National Family Partnership proudly welcomes the newly appointed DEA Administrator, Mr. Terry Cole, and look forward to working together to strengthen prevention efforts, reduce drug demand, and build safer, healthier communities nationwide.

Terrance C. “Terry” Cole was sworn in as Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on July 23, 2025. With over 31 years of public service, including two decades as a DEA Special Agent, he brings deep operational expertise and a lifelong commitment to public safety. From leading major domestic and international assignments to overseeing Virginia’s public safety agencies and achieving the nation’s largest overdose death reduction, Administrator Cole’s career reflects dedication, leadership, and results. Now, he is guiding the DEA into a new era of enforcement, partnerships, and life-saving prevention efforts.

 

 

Remember when Sunday dinner at grandma’s was the weekly tradition? When family time meant gathering around a table or activity—not around separate screens? While times have changed, the need for real connection hasn’t.

Today’s families face countless distractions—packed schedules, digital devices, social media noise—all pulling us in different directions. Add to that the challenge of loved ones living in different cities, time zones, or even college campuses, and staying close takes more creativity than ever.

But connection is still possible. It just requires intention.

Here are a few simple, modern ways families can reconnect—even from afar:

• Schedule weekly meaningful time. Make it a priority to carve out time each week—whether it’s a game night, dinner, or a quick ice cream outing. For loved ones away at college or living far from home, a simple Zoom call can help bridge the gap. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just a consistent moment to catch up, share a laugh, and stay connected, no matter the distance.
• Pick one device-free night each week. Whether it’s dinner, a walk, or a game night—being fully present matters more than what you do.
• Use conversation starters. Ask questions that go beyond “How was your day?” Try: What made you laugh this week? or What would you do with a million dollars?
  
• Share your calendar. Knowing what’s going on in each other’s lives helps everyone feel more connected, even when apart.

At the National Family Partnership, our mission is to support families in building strong, healthy relationships—because when kids feel connected, they’re less likely to turn to risky behaviors like drugs or alcohol.

Our four prevention campaigns are designed to help parents do just that:

1. Family Day – Celebrating shared meals and togetherness.
2. Red Ribbon Week – Encouraging safe, drug-free choices.
3. Lock Your Meds – Promoting responsible prescription storage.
4. Safe Homes Smart Parties – Guiding families to create safe social environments for teens.

Whether it’s reviving the tradition of Sunday dinners or embracing new tools like virtual gatherings, the message is simple: consistent, intentional time together matters.

Let’s make connection a priority—wherever we are.

Warmly,
Peggy B. Sapp
President

As summer begins, I’m reminded of something we say, prevention doesn’t take a break.

When school is out, teens have more time on their hands and fewer structured activities—and while summer can be a time of growth, freedom, and fun, it can also bring increased risks. Research shows that first-time substance use often happens during the summer, simply because kids have more unsupervised time and opportunities.

That’s why this month, I want to encourage all of us—families, schools, and communities—to see summer as a season of prevention. It’s a unique window to stay connected, stay informed, and continue building the habits that keep our children safe, healthy, and drug-free.

Here are a few ways we can all support prevention this summer:

1. Set a Summer Routine

Teens may not say it, but they do better with structure. Establish a daily rhythm that works for your family. You can even align screen time with the hottest part of the day, so they’re staying cool and out of the sun. Routines don’t need to be rigid—they just need to offer consistency.

2. Keep Them Engaged

Keeping teens busy in meaningful ways over the summer can help reduce boredom, limit screen time, and lower the risk of risky behavior. Here are some practical ideas for all types of families:

• Break Down the Summer Reading List
  Help your teen divide their reading into manageable chunks. Create a simple checklist they can mark off daily or weekly so it doesn’t feel overwhelming by August.
• Start a Daily Challenge
  It could be a fitness goal, journaling prompt, or creative activity—something small they do each day to stay consistent and motivated. Get their friends involved.
• Volunteer Together, friends included!
  Many local nonprofits, churches, and animal shelters welcome teen volunteers. It’s a great way to build responsibility and give back.
• Host a Theme Night at Home!
  Pick a night each week for a fun family activity, include their friends—movie night, DIY pizza, game night, or a cultural dinner night where you cook food from a different country.
• Explore Local Resources
  Check your library, community center, or parks department for free or low-cost programs, classes, or events.
• Plan a “Staycation”
  Visit local museums, nature trails, or tourist spots in your area you’ve never explored. Make it a fun photo challenge or scavenger hunt.
• Encourage a Summer Job or Side Hustle
  Babysitting, dog walking, mowing lawns, or even selling handmade crafts online—these teach responsibility and independence.
• Enroll in a Camp or Workshop
  Whether it’s art, tech, music, or sports, specialized camps can fuel their passions while keeping them active and social.
• Plan a Trip or Family Experience
  If it fits your budget, consider a weekend getaway, road trip, or even attending a concert or sporting event together. These moments create lasting memories and opportunities for connection.

3. Stay Involved

Check in often. Ask questions. Know their friends and their plans. Your presence and interest—even if they act like they don’t notice—makes a powerful difference.

4. Keep the Conversation Going

Use everyday moments—like car rides or family meals—to have open, honest conversations. Talking about the risks of drugs and alcohol shouldn’t be a one-time lecture, but an ongoing dialogue. Most importantly, create a space where your child feels safe coming to you with questions. Don’t shy away from the tough topics—give real, age-appropriate answers and let them know they won’t be judged. When kids feel heard and supported, they’re more likely to make healthy choices.

5. Lean on Your Community

Prevention is not something any one person does alone. Connect with other families, encourage your school or faith group to stay active, and support local youth programs whenever you can.

Let’s make this summer a season where prevention is present—not just in our words, but in our actions.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and connected summer,

Peggy B. Sapp
President

 

Red Ribbon Week is just around the corner, October 23^rd-31^st!

NFP is dedicated to supporting your efforts to bring visibility to our Drug Free Message through the Red Ribbon Campaign. Lots of companies sell RED RIBBON WEEK products but how many of those companies give back to the Red Ribbon Campaign and to all our communities? Only ONE NIMCO, Inc.

Through NFP’s annual Red Ribbon Theme Contest held every fall with winners announced at CADCA, we are linking with thousands of schools and children allowing them and you to tell us the RR Theme. Through NFP’s DEA Photo Contest we give away $25,000 to schools across America. It’s not about the ribbon it is about the meaning of the ribbon, we ask you to help network and spread the word in your school, home, business, military base, faith-based fellowship, club, etc. We’re only as strong as our weakest link. "Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free.™" says it all. Join us.

NIMCO, Inc. a registered authorized vendor through GSA for all government agencies and granted programs.

Click the link to view NIMCO, Inc online 2022 Red Ribbon Catalog

If you are interested in actively making a difference to keep America healthy and drug-free. Contact Elizabeth Golshteyn at egolshteyn@informedfamilies.org to become an Affiliate with National Family Partnership. By becoming an Affiliate and paying an annual membership fee, you get a 10% NIMCO discount (one-use per customer) to use the 2022 Red Ribbon Theme products to support drug-free prevention.

Thank you for all your help and support over these 40 years. I am truly grateful.