POSTPONED: Dutchess County Program Fights Youth Addiction with Laughs

(THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. WHEN THINGS GET RESCHEDULED, WE WILL UPDATE THIS POST)

Not all heroes wear capes, but this organization is named after them. The Council on Addiction Prevention & Education (CAPE) was established in 1987 to meet the growing need for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) prevention and education services in Dutchess County.

This weekend, CAPE is fighting against substance abuse with one of the best forms of medicine: laughter.

Who is CAPE?

Founded 35 years ago, CAPE's mission is to become the premier substance use disorder prevention and recovery provider in the Mid- Hudson Region. Their mission is guided by the values of compassion, credibility, collaboration commitment, and passion. They are certified by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. CAPE also partners with the Northern Dutchess Community Coalition (NDCC) to provide Drug Free initiatives to the Dutchess County community.

National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

This time of year must be busy for an organization such as CAPE because October was National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, and November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. October is a time to highlight the vital role of substance abuse prevention in both individual and community health has, to remember those who have lost their lives to substance abuse, to acknowledge those in recovery, as well and children, parents, family and friends supporting them.

Studies show that 9 out of 10 people who abuse or are addicted to nicotine, alcohol or other drugs began using these substances before they were 18 years old.

November was declared National Homeless Youth Awareness Month in 2007. Since then, November has been a time to acknowledge those children and families experiencing homelessness. As many as 2.5 million youth per year experience homelessness.

Homeless youth are more susceptible to dangers such as impulsivity, depression, PTSD, abuse, and substance abuse.

Big Laughs to Benefit Dutchess County Youth

Again, laughter is the best medicine, and three comedians will be prescribing the comedy this weekend. CAPE is bringing in these incredible comedians:

• Described by Comedy Cabaret's Andy Scarpati, headliner "Joey [Callahan] is one of the best comedy club comedians in the USA!  Our audiences love him and he is one of our most requested comics!  He always has our comedy clubs rocking with laughs!"
• Touring Comedian and avid Marathon Runner John Iavaone will be running the stage, and will be leaving you out of breath from laughter.
• The night will be hosted by "Crazy" Gene Trifilo. As his Instagram bio says, he's "Crazy, funny and fun !!! Just don't touch [his] Cinnabon!"

CAPE is hosted their Comedy Show fundraiser this Saturday, November 12th at the Elk's Lodge 275 on 29 Overocker Road, Poughkeepsie, New York. Tickets are available at the door for $25 cash, or $30 with a card. A cash bar and snacks will be provided. People can RSVP ahead of time by emailing comedyshow@capedc.dc or calling 845-765-8301 x 1000.