Thriving Youth Darien Program Director Honored With Special Award

DARIEN, CT — Sarah McCarty, program director of Thriving Youth Darien, received a 2026 Above & Beyond Award from Catalyst CT | The Hub at a Sept. 24 ceremony at the Discovery Science Center & Planetarium in Bridgeport.

The Above & Beyond awards recognize people across Southwestern Connecticut whose work demonstrates an exceptional commitment to behavioral health, prevention, recovery and community well-being.

McCarty leads Thriving Youth Darien, the community prevention coalition that brings together local organizations, schools, law enforcement, parents, youth and other partners to promote youth development and mental health and reduce teen substance use.

Under her leadership, Thriving Youth Darien has placed greater emphasis on youth engagement and using local data to guide prevention efforts.

Recent initiatives include youth-led community education campaigns, efforts to reduce youth access to alcohol and other substances, expanded access to medication safety and overdose prevention resources, and new approaches to incorporating youth perspectives into the coalition’s community survey process.

"Some of the most important insights we get about prevention come directly from young people," said McCarty, according to a news release. "Our job as adults is not only to give youth a seat at the table, but to listen when they tell us something about our approach... and be willing to change it. I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside young people and community partners who are willing to do that work together."

In July, McCarty presented at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Mid-Year Training Institute on what the coalition learned after inviting Darien youth to examine its youth survey and discuss what affects their trust in community data collection and their willingness to participate honestly.

"This recognition reflects the strength of the partnerships that make Thriving Youth Darien possible," McCarty said. "Prevention works best when it is not owned by one organization or one person, but built into the community together."

The Community Fund of Darien serves as Thriving Youth Darien's fiscal agent, and the coalition is supported by the federal Drug-Free Communities Support Program.