Community Action Network for Drugfree Lifestyle Empowerment/CANDLE, Inc.

Reality Tour is an amazing program for families. I love that it includes parent involvement to keep an open discussion between kids and their parents. The Reality Tour gives families a better understanding of how to deal with these topics head on. There is so much to be learned by parents AND kids at the reality tour. I couldn’t recommend this program enough.

Reality tour is something special. The program opens the door for a conversation that might feel difficult to some parents. The fact that the child and parent both go through the program is the secret to success. There is so much to talk about after the program is through. Although drugs and alcohol may feel like a tough subject to bring up…after the tour; you’re both on the same page. I am so thankful for the Reality Tour.

I have been involved with the Reality Tour for many years, first as a partner in my role as Facility Director at an adolescent drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, and currently as a board member. Youth in recovery at our facility were able to share their story to parents and their children, which was impactful for all. I have seen the positive responses from all that participate in this program and find that it is a great way to continue a strong connection between the parents and their children. I highly recommend that all parents attend this program with their children.

I had the privilege of speaking with Norma Norris on my podcast, and I was amazed at the powerful work she is doing with Reality Tour/Candle, Inc. It is inspiring to see the work she is putting in to prevent drug use in the kids in her community before it even begins. I was honored to meet her and hear her story.

Reality Tour advocates for drug prevention in our communities to help families stay educated and aware of such important topics, including the consequences of those actions from real-life recovery speakers. The program walks through an educational presentation by wonderful volunteers, a physical scene walk-through to depict real potential scenarios, and ends with families making a promise to remain drug-free. The program is incredibly eye-opening and inspiring to local communities, while taking a different, but effective approach than what we see in other drug-prevention programs.

As a parent and board member, I strongly encourage this program to all families. Reality tour is a wonderful resource that provides valuable drug prevention education and offers a realistic and emotional view of the negative impacts they can cause to individuals, families, and the broader community. The tours interactive approach encourages engages and empowers parents and children together which is vital to fostering healthy and informed conversations at home.

A great resource for kids and families. I think the parent role in this program makes it an even greater success.

This was an amazing experience! I heard about “Reality Tour” years ago and was finally able to attend as a volunteer. The impact the program has on teens, parents and volunteers is truly remarkable from the beginning to the end. I am excited for what the future brings to the program and I plan on continuing to volunteer as well as share my experience with others in hopes to gain more volunteers and participants.

As a board member since 2016, I highly recommend families attend and support CANDLE Inc.’s Reality Tour. It’s an incredible program that every family should experience. The tour provides an eye-opening look at the dangers of substance abuse and helps parents and children start essential conversations about prevention. Its interactive approach encourages meaningful discussions that are key to fostering a healthier lifestyle. Reality Tour is a life-changing experience with the power to make a lasting impact. If you're a parent looking to protect and educate your child about the risks of substance abuse, attending this program is a must!

I have attended this tour with two of our three children. Our 3rd will be attending a tour this year. Our older two children have volunteered as actors and have learned so much in regard to drugs and how much devastation they cause to those that use, their families and our communities at large. This is an absolutely wonderful organization that does critically important education for our youth!! The impact that the reality tour has is huge and I cannot wait to volunteer again!

I have been volunteering with Reality Tour since 2009. There are so many different ways to serve the community and contribute to drug prevention.

This program is essential for parent who want to do
everything they can to protect from ever
experimenting with drugs.

Reality Tour opens the line of communication around an issue that can be hard to discuss. You don't want your child to get their information from peers. This program teaches you and your child together.

I took my daughters about 8 years ago and then searched for this again to bring my sons when they were old enough. Even I who work in drug and alcohol learned new things that evening with my boys. I felt it was very informative and maintained my interest.

Such an impactful event. It really helped nail home the importance of having these conversations about drugs early, and gave my daughter and me some really great starting points for continuing the conversation at home.

This organization is a great way for parents and kids to share an experience together that will add tools for them as they encounter difficult situations throughout their lives.

As a 21-year-old college intern at Reality Tour, I could see the difference this program makes in the community and people's lives. I wish that this program was more well known when I was a kid in elementary school because the strategies of this program are different and, in my opinion, more effective than past drug prevention programs. I recommend families, schools and communities to go to or connect with Reality Tour to prevent drug and alcohol abuse in their youth and communities. This program connects parents and children to better help the parents be their child's most powerful prevention tool. Other drug prevention programs I experienced as a child are nothing compared to CANDLE, Inc.’s Reality Tour program and I wouldn't even consider those past experiences to be programs after experiencing Reality Tour.

