The Council on Addiction Prevention and Education (CAPE) of Dutchess County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been serving Dutchess County since 1987. Established with only a few staff to meet the growing need for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) prevention/education services, we have now grown into a constructive framework for delivering prevention, education, and recovery services. Our goal is to promote positive change. We do this by raising awareness about the prevalence of addiction, helping the community recognize its far-reaching impact, and implementing evidence-based programs that are capable of addressing this issue effectively.
CAPE is a NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) licensed provider and a contract agency of Dutchess County. Our dedicated staff provides prevention counseling, community education, and recovery services to individuals, families, businesses, schools, community groups, and other local organizations. We also host annual events to raise awareness, increase interagency collaboration, and foster unity among community members.
OUR MISSION
To be recognized as the premier substance use disorder and addiction prevention and recovery provider in the Mid-Hudson Region by implementing nationally established educational programs, policies, and services.
OUR VISION
A health-focused community educating families on risk factors contributing to substance use disorders and addictions, emphasizing prevention and life-saving overdose prevention and response services, and engaging in compassionate care practices to better understand addiction as a complex brain disease.
OUR VALUES
CAPE is committed to the following essential organizational guiding principles: Compassion, Credibility, Collaboration, Commitment, and Passion.
Substance use and addiction are affecting our community… It is imperative to work together to address this issue and support those who are struggling. That truth fuels CAPE’s staff and volunteers to do this integral work. They know that together we can effect change and offer hope for future generations.
OUR LEADERSHIP & STAFF
CAPE Board
- Robert J. Ranieri, Jr. — President
- Eleanore (Norey) Reilly — Vice President
- Katherine (Katy) Lavello — Board Treasurer
- Ellen Korz — Secretary
- Gönül Wilson
- Julie Iacobucci
- Nicole Parisi
- John Kimelman
- Nancy Rose
CAPE Staff
- Sara Appel — Prevention Counselor (Wappingers JHS)
- Alara Bedka — Marketing & IT Administrator
- David Campanaro, LCSW-R, CASAC — Agency Director
- Dora Celestino — Community Prevention Educator
- Andrea Cucci — Coalition Coordinator (NDCC) & Youth Coalition Coordinator (SDCC)
- Raymond Drogan — Prevention Counselor (Van Wyck JHS)
- Nicole Estrada — Peer Engagement Specialist
- Maria Elizabeth Hajali — Admin Assistant
- MaryEllen Mahar — Prevention Counselor (John Jay HS)
- Dana Nalbandian — Staff Accountant
- Emma Nygaard — Peer Engagement Specialist
- Isabelle Oliva — Coalition Coordinator (SDCC)
- Brittani Romanelli — Clubhouse Coordinator
- Naura Slivinsky — Agency Director
- Susan Taylor — Prevention Counselor (Dutchess BOCES & Dover Schools)