Pelham PACT Coalition and the Community Care Center, programs that battled substance abuse and provided mental health support to Pelham’s youth, recently merged to create Pelham Together.

“This organization represents the very best of Pelham coming together on behalf of our youth,” said Laura Caruso, creator of Pelham Together and former executive director of PACT. “There is an overwhelming sense of connectedness and shared responsibility for one another—having each other’s backs, most especially when it comes to our young people.”

According to its website, the organization’s mission is to “advocate for and develop empowered youth, engaged adults and energized community partners, harnessing the shared sense of responsibility that makes Pelham so unique.” The group hopes to work collaboratively to maintain a vibrant community in Pelham, particularly among young people.

Since its founding in 1997, PACT worked to reduce youth substance abuse, leading to a 34 percent decrease in alcohol use. Over 800 students joined the organization through summits and youth speakers. These young members hosted over 500 youth-led events as drug and alcohol-free social alternatives. PACT allowed its members to develop leadership skills as part of the Youth Leadership Council and the PACT summer internship. The organization also offered workshops, film screenings and panel discussions for parents.

The Community Care Center (CCC) has been equally involved in the town. CCC supported the mental health of Pelham youth, connecting those facing mental health issues such as depression and self-harm to information and support.

“Pelham Together will connect the community, inform families and elevate Pelham’s youth through leadership and service-based opportunities, resources and data-driven programming,” said Caruso. “We hope to nurture the connectedness that is Pelham.”