I was fortunate to be able to connect with Norma recently and shared that 20 years ago, my two older daughters were girl scouts. We (troop leaders and Moms) took the girls to the Reality Tour. It was an impactful, emotional, positive experience. I know, personally, there were sights and sounds from that day that I have still not forgotten – I still remember the young girl that spoke at the end, I believe she was going to be having her baby while in jail. But when I think back about those girls in the troop and think about each of them today, not one of them succumbed to drugs and/or alcohol.
I think it may be due to multiple factors – engaged parents, the “say no to drugs” campaign that was very visible and prevalent within the schools at the time and the Reality Tour.
Thank you for what you do, for the impact that you make!

Such a wonderful experience. Thank you to all the volunteers!

The Reality tour was amazing!! Everyone was very nice. They teach kids so much about drugs and why you should say no. I recommend going!!

I am a Westmoreland county drug court participant. I love what what the reality tour does for the community. I think every community should have them in there schools. We need to break the cycle of addiction and get the message out that addiction is real.That it can and does affect everyone. Even those who are not addicted. Thank you for all that the reality tour does for the community.

I highly recommend signing your child up for this program. There is a lot of misinformation our children receive from social media and the internet. It was a great way to start some great conversations with my children about drug prevention and knowing when to help someone else. This is a great program and I enjoyed it so much I signed up as a volunteer for future sessions.

The Reality Tour is an amazing program doing great work for parents and kids to show the real-life dangers of substance abuse! I was involved with the Reality Tour almost 20 years ago as a teenager and to volunteer again as an adult is a big honor. They are helping families lay excellent foundations with each group that comes through the Tour!

I have attended the Reality Tour with both of my sons as part of their Schools's program. It was such an eye opener for all of us, and something we'll never forget. The program is extremely well done and so impactful to all who attend. I've recommended it to many of my friends with children and I'll even be attending a third time myself with my 12-year-old daughter. I'm so appreciative for the volunteers who continue to deliver this necessary message for children and parents. Thank you!!!

Attending Reality Tour with your child is one of the best things you can do for them in their pre teen years . It is exactly what it’s name implies - a REAL look at the path your life will follow if you choose to do drugs. I encourage every parent to find their closest Reality Tour and attend . I will be taking 2 more of my children for their Reality Tour at the end of this month and the child I took 7 years ago , now an older teen , is interested in volunteering.

I highly recommend attending realty tour. Our children are facing a large variety of challenges in these unprecedented times. Realty tour offers an immersive educational safe space for families to see first hand where negative choices in regards to drugs and alcohol can lead a person. We would all like to pretend that these situations won’t happen to us however they unfortunately do happen more often then we may acknowledge with the proper tools we can steer our children on a drug free path.

Absolutely the best thing you can do for your child especially children that are hard to talk to or refuse to talk on sensitive subjects. I would highly recommend this to everyone for your children, nieces,and nephews anyone in the age group that would be tempted to use recreational drugs and or drinking and driving. I cannot say enough about what your child will learn.

I attended the Reality Tour as a middle school and high school student. The Reality Tour taught me the dangers of drug use by show casing its effect on a persons life; the stages a person may go through if they choose that path. Its one thing to learn about drugs in school, but the Reality Tour is an interactive program that makes it feel real, bringing it all home by making it personal. This is the wake up call everyone needs!

After seeing class mates in high school fall into the trap of drug use, I felt fortunate to have learned what I did from the Reality Tour. I wanted help pass on the message to others of what drug use does to people, so later as a high school student, I volunteered. I decided to volunteer at the Reality Tour to teach kids how serious of a mistake using drugs can be. The Reality Tour has the ability to change lives!

I have been an active supporter of Reality Tour since 2007. My son went twice, at age 16 and again at age 17 and was positively influenced by the program. I was so excited about the program myself, I got a boy scout troop to go through the program and then became a committed volunteer myself. I have been supporting the program in various capacities for over 14 years. I feel strongly that young people as well as adults attend.

I experienced Reality Tour when I was a sixth grader. I learned so much by attending the program and it really made me understand the impact that drugs can have on everybody, whether that be young teens or adults. This is a program that I would recommend for people of all ages. I especially enjoyed hearing the personal stories of the people who attended and were part of the program. I am the oldest of three, and my family often references what we have learned from the program even to this day.

I am a mother who has 26 years of sobriety, and 2 years ago my teenage daughter had struggles. This program helped me to step back and really look it saved my child's life as well as my sanity. I was the director of this program years ago and the parents that attended loved that they were able to get raw and real information. This is so needed right now.

