As backpacks are packed and school doors reopen across Long Island, The Retreat’s Prevention Education Team is already in motion — stepping into classrooms, youth centers, and community spaces with one mission: to prevent abuse before it starts.

This isn’t your typical school-year programming. At The Retreat, we believe that prevention is more than a poster on the wall or a one-time assembly. It’s about giving young people real-life skills to navigate relationships, recognize warning signs, and seek help when needed. And we’re proud to say: it’s working.

What We Accomplished Last School Year

In the 2024–2025 school year, The Retreat’s prevention programs:

• Reached over 5,000 students
  
• Partnered with 16 schools across Long Island
  

And the impact speaks for itself. Post-program surveys showed significant increases in students’ ability to:

Identify the signs of abuse, exploitation, and unhealthy relationship dynamics
Challenge victim-blaming attitudes and harmful stereotypes
Seek help for themselves or others — confidently and safely

Going Beyond Awareness: What Makes Our Approach Different

Evidence-Informed: Our curriculum is grounded in best practices from the CDC and national violence prevention frameworks, ensuring age-appropriate, research-backed content.

Culturally Responsive: We tailor our programs to reflect the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities of the students we serve — because one size does not fit all.

Rooted in Relationships: Our educators don’t just drop in — they build trust. Students know they have a safe adult they can talk to, and often, that connection is the first step toward getting help.

Interactive & Empowering: Workshops feature role-playing, real-world scenarios, and guided discussions that promote empathy, communication, and critical thinking. Students aren’t just learning — they’re practicing what it means to set boundaries, respect others, and stand up for themselves and their peers.

Prevention That Makes a Difference

At The Retreat, we believe every young person deserves the tools to live a life free from abuse — and that starts with education, empowerment, and early intervention.

As we begin a new school year, we’re excited to continue expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and partnering with schools and youth organizations across Long Island.

Want to bring prevention education to your school or community?
Reach out to us today — because building safer futures starts now.

Contact The Retreat: www.allagainstabuse.org | 631-329-4398