With a strong focus on prevention, education, and community engagement, the Upper Saddle River Youth Guidance Council (USRYGC) continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and families. Best known for facilitating the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, the council addresses critical issues such as substance abuse, peer pressure, and mental health through a broad range of initiatives.
Despina Flouras-Anastasopoulos, DARE Coordinator and a driving force behind the council’s work, emphasizes its mission: promoting the well-being of children through early intervention and healthy decision-making. “We believe that by reaching kids early, we can help shape better adults,” she shares. “It’s about giving them the tools they need before the pressure starts.”
Backed by county grants and generous community donations, USRYGC organizes speaker events, leadership-building activities, and impactful fundraisers. One of their recent standout events—a Harlem Wizards basketball game—drew over 900 attendees and showcased the community’s strong support. This follows a tradition of sports-themed fundraisers, including “Books vs. Badges,” where teachers face off against police officers in good-natured competition.
Looking ahead, the council plans to expand its educational outreach by bringing in speakers to discuss suicide prevention and anti-bullying. Previous programs have featured moving presentations from Mallorie’s Army and Ryan’s Story, both of which highlight the emotional toll of bullying and the power of empathy.
The council is also responding to newer threats like vaping, which has become a growing concern among youth. While D.A.R.E. has long covered topics like alcohol and drug use, vaping requires updated resources and, in some schools, new preventative measures like vape detectors.
Mental health education remains a core pillar of the council’s mission. “Mental health affects everything—how a child sees themselves, how they interact, and how they perform in school,” says Flouras-Anastasopoulos. “If we don’t address it early, the impact can be long-lasting.”
A cornerstone of the program is the 5th-grade D.A.R.E. curriculum, led each year by Officer Anthony Pulizzano of the Upper Saddle River Police Department. Through engaging, age-appropriate lessons, Officer Pulizzano teaches students the fundamentals of good decision-making, substance abuse prevention, and the importance of living responsibly. His approachable style builds trust and sets the foundation for lasting behavioral change. The Youth Guidance Council supports and extends these classroom lessons with community-based programming that reinforces these essential life skills.
The work of the council is truly a group effort, led by a dedicated and passionate team:
Officer Anthony Pulizzano (D.A.R.E. Officer, USRPD), Joanne Florio (USR Councilwoman), Mayor Arman Fardanesh, Principal James McCusker, Principal Dave Kaplan, Principal Devin Severs, Despina Flouras-Anastasopoulos (DARE Coordinator/Parent), Jennifer Waldbaum (Member/Parent), Sherika Medina (Member/Parent), and Marjorie Fiori (Member/Resident).
Despite being a small team, their impact is far-reaching—and they are always looking for more community members to get involved.
To support the Upper Saddle River Youth Guidance Council, follow them on Facebook or send donations to the DARE Trust account at Borough Hall, located at 376 W Saddle River Rd, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. Due to government regulations, digital payment platforms like Venmo cannot be used.
While many are familiar with the D.A.R.E. name, Flouras-Anastasopoulos hopes the Youth Guidance Council gains wider recognition for the vital support it provides behind the scenes. “People know D.A.R.E., but they don’t always realize how much the council does to sustain it—and expand it,” she says.
For the families of Upper Saddle River, the council is more than just a program—it's a community lifeline.
“We believe that by reaching kids early, we can help shape better adults. It’s about giving them the tools they need before the pressure starts.” - Despina Flouras-Anastasopoulos