As a former high school teacher, coach and prevention specialist I had the opportunity to interact with teenagers on a personal level. Many of these young people were desperately reaching out for help after taking the wrong path at some point in their young lives. Fortunately for some, the Reality Tour provided a message of warning and of hope, and was the impetus for prevention, and in some cases, change. Often times there was an opportunity for opening dialogue between parents and teens that didn't exist before. The Reality Tour is a worthwhile program that sends a brutally honest message that today's youth needs!

My connection with Reality Tour was through interning for them in Butler, Pennsylvania. Before my internship, I was not familiar with Reality Tour, but I can say I have increased my knowledge about the program since then. The work I did as an intern showed me how powerful of a program this is and the importance of drug prevention. I always thought the solution comes after the problem, but Reality Tour has proved that otherwise. I think Reality Tour's method of addressing drug use before it becomes a problem is so effective and can help save lives. I believe in the work that Reality Tour does and can see its impact on participating families. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to intern for such a wonderful organization.

I was an intern for the Reality Tour in Butler County. Prior to being an intern, I had only briefly heard of the Reality Tour and what the organization entailed. While volunteering my time, I was amazed by the organization's involvement and the great response of the community. It is eye-opening that there are now over 30 programs across nine states that host the Reality Tour. From the research I have done, this program shapes and impacts lives of not only young teenagers but also their parents. This program is great because it gets the parent involved in their young teenager's life. I think experiencing such an influential program together creates a better bond between the child and parent. It is critical for parents to be involved in their child’s life. It creates trust, open communication and awareness. The Reality Tour allows for all of these opportunities. This program has changed many lives beyond Butler County. I know the successfulness of this program will continue to grow. I would recommend everyone to attend the Reality Tour, you can only learn from this experience.

As a member of the Law Enforcement Community and also a father, I am so thankful for organizations like CANDLE. As a young adult trying to navigate life's problems it can be very challenging and especially when trying to do it alone.

CANDLE does a great job including parents, teenagers, community and public to combat the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse/addiction.

Amazing program. Our community struggles with addiction and Reality Tour gives our youth a strong foundation to look upon when hard choices with drugs are presented to them. I would highly recommend parents and schools to participate in this program.

Great program. I am so thankful that this program is available to all our children.

Amazing program. Life changing. I’m really happy that this program is available in my community.

I first was informed of this program through my daughter's middle school. My 2 older girls have attended & my current 7th grader will once it resumes due to covid. This program was extremely informative, eye opening, shocking, and necessary. I am a nurse of 24 years and even I learned things. My daughters and husband surely did as well. It really helped to contribute to the conversations we as parents have already had with our girls. The program was organized extremely well & the performances felt so real. They were emotional to observe even though we knew it was a performance. So well done. The real life stories of the young men who spoke were so meaningful. This program is something every parent should attend with their children. Thank you for the work you do and assisting in the antidrug and addiction conversation in our home.

Today parenting is overwhelming with responsibility for the safety and successful launch of our children. CANDLE, INC is an answer to one of the primary concerns of how to effectively prevent interest or start of drug use. The education is geared to the youth but supports us parents in ways to be aware of changes and conversations to help our child. The program easily relays how what seems to initially be harmless escalates to trouble. Most beneficial is the instruction on how the young one can say no and not be harassed for their wise choice. There are countless lives spared the tragedy of drug use because of this program. Rosie H.

I love everything this program does and stands for! Everyone thinks "this can't be happening in my community or in my school" but that really isn't the case. It's not brought to our attention on the news and unless you actually know someone dealing with this stuff first hand, it's practically invisible. But it is very much real and an issue in our community. Reality Tour brings this all to life in an effective, educational manner. The responses we get from every tour are along the lines of "wow I did not know this was so bad, I will be more cautious and stay away from drugs". Which is great! It's saving lives! We are teaching students and parents how bad drugs can really be and what to look out for before they reach an age where they will likely start to get exposed to it. We equip them with the knowledge of the truth behind drugs and the prevention tools so they can make the right decisions in the future. Again, great program and great mission and message! If you have not experienced it you really should!

One of our Southwest Detroit Community Leaders addressed Whippets (nitrous oxide cartridges used in whip cream dispensers) in a Facebook Post that got a lot of traction and came to the attention of Norma Norris Executive Director of Candle Inc. Norma shared information about the health and safety hazards with our young leader.

While this Southwest Detroit community formed a coalition to educate residents, businesses , and non-profit organizations; our young leader led a Go-Fast Team that recruited other youth and community organizations to launch a Whippet Wipe-Out Campaign. In four weeks this youth led initiative collected over 25,000 whippets from Southwest Detroit streets and walkways and got the attention of local government, law enforcement and the Michigan legislature.

