Sue Mazzella wrote the following to WTTI: "I believe a miracle has occurred in South River. Ten very shy and quiet seventh graders who couldn't communicate enough together to complete even a simple exercise have blossomed into an enthusiastic band of confident and knowledgeable prevention advocates who are changing the tone of the entire school! Their eagerness and dedication to their "No Use--No Way" message has teachers, administrators, and parents, as well as members of the Municipal Alliance grinning from ear to ear!"

How the ministry has helped people in need:
Gail Schwartz, a vice principal at Emerson Elementary School in Plainfield, expressed her thanks to the WTTI staff in the following note: "I want to say thank you for creating a program where not only are our kids hearts set on fire but so are the adults. You create an environment where people feel safe to be themselves, get to know others, and explore the issues related to substance use so that a profound shift in perspective occurs -- one where "No Use" truly becomes desirable and kids believe in their power to make a positive difference. One of the things I enjoy most about WTTI is your ability to teach through humor and play -- and that you help the adults to feel safe enough to join in, too. Our kids got such a kick out of seeing adults be playful at WTTI. Our playing, it seems, made it safe for our students to approach us with things that really matter to them. It humanized us...so we're still playing as we teach. And by placing great emphasis on creating a safe and caring community, you've helped us to remove many of our fear based barriers and to trust and support one another more. Our youngsters now think of themselves as being part of a loving family -- one that shares the same philosophy: "No use NO WAY!" Our kids describe this as WTTI magic!"

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Conference staff: Need volunteers to work the conference by facilitating action groups, family groups, and workshops. Also need cabin chaperones
• Board of Directors: Need someone who can help WTTI open doors to grow the agency. Board meets four times a year.
• Planning Board: The Harding Township Municipal Alliance on Drug and Alcohol Abuse needs someone from our church to sit on its planning board. The group meets from 9:30 to 11:00 am in the Harding School Cafeteria on the last Wednesday of the month during the school year.
  

Job Opportunity:
Secretary: Need someone 3 days per week to help with major mailings (newsletters, etc.), to help organize conference materials, to help with data entry for participant registration, etc. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Filemaker Pro and Quick Books Pro a plus- but not necessary if a fast learner. Flexible hours available. Need is immediate.

Ministry Opportunity:
Person who enjoys young teens is needed to serve as an advisor to a Willow Tree team from our church. Requires attendance at a 4-day residential conference in November and follow-up sessions with youngsters to implement an action plan to make a positive difference.