Youth Asset Team
The Youth Asset Team (YAT) is an enrichment program for 10th–12th grade students in Darien focused on mental health promotion and substance use prevention. The group is led by The Community Fund of Darien’s Youth Program Manager, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a team of elected student leaders. YAT students meet regularly to engage in meaningful conversations and hands-on activities that support their wellbeing and that of their peers.
YAT members have participated in a variety of impactful experiences, including completing QPR (Question Persuade Refer) suicide prevention training, attending a fentanyl awareness presentation from Song for Charlie, and hearing from a Darien Police Lieutenant about the dangers of driving under the influence. They’ve also taken part in community initiatives like the “You Are Not Alone” mural and the Out of the Darkness Walk, which aim to reduce stigma and strengthen peer support.
​
Students meet 1-2 times a month for 45 minutes.
​
Meetings will be held at The Office Suites of Darien, 30 Old Kings Highway South, Darien, CT 06820 - 1st Floor Training Room
​
Students are responsible for their own transportation.
​
Youth Asset Team $200 registration fee funds the operation of the youth program:
-
Personnel
-
Space rental
-
Refreshments / snacks
-
Supplies
-
Any remaining funds are contributed to The Community Fund of Darien's grant giving pool to be invested in helping our community.
Questions? Please email info@communityfunddarien.org
2024-2025 Youth Program Recap
This year, 24 Darien 10th - 12th graders participated in the Youth Asset Team (YAT). The students met regularly to engage in meaningful conversations and hands-on activities that support their wellbeing and that of their peers. YAT participated in a variety of impactful experiences, including completing QPR (Question Persuade Refer) suicide prevention training, attending a fentanyl awareness presentation from Song for Charlie, and hearing from a Darien Police Lieutenant about the dangers of driving under the influence.​
Positive Post-It Poster​
​
Students wrote uplifting messages on colorful post-it notes and created a large poster display in the high school. Their goal was to brighten someone’s day—inviting peers to take a note, read a kind message, and carry that encouragement with them.
​Out of Darkness Walk
​
YAT members attended Darien High School's Out of the Darkness Walk, which aims to reduce stigma and strengthen peer support.
Intoxicated Driving Presentation - Led by Lieutenant TJ Moore
​
Students attended a presentation on intoxicated driving led by Lieutenant TJ Moore of the Darien Police Department. He discussed the dangers of driving under the influence and explained the Social Host Law. Students also had the chance to experience the effects of impairment firsthand by attempting field sobriety tests while wearing ‘drunk goggles'.
Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training
​
Students participated in a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training led by two certified trainers from The Hub, the regional behavioral health action organization under Catalyst CT. The session equipped students with practical tools to recognize warning signs, offer support, and refer someone to help. At the end of the training, students received a QPR certificate, demonstrating their readiness to respond to a mental health crisis.
One Pill Can Kill: Fentanyl Awareness Event​
​
Students attended “One Pill Can Kill”, a fentanyl awareness event featuring Bridget Lattimer, an advocate with Song for Charlie. Bridget shared her personal story and educated students on the dangers of fentanyl, helping them understand the risks of counterfeit pills and the importance of informed choices.