D.A.R.E. WORKS

Local Family Provides Proof Of Effectiveness

I can speak from experience regarding the D.A.R.E. program in School
District 3. Two of my three daughters had the privilege and good fortune to
graduate from the program with Deputy Don. My oldest daughter went through
the elementary school before the program and I can tell you for sure that I
see a huge difference in my three daughters.

My oldest daughter is now 25 years old and there was no D.A.R.E. I see that
many of her friends and she do not think much about drugs as a negative
influence on their lives.

My other two daughters, ages 20 and 11, both graduated Talbott Elementary
and the D.A.R.E. program. What a difference. My 20-year-old still thinks
drugs are "uncool," and that people that do them are mainly losers. She
still looks forward to a successful adulthood with energy, education,
motivation, and a clean, classy, preppie attitude that was strengthened by
the program. I see her friends, most of them drug-free, with the same
motivation.

My 11-year-old has the same attitude - drugs are for losers, people bound
to fail most of the time because they don't value themselves or their
future. She will look down on drug use as her 20-year-old sister has and be
proud to choose to be drug-free.

D.A.R.E. has made my job of being a parent so much easier. I am so thankful
to the program because I see the difference. It works.

Cheryl Petersen

Colorado Springs