Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence – better known as L.E.A.D. – is a national and familiar nonprofit that was founded in 2014 and is based in Allentown, New Jersey. It connects local law enforcement with students in grades three to 12 to provide comprehensive drug and violence prevention education.
As part of the organization’s philanthropic initiatives, it hosts annual L.E.A.D. Fest Carnivals across New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Florida. One of them came to the Church of the Holy Eucharist in Tabernacle for the second consecutive year beginning on June 16.
Carnival rides, games and food vendors filled the church grounds, and guests of all ages filed in to take part in the daily sunshine and later the bright lights under the night sky.
Attractions included ferris wheels and a Tilt-A-Whirl, and kid-friendly coasters were provided by Amusements of America, a carnival and amusement company. Admission for the event was $5 per person, and ride tickets and unlimited ride wristbands were available for purchase on site.
A portion of proceeds will go directly to local L.E.A.D. program.
“L.E.A.D. Fest is about bringing communities together while supporting programs that help students make positive decisions and build strong futures,” said the nonprofit’s executive director and CEO Nick DeMauro. “Every ticket purchased helps us continue our mission of helping students across New Jersey and throughout the country to make good decisions, reject drug use and avoid violence.”
In the Tabernacle school district – as well as some other area towns – L.E.A.D. programs are taught by members of the state police. In Medford Lakes, they are instructed by local officers, according to Allison Eckel, L.E.A.D. executive vice president of marketing and advertising.
L.E.A.D. is active in all 50 states, and there are more than 6,500 certified officer and educator instructors who are leaders and mentors for students. One of the organization’s missions is to reach and prepare students before they encounter situations or the typical ages when potential substance use may arise.
The courses are offered during school hours, and instructors use evidence-based drug, alcohol and violence-prevention methods to help children and teens understand the dangers of drugs and learn strategies to manage emotions and decision-making to reduce their risk.
The organization utilizes the Botvin LifeSkills Training curriculum, considered one of the most rigorously proven prevention programs in the country.
For more information on L.E.A.D., its programs and upcoming events, visit www.leaddrugs.com.
L.E.A.D. hosts annual carnivals across New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Florida. One of them came to the Church of the Holy Eucharist in Tabernacle on June 16, the second time in that location.
