Community Awareness Network For A Drug-Free Life And Environment, Inc. (CANDLE) was founded as a non-profit organization in 1982. Its mission is to prevent substance abuse and violence among youth. CANDLE's goal is to improve the health and climate of our schools and our communities by providing prevention education and resistance strategies to youth and their adult allies, and support programs for young people at risk. We have a two-faceted approach which focuses on both internal and external factors that contribute to alcohol and substance misuse and violence through community-based programs and social emotional wellness programs. CANDLE provides training for youth-serving professionals, parents, and young people on topics related to the prevention of drug use, risky behaviors, and violence among youth. We provide COUNSELING PROGRAMS for youth and their families related to the prevention of drug use, risky behaviors, and violence among youth. CANDLE provides school based programs both in the classroom and in small social-emotional learning groups from the elementary to high school levels. We provide YOUTH PRIDE PROGRAMS for LGBTQ+ youth and their peers and allies in a safe and welcoming environment facilitated by professional social workers. We also facilitate a leadership mentoring project and young adult groups. Our annual retreat for high school students offers workshops on current issues in a safe and fun-filled atmosphere inspiring youth to create positive change in their communities.