For more information, please contact:
Barbara Cruz, First Step of Sarasota
941-552-2065
First Step of Sarasota help youth dodge drugs
SARASOTA, Fla. – First Step of Sarasota (www.fsos.org), a nonprofit organization that provides addiction recovery programs in Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto Counties, are helping Sarasota County youth dodge drugs through the D-Fy (Drug Free Youth) initiative.
On March 28, 2017 Sky Zone Sarasota hosted the first D-Fy (Drug Free Youth) dodgeball tournament between Venice High School and Sarasota High School. “Through the D-Fy program we are teaching our youth that it’s ok to be drug and alcohol free” says PJ Brooks, First Step VP of Outreach Services. Morgan Davie, a Sarasota High School Junior was at the event and said “I want to remain drug and alcohol free, and I want the community to come together to be more aware of this program.”
D-Fy is an initiative for youth in 6th through 12th grade and has created a movement of peers who share a commitment to live a healthy, drug-free life. D-Fy is also helping to grow a community culture to support these youth. Students sign a written agreement to be alcohol, drug and tobacco-free. They agree to be randomly drug tested. They gain discounts at partnering businesses who want to support them in making great choices for themselves.
Sarasota High School and Prevention Specialist for First Step, Bryan Rawls heads up the D-Fy initiative at Sarasota High School and was the event organizer. For more information about the event or the program, or to become a D-Fy Business Partner contact Bryan at or log on to www.dfinitiative.org.
About First Step of Sarasota
Since 1968, First Step of Sarasota has provided high-quality, affordable substance abuse treatment and prevention programs throughout southwest Florida. Programs include medical detoxification, residential-based treatment and outpatient services for adults. Youth outpatient services are also provided in the nonprofit’s Sarasota outpatient office. For more information, visit www.fsos.org or call 941-366-5333.
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[Photo attached: Front row left to right are D-Fy volunteers, front row featured in the middle (with the blue shirt) is Sarasota High School Principle, David Jones, to his right (black t-shirt) is Brian Ryals, Sarasota High School and Prevention Specialist for First Step, on the right end is, PJ Brooks, First Step VP of Outreach Services, rows 2, 3 & 4 are Sarasota High school D-Fy students]