Teamwork was evident at Manhasset CASA’s recent Coalition Sector meeting where members were front and center providing their evaluation of CASA’s operations, strategic plan and community collaboration strategies.
All coalition members participated in an online and anonymous “Kaizen” Survey to help CASA understand its managerial strengths and weaknesses. The Kaizen survey is a self-assessment tool that allows the CASA Board and coalition members to evaluate its organization as a whole in order to make necessary changes to improve strategies to collaborate in the community and reduce substance use in youth. The term ‘Kaizen’ is taken from the Japanese management approach to continuous process improvement. The survey was implemented by the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force (NYNG CDTF) in their efforts to improve the health and well-being of New York communities by addressing alcohol and other substance use/abuse through coalition development.
The meeting also recognized the outstanding work of two outgoing Executive Board of Directors members: Ed Garofolo and Deirdre Curtis. Ed Garofolo worked with CASA for over five years as vice chair and treasurer and was instrumental in bringing CASA’s Alcohol Awareness Training Program (ATAP) to local businesses. ATAP is an environmental strategy used to reduce underage drinking in the community. Since 2011, Deirdre Curtis has been providing exceptional legal and organizational guidance as secretary of CASA’s executive board. “
Manhasset CASA is only as great as those individuals who dedicate themselves to provide their time, effort and resources to further our mission. We thank Ed and Deirdre for their dedication and making a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community,” stated Dr. Caryn Sawyer, executive director, Manhasset CASA, Inc.
The sector meeting closed with CASA’s parent, school, community and youth committee members sharing their prevention initiatives that ranged from new innovative educational programs to policy change to pharmaceutical take back events. The next scheduled meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016 at 9 a.m. at Manhasset High School. All residents are invited.
For more information or to become a member of Manhasset CASA, contact Cathy Samuels, project director, at 516-267-7548 or go to www.manhassetcasa.org.
