NCDAA Expands Scope of Programs as Northbrook Family Network

Northbrook Citizens for Drug and Alcohol Awareness (NCDAA), a family education organization with deep roots in the community, has announced that it has changed its name to Northbrook Family Network. ­­The name change reflects the expanding range of topics and services covered by the organization, including educational programs to help parents deal with bullying, stress, mental health, and other issues. Northbrook Family Network (NFN) will continue to serve as the main provider of family education programs at the North Suburban YMCA, where it has been based since 2013.

“It’s become apparent in recent years that there’s a real need for comprehensive parent education programs in the community,” noted Sari Glazebrook, NFN’s Program Director. “Substance abuse is just one of the areas where parents need support and guidance. We will be offering a wide variety of programs to meet those needs, and also partnering with other community organizations to benefit from their expertise.”

NFN will continue NCDAA’s existing programs, including its support for the Safe Rides program that provides safe transportation home for high school students on Friday and Saturday nights. NFN also plans to continue partnerships with the depression advocacy group iFred, the Deerfield Parents Network, and other like-minded organizations. Most of its programs are open to the public and free of charge. An independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, NFN has received support from a variety of sources including the Village of Northbrook, the North Suburban YMCA, Rotary Club of Northbrook, the Northbrook Woman’s Club, the Tori Wilensky Foundation, and events including the Remembering Jerry fundraiser and the annual Prom Fashion Show at the Y. The all-volunteer Board of Directors are President Jill Narens, Vice President Bob Dahlke Jr, Sal Manso, Chris Urbanchyk, Dana Shapiro-Spaeth, Kurt Myers, and Michael Redstone.

“NCDAA built a great legacy of communication and education over the decades,” says Jill Narens. “Our new name speaks to the broader range of services that families need today, but the touchstone of positive messaging and support remains the same. We look forward to the continued growth of innovative new programs that serve our entire community.”

For more information about NFN programs, contact Sari Glazebrook, sglazebrook@nsymca.org.

Photo Caption: Northbrook Family Network, formerly NCDAA, provides a wide range of family education programs and other community services.

About the North Suburban YMCA
The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to make services available for all families and individuals in its 15-city region. All board members are volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources. Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served the northern suburbs of Chicago for over 45 years. The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that address the needs of our diverse community and are accessible to all. For more information or to make a donation, contact Barb Flanagin at 847-272-7250 or bflanagin@nsymca.org, or visit www.nsymca.org.