Safe Host

The Cortland Area Communities That Care Coalition (CACTC) in concert with Cincinnatus, Cortland, Homer, Marathon, and McGraw school districts has established a program called the Safe Host Pledge. It's purpose is to provide community-wide support for families who want children to socialize in safe, alcohol and drug-free settings. It also serves to limit teen access to alcohol and other harmful substances. To date, more than 300 parents, caregivers, guardians, and concerned citizens have signed it.  This action means that they have promised to provide a safe and drug-free atmosphere for youth.

Why is the Safe Host pledge needed?
A 2005 survey of teenagers aged 13 to 18 conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA) found that nearly half of teenagers surveyed reported having obtained alcohol; two out of three teenagers said it was easy to get alcohol from their homes without parents knowing about it; one-third of teens reported it was easy to obtain alcohol from their own consenting parents; two out of five teenagers said it was easy to obtain alcohol from a friend’s parents; one in four teenagers responded they had attended a party where minors were drinking in front of parents; and for teens who obtained alcohol in the past six months, parents have been the supplier an average of three times in a six-month period. Local youth survey data indicate that these same behaviors take place throughout Cortland County.

How can you participate?
Download and sign the form and either deliver or mail it to: Michele Whalen, Project Coordinator, CACTC c/o Catholic Charities of Cortland County, 33-35 Central Avenue, Cortland NY 13045. You can also call 607-299-4910 ext 305 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  to make other arrangements.

To learn who already has signed the Safe Host pledge in your community, click on the Safe Host data base tab on this website and follow the instructions there.

Let’s all work together to help keep our county’s young people safe. Be a smart host and sign the pledge!

Click on the following to download a pdf or MS Word copy.

Once filled out, you can return the section to the address
provided or email to the coalition office at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thank you to everyone who has signed to be a Safe Host.