Students, parents, and public school officials at Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe schools have had the benefit of attending a series of informational and interaction sessions for high school students led by the harris project founder, Stephanie Marquesano, over the past academic year. Youth Community Fund members have also had the opportunity to attend a stand-alone event led by Stephanie this past winter at the Tuckahoe Community Center.
RSVP for a Special Event for Middle School Students and their Parents/Guardians on Sunday, April 27th, 5pm at the Eastchester Community Center at Lake Isle
For this year’s YCF Mental Health Progam, the members wanted to share what they have learned about co-occurring disorders – issues linked by mental health challenges and substance use issues – with middle schoolers and their parents. Stephanie agreed to join forces and facilitate this event with involvement and assistance from YCF Members.
About the event:
Have you heard of CODA? CODA stands for Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness. Believe it or not over 20 million people have Co-Occurring Disorders, but most have never heard of it! Co-Occurring Disorders or COD is the combination of one or more mental health challenges and alcohol, marijuana, opioid or other substance misuse. One in two people with substance use issues also struggle with mental health challenges. We are going to spend this workshop learning more! Let’s see how TOGETHER we can save lives and improve outcomes.
Format + guide:
Middle schoolers will work together and with the Youth Community Fund members, supported by Stephanie and team. Parents will gather in an adjacent space to have their own session with the harris project facilitators. Preview the activity guide.
Location:
This event will be held at the Eastchester Community Center at Lake Isle. The address is: 660 White Plains Rd., Eastchester, NY 10709. Parking is free, and the building is accessible.
About Stephanie Marquesano
Stephanie Marquesano is a mom, innovator, educator, and founder of the harris project—the only nonprofit in the country dedicated to co-occurring disorders (COD), the combination of mental health challenges and substance use issues. After the death of her 19-year-old son Harris to an accidental overdose, she turned her heartbreak into purpose, working to ensure that young people and families have access to support, education, and integrated care.
Stephanie created CODA – Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness, a peer-driven prevention movement that empowers youth to educate and engage their schools and communities. She developed the first COD prevention curriculum in collaboration with Partnership to End Addiction, supported by a Westchester County Opioid Response Initiative award. She also co-chairs the Westchester County Co-Occurring System of Care Committee, where her leadership has helped expand access to wraparound treatment and supports for youth and families impacted by COD.
Most recently, the harris project partnered with Us Weekly on The Missing Issue—a special edition magazine that reframes celebrity stories and shines a light on the 21+ million people in the U.S. living with co-occurring disorders. Harris wasn’t alone—and through her work, Stephanie hopes to save lives and improve outcomes for others.
the harris project’s public service campaign, You Don’t Know The Half Of It, received more than 40 national and international awards, and Stephanie has been featured in The New York Times and on the TED stage for her national leadership. Stephanie received her Juris Doctor from New York University, and is a former PTA president and School Board member. She lives in Ardsley and is committed to building a future where prevention, early intervention, and connection are front and center.
