Safe Homes, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping alcohol and drugs out of teens’ hands at home, presents its annual Fall Program at 7 p.m. Monday at Westlake High School.

This year’s program includes an introduction by Eanes school district superintendent Nola Wellman, a motivational message from Olympic gold-medal winning swimmer Whitney Hedgepeth, WHS student counselor Shayna Feldman and keynote speaker/comedian Tom Toombs presentation titled “Limited Time Only.”

The event is aimed at raising awareness and educating families about personal responsibility, teen choices and underage alcohol and drug use. Teen alcohol and drug abuse is a growing epidemic in America. Fifty-eight percent of high school seniors report being drunk in the past six months.

In a comedic and fun presentation, Toombs discusses with students and parents the importance of making good choices. He points out that the good news that talking with teens early and openly about the dangers of drugs and alcohol reduces the likelihood of experimentation by 50 percent. 

“Open communication is the number one way to keeping your teenager happy and healthy,” said Kent Redding, Safe Home chairperson. “Talking to your teen will open doors for both of you and strengthen your relationship. We feel Tom delivers a message crucial to our young people today.”

In addition to the Fall Program, Safe Homes also hosts a similar program in the spring. Safe Homes was founded in 1997 after a deadly car accident involving Austin teens and alcohol. Eleven years later, the program has been adopted by numerous Texas school districts and communities.