$200,000 to support Dubois County CARES’ mission to prevent youth substance use
Jasper – Dubois County CARES has been awarded a $200,000 grant to expand evidence-based substance use prevention and early intervention programming for youth across Dubois County.
The grant will be dispersed over two years beginning July 1, 2026. Funding has been provided in part by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction. The Dubois County Board of Commissioners has pledged opioid settlement funds to secure the required local match.
Through partnerships with local schools, CARES will deliver Botvin LifeSkills evidence-based prevention education to students at key developmental stages. The initiative builds upon a pilot program at Cedar Crest Intermediate School, which has received encouraging feedback from students and educators. Additional schools will participate as implementation progresses. Northeast Dubois Intermediate and Jasper Middle schools have signed on for the 2026-27 school year.
“We have already seen how impactful this type of programming can be for our students,” said Haylee Hoffman, a school counselor for the Southeast Dubois County School Corp. “The lessons help students build real-world skills — confidence, decision-making and refusal skills. We’re excited to be part of a model that other schools in the county will now be able to implement.”
CARES also will collaborate with the Dubois County Prosecutor’s Office to provide services for youth who have entered the legal system because of low-level substance-related offenses. This diversion pathway provides youth with education and support as an alternative to deeper involvement in the justice system.
“This program creates an important bridge between accountability and opportunity,” County Prosecutor Beth Schroeder said. “By combining prevention education with diversion services, we are giving young people the tools they need to make healthier choices while reducing repeat involvement in the justice system. This partnership strengthens outcomes for youth, families and our community as a whole.”
The additional programming reinforces the county’s commitment to prevention and early intervention. “The county’s opioid settlement dollars are meant to create long-term impact,” County Commissioner Chad Blessinger said. “Investing in prevention for our youth is one of the most responsible and meaningful ways we can use these funds. This project represents collaboration at its best — schools, CARES and the justice system working together to address issues before they become lifelong struggles.”
The CARES Board of Directors and staff emphasize that the expanded programming is about more than just education — it is about building a brighter future.
“Substance use prevention isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Candy Neal, CARES program director. “This initiative allows us to meet young people where they are, whether that’s in a classroom learning life skills or through a diversion program that offers a second chance. When we intervene early and intentionally, we can reduce harm, strengthen resiliency and support healthier futures.”
