Community Alliance for Teen Safety

The Community Alliance for Teen Safety (CATS) was founded in 1996 after a number of teens died in car crashes in Derry NH within a short period of time. The grass roots coalition of community members that came together to determine the root cause of these tragedies was incorporated in May of 1996 and officially became the Community Alliance for Teen Safety. CATS received its 501 (C) (3) status in 1997.

Because of its work in bringing together diverse community sectors to prevent further injuries and fatalities, CATS was recognized in 1997 by the NHTSA as NH's 1st Safe Communities program. CATS continued its work and was recognized with an International Safe Communities Special Achievement Award in 2000. 

CATS mission is to promote safe habits for all youth by increasing awareness of high-risk behaviors, encouraging healthy choices, and fostering community alliances.

CATS has benefited from loyal and long serving Board of Directors members and an Executive Director who joined CATS in 1996. Over the years, volunteers and staff have shared their unique skills and insights to further the mission and work of the non-profit.

CATS focuses on driving safety, substance misuse prevention, and other issues that impact the health and safety of youth and families. A priority is to empower and engage youth to develop their leadership skills as advocates for making safe choices. 

CATS has effectively served as a central hub connecting the various spokes of the community wheel. Outreach to the community and in-reach to CATS has been spontaneous  and dynamic, serving as a prototype for solving community issues going forward. CATS is committed to promoting a safer community and to facilitating the growth of new and expanded linkages among the various sectors of the community. 

CATS has supported the public health work for one of the 13 public health networks in NH with a focus on substance misuse prevention, continuum of care services and young adult strategies.

CATS has maintained its fiscal sustainability over the years through diverse funding from federal, state, municipal contracts and grants, foundation grants, fundraising, and private and corporate donations. It received the 10 year Drug Free Communities Support Program federal grant award to further its work in the prevention field.