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P H o t o g r a P H i c m o m e n t s 1 8 7 lowing the changes to marijuana laws that decriminalize possession of small amounts of the substance — less than half an ounce. A key collaborator in the fight against substance abuse is law enforce- ment, and The Partnership's training programs for police have been instru- mental in curbing underage drinking. "We work with law enforcement to provide resources and information to help them safely disperse house par- ties, conduct sales to minors compli- ance checks and identify current trends and other best practices. Our law enforcement conferences sell out every year," said Spineti. Partnership teams work closely with educators to identify at-risk children and help them resolve problems that make them susceptible to substance abuse. Bullying has surfaced as a major fac- tor impacting youth well-being and success. One in four high school children report naving been bullied in the past year (2009 School Survey). This led The Partnership to advocate on behalf of victims to enact stronger anti-bullying legislation. New cyber-bullying legislation permits school officials to step in when school-age children are victims. Former bullying vic- tim Logan West, Connecticut's Outstanding Teen 2010, works closely with The Partnership, educating the media, state legislators and school officials on the need for anti-bullying policies, and empowering other victims of school bullying. Through its Connecticut Mentoring Partnership, a statewide support network for mentoring, local men- toring programs are strengthened. More than 190,000 children in Connecticut have life situations that place them at risk for personal and academic failure. These risk factors include poverty, inadequate early child- hood experiences. However, children who have ongo- ing relationships with caring adults are more likely to avoid alcohol or other drugs, stay in school and get good grades, have a better self-image and have better relationships with their families and friends. Hundreds of Connecticut corporations have enabled their employees to join more than 9,000 adults to become mentors to 12,000 at-risk students. "The CT Mentoring Partnership incorporates attention to all of the youth issues we represent; our goal is to foster suc- cess of today's youth so they are ready to take their place in the workforce," said Spineti. "Any child who is bullied, on drugs or involved in underage drinking would certainly benefit from the support and guidance of a mentor. A mentor has the power to improve a child's life." A shining example of corporate involvement is Webster Bank, a company that encourages employees to participate by allowing them time to volunteer. The bank sponsors more than 100 employees in 30 towns across the state. Patty Murphy, a vice president at Webster Bank has mentored Talan Daigle for six years, offering him much needed support and encour- agement. Her investment of time and attention has paid off, and Talan has turned his life around both in school and at home. Many more mentors, especially men and minorities, are needed. Connecticut's business community has a longstand- ing commitment to prevention. As deep budget cuts have reduced or eliminated many services provided by non-profit organizations, it is noteworthy that this pro- gram's budget has remained intact, further demon- strating the value of a public-private partnership. "Without the leadership of our co-chairs Governor Malloy and Don Langer, and support from our Board and generous corporate and community partners, the Governor's Prevention Partnership would not be able to continue its vital mission," said Spineti. Governor Malloy, Co-Chair of The Governor's Prevention Part- nership and Jill Spineti, President of The Partnership, surrounded by the young people The Partner- ship so passionately serves.