The Holliston Drug & Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC), operating under Holliston Youth and Family Services, is a community-driven initiative dedicated to reducing youth substance misuse through collaboration with local residents, businesses, and organizations.
Founded in 2015 by a community member in recovery, the Coalition has evolved over the years while remaining steadfast in its mission to support the community. In 2022, Holliston was one of just nine Massachusetts communities awarded the prestigious Drug-Free Community (DFC) grant. This five-year grant provides HDAAC with $125,000 annually, totaling $625,000, to combat youth substance use and strengthen community partnerships. The DFC program engages twelve essential sectors to achieve its objectives, including youth, parents, businesses, media, schools, youth-serving organizations, law enforcement, religious groups, civic and volunteer organizations, healthcare professionals, government bodies, and other entities focused on substance use prevention (in Holliston’s case, the Fire Department). HDAAC is also exploring the addition of a thirteenth sector—recovery.
Following the grant’s award, HDAAC hired Zoe Moreau (she/her) as a full-time coordinator in May 2023. Zoe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and brings extensive experience in substance use prevention, having previously worked with Tobacco Free Rhode Island at the American Lung Association. Over the past year, under Zoe’s leadership, HDAAC has significantly expanded its outreach, engaging with more youth and adults, enhancing its visibility in the Holliston community, and providing additional resources to those in need. The Coalition actively participated in various community initiatives, including tabling at Art Saves Lives, marching in the 300th Celebration Parade, co-hosting a Haunted House at 1750 Washington Street, and collaborating with over 30 local businesses and organizations to distribute Mental Health Month ribbons and resources throughout the town in May.
This year, HDAAC has focused on increasing youth involvement in its efforts. While a dedicated youth coalition is still in development, the Coalition has successfully connected with many young people across town, even bringing some on board as interns. HDAAC firmly believes that youth voices are vital in preventing substance misuse. To achieve this, the Coalition addresses not only substance misuse but also mental health, equity, and other risk and protective factors in the lives of young people and the broader community. Recognizing the critical role of parents, HDAAC emphasizes their involvement as they are often the most influential figures in the lives of young people.
Join us for our kick-off meeting on Thursday, September 12th, from 6:00-8:00 pm at 1750 Washington Street. Dinner will be provided. At this meeting, you can learn about prevention, our coalition, our initiatives this year, and some treatment and recovery resources in honor of Recovery Month in September.
If you’re interested in getting involved with HDAAC, learn more about the levels of commitment below:
- Follow us on social media (HDAACoalition on Facebook & HollistonDAAC on Instagram) and share our information!
- Receive our monthly e-newsletter by emailing moreauz@holliston.k12.ma.us to add you to it!
- Attend our monthly meetings, typically the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30 pm on Zoom. Email moreauz@holliston.k12.ma.us the link.
- Attend one of our sub-committee meetings (communications, policy, or data/evaluation) on the 3rd Wednesday every three months from 6:30-7:30 pm on Zoom.
- Assist with projects and volunteer at events throughout the year!
Visit us at HDAAC.org for substance and mental health educational resources, as well as how to get help.
We’re so lucky to have this program! Congratulations Zoe on all your work!