Serving Cabarrus, Davidson, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union Counties | | |
Fostering strong, safer communities by addressing the challenges of substance
dependency and building resilience among individuals, youth, and families
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The Prevention Pulse
Last month's stories & impact: at the heart of growth & transformation
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- At a Glance
- Impact Story
- GPCR Achievements
- QCHR Service Outcomes
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- Behind the Scenes
- Featured Events
- Call to Action
- Get Involved
| | 2nd graders from Frim Foundations OutReach particpanting in Too Good for Drugs | | Every day, prevention creates new possibilities. From helping families find stable housing and empowering youth through evidence-based programs to expanding harm reduction services, strengthening community partnerships, and celebrating 10 years of visionary leadership, this issue highlights the many ways Center for Prevention Services is building safer, healthier, and more resilient communities. Dive in to see the lives being changed through prevention, compassion, and collaboration. | | Program Updates: Prevention & Resilience Initiatives | | Too Good for Drugs participants at certification ceremony | | |
Empowering Youth Through Prevention
Our prevention programs continue to make a positive impact on local youth through engaging, evidence-based education. This year, students participated in Too Good for Drugs at Mallard Creek STEM Academy, Safe Dates at Opportunity School in Concord, and Unique You at the McCrorey YMCA. As each program concluded, participants proudly received certificates celebrating their commitment and accomplishments. These moments reflect the confidence, knowledge, and life skills our youth gain as they build healthier futures.
Helping Keep Firearms Secure in Our Community
Center for Prevention Services was proud to serve as one of Mecklenburg County's official pickup locations for the free gun safety lock box distribution initiative. In partnership with Mecklenburg County Public Health's Office of Violence Prevention, the program provided residents with free lock boxes and educational resources to encourage the safe storage of firearms. By making secure firearm storage more accessible, this initiative helps reduce the risk of accidental injuries, youth access to firearms, theft, and gun violence, supporting safer homes and stronger communities for everyone.
Spanish Programs
The Archdale Community Center Grand Opening was a huge success! Center for Prevention Services partnered with St. Andrew's United Methodist Church to celebrate the opening with a community Resource Fair featuring 18 local organizations, family activities, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Together, we're expanding access to prevention programs, community resources, and support for local families.
| | Service Updates: Harm Reduction Initiatives | |
Key Successes
- 127 Infectious Disease Tests Administered & Substance Tests Administered
- 20,000 Safe & Sterile Use Supplies Distributed
- 60 Biohazard Disposal Containers
- 1 Community Event Attended
- 150 People Reached
- 330 Preventive Care Kits
| | | QCHR Kit making event with Charlotte LGBT ruby team | | |
Expanding Our Substance Testing Capabilities
Our organization is proud to offer advanced substance testing using the Bruker Alpha 2 FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) Analyzer. As one of only four locations in North Carolina equipped to provide this specialized testing, we're helping identify substances quickly and accurately to support harm reduction efforts, inform community response, and improve public health outcomes. This technology strengthens our ability to respond to emerging drug trends and better serve individuals and communities across our region.
Technology Opens Doors to Opportunity
Thanks to a generous technology donation, SOAR received 20 computers with Microsoft 365 subscriptions and 60 phones with prepaid service plans to support participants in our Housing Assistance Program. Access to reliable technology helps individuals stay connected to housing resources, apply for jobs, communicate with service providers, attend virtual appointments, and build greater stability as they work toward long-term success. These tools are making a meaningful difference by helping participants overcome barriers and stay connected on their journey to safe, stable housing.
Community Connections & Professional Growth
Our team was proud to participate in Pride in the Park, connecting with community members, sharing information about our programs, and strengthening relationships with individuals and organizations throughout the community. Events like these help us build trust, increase awareness of available resources, and ensure everyone knows they have a place to turn for support. Staff also participated in Re-Entry Simulation Training, an immersive experience designed to increase understanding of the challenges individuals face when returning to the community after incarceration. The training provided valuable insight into the barriers to housing, employment, transportation, and accessing essential services, helping our team better serve participants with empathy, knowledge, and compassion.
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
Angela B. Allen, MA | Chief Executive Officer
This year, we celebrate Angela Allen's 10th anniversary as CEO, a decade marked by vision, innovation, and collaboration. Under Angela's leadership, Center for Prevention Services expanded beyond prevention to embrace harm reduction, addressing a critical gap for individuals who often fall between prevention services and treatment. At the same time, prevention efforts have continued to grow across all six counties through strong partnerships and community collaboration. Angela has championed a collective impact approach, bringing organizations together to work toward shared goals rather than operating in silos. Her leadership has also broadened access to housing assistance by supporting models that meet people where they are, without requiring them to be fully in recovery before receiving help.
Outside of work, Angela enjoys spending time with her husband, Roy, their three children, four grandchildren, and their recently adopted rescue German Shepherd, Greta. She also loves gardening, cooking, swimming, learning Spanish, and drawing cartoons. Congratulations, Angela, on ten years of compassionate leadership and lasting impact.
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Albemarle Community Day
- Celebrate the grand reopening of Amhurst Garden Park on August 1 from 12:00–5:00 PM at this community event hosted by the City of Albemarle Department of Public Housing. Enjoy a back-to-school resource fair, connect with local organizations, and discover valuable resources for children and families.
Marshville National Night Out and Back to School
- Join the Marshville Police Department and Anderson Outreach on August 4 from 6:00–8:00 PM for National Night Out, a community celebration featuring local first responders, family-friendly activities, and a back-to-school resource fair that strengthens connections between law enforcement and the community.
Anderson Outreach Back-to-School Bash and Food Equity Program
- Kick off the school year on August 15 from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM with Anderson Outreach at this family-friendly event featuring free school supplies, food, and community resources to help children and families prepare for a successful school year.
Atrium Union Kids Eat Free
- Hosted by Atrium Health and Morrison Healthcare, this USDA Summer Food Service Program event takes place on August 18 from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM and provides free meals for children and youth ages 18 and under, along with valuable health and safety resources from community partners.
Charlotte Pride 2026
- Charlotte Pride 2026 takes place August 9–16, with the main Festival on August 15–16 at First Ward Park in Uptown Charlotte and the Pride Parade on Sunday, August 16. The week features community events, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities across Charlotte. Be sure to stop by the QCHR booth during the festival to say hello and learn more about our work! We've got some exciting surprises in store!
| Click below to view a complete list of our upcoming programs, events, and activities: | Center for Prevention Services relies on community support and individual donations to successfully fulfill its mission. Your generous contribution will directly impact the lives of the people we serve. A git of any amount is greatly appreciated. | Center for Prevention Services relies on community support and individual donations to successfully fulfill its mission. Your generous contribution will directly impact the lives of the people we serve. A gift of any amount is greatly appreciated. | Whether you're interested in evidence-based programs for youth and families, professional development opportunities, or serving as a community ambassador, there are many ways to connect and make an impact. | | © 2026 Center for Prevention Services.
All rights reserved. | | | | |
