Upcoming
HIRING: Assistant to Project Director
We’re hiring! Fairfield CARES is seeking an Assistant to the Project Director to support youth substance use prevention efforts across the community. This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about public health, social services, youth engagement, and community outreach. The role includes supporting coalition initiatives, coordinating meetings and trainings, assisting with social media and communications, and working closely with schools and community partners to make a positive impact in Fairfield. Join us in helping build a healthier, safer community for our youth!
LIGHTS, LYRICS, AND LAUGHS: A KICKOFF TO SUMMER
Join Fairfield Community Services, Catalyst CT, the Hub, Here For You, and Fairfield CARES for Lights, Lyrics, and Laughs: A Kickoff To Summer
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
Time: 6:30 - 9 PM
Location: Bigelow Senior Activities
100 Mona Terrace
You can't miss it!
This program was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DFC Grant
Past Programs & Events
An Evening with Hunter Flores
An Evening with Hunter Flores
The Sober Truth: From Addiction to Recovery
March 26, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Fairfield Ludlowe High School
The Sober Truth: From Addiction to Recovery: An Evening with Hunter Flores
CARES held a community presentation at Fairfield Ludlowe High School with the Sober Truth, an inspiring community presentation with Hunter Flores. From early experimentation to opioid addiction and recovery. Hunter shares his lived experience and the path that changed his life. Through honest storytelling and reflection, this program encourages awareness and prevention, informed decision-making, resilience, hope, and meaningful family conversations.
The 45-minute session was held with Ludlowe. The conversation was had with approx. 200 students from each grade, freshmen to seniors. The session was followed by a Q& A discussion with Hunter Flores with students who shared their personal experiences and more knowledge.
March 30, 2026, at 6:30 PM
Fairfield Main Library Rotary Room
CARES also held a community presentation at the library with Sober Truth. We had an attendance of 13 community members at the session.
This program was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DFC Grant
Rethinking Tech In Students' Lives: An Evening with Max Stossel
April 28, 2026, Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Collaboration with FPS, PTA Council -
Community members and our middle and high school students had the opportunity to hear from speaker, award-winning poet, filmmaker, and founder of The Social Awakening, Max Stossel. His presentations focused on helping us better understand the impact of technology and social media, as well as how we can build healthier digital habits.
During each session, Max highlighted how some technology platforms are intentionally designed to mimic the reward patterns of gambling, keeping users engaged in ways that can quickly become habit-forming. As adults, many of us can likely relate to spending more time scrolling or checking notifications than we would like. For our children, the constant stream of feedback through Snapchat streaks or endless YouTube videos can begin to replace meaningful, in-person interactions with friends and family causing stress and even depression. This truly is a growing concern. Beyond potential online safety risks, we are seeing impacts on students’ emotional well-being and their ability to form deep connections that help them thrive.
Learned from the session
What was gained from this session:
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Insight into how today's technology environment impacts teen development
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Practical strategies for creating healthy digital boundaries at home
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Guidance on supporting students through the phone-free school era
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Live Q&A with Max Stossel
This program was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DFC Grant
CREATE & CALM
In Honor of Mental Health Awareness Month
Fairfield Community Services, Catalyst CT, the Hub, Here For You, and Fairfield CARES had a wonderful afternoon of creativity and relaxation. Join us to discover new ways to calm your mind while having fun with arts, crafts, & more.
This program was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DFC Grant
CARES 2025 Week of Action
In celebration of International Overdose Awareness Day, Fairfield CARES hosted the Week of Action on September 3 and 4, two impactful days of community education, overdose prevention, and remembrance.
On September 3, CARES hosted a Prevention & Education Day, with a Health Expo and Narcan Training Sessions. The Expo was an opportunity for the community to learn about the wonderful resources and organizations within the community. Alongside the Health Expo, Narcan Training sessions were conducted to educate the public on recognizing the signs of overdose and how to respond effectively.
On September 4, CARES hosted a Candlelight Vigil. This event honored the lives lost to substance misuse, raised awareness about overdose, and acknowledged the grief of families and friends left behind.
Program brought to you by Fairfield CARES Community, Fairfield Parks & Recreation, Catalyst| The Hub, Fairfield Health Department, Recovery Networks, Inc