Prevention Innovators Conference. Training That Drives Real Impact
WCC completes hands-on training to strengthen prevention efforts in Waterford
So proud of the work our team put into this experience and what we are bringing back to Waterford.
Last week, the Waterford Community Coalition team attended the Prevention Innovators Conference.
This conference was held aboard a cruise ship traveling from Boston to Bermuda and back. That may sound unusual at first, but the setting was very intentional. It created a focused environment where prevention professionals could spend extended time learning, collaborating, and working through real-world applications together.
Over four of the five days, our team participated in structured training sessions and hands-on exercises, along with receiving 12 certified continuing education hours in prevention.
This was not a vacation. It was a working training environment, and every hour was built around strengthening the work we bring back to our community.
Training That Translates to Action
The sessions were practical and relevant. The focus stayed on what actually works and how to apply it.
We spent time building skills in:
- Using connection as a protective factor for youth and families
- Applying the Strategic Prevention Framework for planning and evaluation
- Strengthening youth engagement and leadership in prevention
- Looking at community-level factors that influence behavior
- Using brain-based tools to support decision-making
- Thinking about sustainability and long-term funding
- Improving communication and facilitation within our work
These are tools we can use right now in Waterford.
Leadership in the Field
Our Program Director, Debbie Wertz, presented
“Connection is Prevention. Building Strong Kids, Families, and Communities.”
This work is at the heart of what we do. Strong relationships are one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and build resilience.
Learning in Real Time
One of the most meaningful moments came through a conversation with a group of teens on the ship. They had met during the trip and quickly built their own connections.
We talked about stress, anxiety, and managing big emotions.
We kept it simple. We talked about breathing.
We shared WCC breathing tools with them, and their response was immediate. They were open, engaged, and excited to have something they could actually use in the moment.
Prevention does not have to be complicated to be effective.
Collaboration That Expands Impact
This conference created space for real connection with other prevention professionals. Not surface-level networking. Real conversations and shared work.
While in Bermuda, that collaboration extended further through a partnership with Bermuda’s prevention team. This was formally recognized through a proclamation on April 17, 2026.
It was a meaningful moment, but more importantly, it reflects the kind of collaboration that strengthens prevention work everywhere.
Why This Matters for Waterford
Everything we learned comes back with us.
This training strengthens our ability to:
- Support youth and families
- Partner with schools and community organizations
- Build stronger, more effective prevention programs
- Continue growing sustainable, long-term impact
We attend training to bring it back and put it into action.
Looking Ahead
Prevention works best when it is built on connection, supported by strong strategy, and carried out together.
We are grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and bring this work back to Waterford.
In partnership and purpose,
Waterford Community Coalition
#StrongerTogether #PreventionWorks #WCC #ConnectionIsPrevention #CommunityImpact #YouthDevelopment #CommunityPrevention
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