Douglas County D.A.R.E. Foundation, Inc.

A Colorado Non-Profit Corporation

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)

D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children how to effectively handle the pressures to use violence, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.  Each lesson is structured with goals and objectives—in order to meet National Health Education Standards. The core program targets 5th and 6th grade students who are exiting elementary school and entering the junior high level, a time when they are very vulnerable to peer-pressure. 

Packed with the latest in prevention science and teaching techniques, the10-week prevention-oriented D.A.R.E. curriculum, actively teaches students strategies that help them understand the effects of mind-altering drugs, consequence consideration, resistance techniques, how to choose good alternatives, effective stress management, good decision making, and violence resistance.  D.A.R.E. also helps kids build self esteem, learn responsive assertiveness, and to connect with positive role models as they mature. 

Simply put, D.A.R.E. is the most extensive drug prevention program in the country and equips children with the tools that will enable them to avoid negative influences and instead, allow them to focus on their strengths and potential.

Douglas County D.A.R.E. Foundation:

In 1990, because complete funding to provide the D.A.R.E. program in Douglas County was not available, the Douglas County D.A.R.E. Foundation was established and obtained its certification as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.  Funded through grants and public and private donations, the Foundation is made up of dedicated community and school district volunteers along with personnel from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Castle Rock Police Department, and Parker Police Department.   It operates under established bylaws and is managed by elected officers and a Board of Directors. 

Mission:

Along with helping to ensure proper management and funding of the D.A.R.E Program in Douglas County, the Foundation’s mission is to ensure that all Douglas County Public Schools have the opportunity to present the D.A.R.E. curriculum to its children and that law enforcement can maintain a positive role in the lives of our youth.

Objectives:

• Help fund local D.A.R.E. officer training, at least half of all funding for classroom study materials, along with the costs of other related teaching aids. 
• Ensure interagency coordination between the Douglas County School District and member law enforcement agencies.  
• Help provide that every Douglas County student has the opportunity to grow-up healthy, safe, secure, and be equipped with the skills needed to succeed in life.
• Ensure that Foundation efforts meet the needs of students, our community, parents, teachers, and member law enforcement agencies. 
• Evaluate D.A.R.E. classroom curriculum and quality of instruction.

For more information about the D.A.R.E. Program or the Douglas County D.A.R.E. Foundation, contact our D.A.R.E. Foundation coordinator at (303) 660-7593. Donations can be mailed c/o: Douglas County D.A.R.E. Foundation Coordinator 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109