Waterford Community Coalition Celebrates Milestones at the 2025 CADCA Leadership Forum

From February 3 – 6, 2025, members of the Waterford Community Coalition attended the CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) National Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., marking a significant moment in their ongoing work to foster a drug-free and healthy Waterford.

Representing Waterford at the Capitol Hill Day, Debbie Wertz, Kathy Gordon, and Amy Kennedy had the privilege of meeting with Michigan Representative Haley Stevens to advocate for the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant. They shared the positive impact of their coalition’s work, emphasizing the strides the community is making towards a healthier, drug-free environment. During the meeting, the Waterford Community Coalition highlighted its dedication to prevention and education, working closely with local organizations to reduce substance misuse and its harmful effects.

Debbie Wertz, the Program Director of the Waterford Community Coalition, shared her excitement about attending the forum: “I was thrilled to attend the National Forum in Washington, DC. The event focused on prevention training and networking, our official graduation from the NCA Academy, and representing Waterford on Capitol Hill. Our meeting with MI Rep. Haley Stevens was incredibly productive and insightful.”

The CADCA Leadership Forum offered the team the chance to engage in workshops and training sessions, focusing on the latest prevention strategies and networking with more than 4,000 community leaders from around the world. With over 100 workshops, plenary sessions featuring renowned speakers, and countless opportunities for professional development, the event helped equip the coalition with the tools and knowledge necessary to continue making a positive impact in Waterford.

One of the highlights of the forum was SAMHSA’s Prevention Day, which brought together prevention practitioners, scientists, advocates, and community leaders to explore innovative strategies for preventing substance misuse. The theme of this year’s event, "Telling the Prevention Story," focused on inspiring action and sharing the successes of prevention efforts. The three main aims were to prevent the initiation of substance use, prevent the progression of substance use, and prevent the harms associated with substance use—goals that align with the Waterford Community Coalition’s mission.

Among the many inspiring sessions, the team was especially moved by a talk from Ryan D. Leaf. His powerful personal story of recovery and resilience deeply resonated with the group, leaving everyone feeling inspired and motivated to continue their own work in the fight against substance misuse. Ryan's message of perseverance and growth in the face of adversity was a highlight for the team, and his words left a lasting impact.

In addition to the valuable experiences gained during the training, the group had the chance to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow prevention advocates, forge new connections, and even make the most of a long airport delay by having some fun together. Despite the challenges, the team returned to Waterford feeling energized and ready to continue their crucial work in the community.

As the coalition moves forward, the knowledge and relationships gained at the 2025 CADCA Leadership Forum, along with the inspiration drawn from Ryan D. Leaf's speech, will help them continue their commitment to creating a safer, healthier, and stronger community for all.



Stay tuned for more updates on the Waterford Community Coalition’s ongoing work and advocacy efforts to prevent substance misuse in our community!