The Coppell Family YMCA’s C.A.R.E. program will host a New Directions class each Tuesday from 7-9 pm beginning April 7 through April 28. New Directions is a four-week interactive education program for teens that have made poor choices in regards to drug and alcohol abuse. One or both parents are required to attend each session.

The course provides teens and their parents with the opportunity to learn from, and interact with, guest speakers; including a licensed professional counselor, a Coppell police officer, an emergency room nurse, and young adults from Coppell who have also struggled with, and overcome addiction issues. "We are especially excited this session to host the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service. This group of education professionals come in from the Bryan/College Station area to share their driving simulator with our teens," said Gayle Westapher, Executive Director at the YMCA. "This simulator allows teens and their parents the opportunity to experience firsthand the reality of driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol through the use of special goggles and the driving simulator."

Cost for the 4 week session is $50 for teens and $25 for one or both parents. All teens must have a minimum of one parent in attendance at each session. Financial assistance is available through the Coppell Family YMCA. The course is taught at Victory Place @ Coppell, 550 N. Denton Tap Drive. Registration is required by Friday, April 3rd. For additional information on the C.A.R.E. program or the upcoming New Directions classes, contact Gayle Westapher at 972.393.5121, ext. 204 or gwestapher@ymcadallas.org.