Candle, Inc's experience with youth and parents proved very valuable to this Southwest Detroit community that came together to address a problem in two Detroit zip codes.

https://www.facebook.com/christopher.lara.3154/posts/1563700947133046

When I started my internship with CANDLE, Inc., I was immediately blown away about how this organization takes drug abuse prevention and makes it a lesson you’ll never forget. I honestly wish I could have attended a program like this when I was a teen! My experience working alongside Norma Norris has given me guidance on the importance of families being educated together to help lead healthy lives.

Candle Inc.'s Reality Tour is truly a great mission. Their team is dedicated to helping drug addiction is such a great way - before it even starts! They are knowledgeable, personable and incredibly generous in their cause to empower drugfree lifestyles!

The Reality Tour was a real eye opener for myself, my wife and my daughter (oldest of 3 daughters). This program should be mandatory in all schools and it helped open up a lot of dialogue with our daughter. Please continue to provide this great service to all communities that you can. Thanks!!

As a young father of three I thought I knew about helping my kids avoid the trap of drug abuse...boy was I wrong! This program is so eye opening, informative and impactful! It opened dialogue with my wife, our son and our other two younger children! We were so moved by the work of the reality tour our family has now volunteered several times helping in the tours and acting as well!!

Jim H. , Cranberry Township, PA

I took my 13 year old son to this and we both thought it was a great presentation. The speakers there included law enforcement personnel as well as teenage kids who shared their stories of how they have had problems and how easily peer pressure can help cause kids to make wrong decisions. The live stations were impactful too when the actors made us feel the pain of losing a loved one because of this issue. I would highly encourage everyone to take their kids to see this. It's important and unfortunately it is part of reality these days and something that we all have to face openly with our children.

I was afraid to take my first child to the Reality Tour. But, once I did, I was so glad! It was a great way to really show my child that the world has so many dangers that can be avoided. It taught us a lot, opened communication, and was impactful. We took my second child when she was old enough. I highly encourage all parents to do this!

In 2017, I attended a Reality Tour event with my son who was then in 6th grade in Cranberry Township Pennsylvania. Saying that this event "moved" me would be a huge understatement. First and foremost, my son loved the program and felt a true sense of accomplishment when he pledged to never do drugs, which led the two of us toward having an awesome conversation about the perils of teen drug usage. Secondly, it resonated with me as I unfortunately experienced the loss of many childhood friends when I was a teenager in the early 1980's in the DC area. I strongly feel that, had a program like this, with its very grounded approach, been available when I was a teen, a good number of teen lives would have been saved. I loved every aspect of this program. The reading materials, skits, and overall presentation are all crafted in a way that is positively impactful. Simply put, this is a must see event.

I took my 4 children to this about 7 years ago. it was definitely powerful and memorable. To be honest they STILL complain that I dragged them to this. LOL But they can still tell you all about it. They'll tell you what they saw and the things the speakers said.

This was an excellent program. I believe schools should get involved and very student should go through this. Extremely informative and helpful. Well done!!!

Best think YOU could ever do for your child is to sign up TODAY for a tour . It just might save a life !

I highly recommend that every parent and child attend this! You will be glad you did and well worth every second! We are fortunate to have a group of people in our area to put this together and educate parents/children about the common dangers we face each and every day. A special thanks to all that contribute to Reality Tour and I will plan to attend again in the future!

The Reality Tour has been such a blessing while raising my children! Teenagers absolutely do not have the ability to navigate through middle and high school without parents educating themselves and their teens on the pitfalls and dangers of drug use! The Reality Tour does just that. Their “family health policy” (random drug testing) is exactly what teens need to keep them safe. The drug epidemic is real, and no family is above it’s reach! Thank you Reality Tour for helping me to help those I love!

My friends and I enjoy planning a night out with our teenage children (both boys and girls in the group) and decided to attend this tour together. We opened the evening by taking the children to dinner then each drove in our own vehicles to afford them the opportunity for one on one discussions in the car on the way home from the tour. This was one of our most valuable nights out as a group. It was an eye opener for the children and educational to all of us in attendance. I will be forever grateful for the education provided as well as the reality of the consequences when confronted with unwarranted circumstances. My daughter had so many questions afterwards and now years later, often refers to the tour and how it impacted her teenage years. Thank you so much for a great experience! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone wishing to educate their child on drugs, but not so sure as to how to initiate the discussion or where to begin seeking out materials!
Role: General Member of the Public

Hello everyone my name is David Griffith and i had the honor of being involved with the reality tour in Butler Oct. the 8th. I was the undercover cop that made the arrest. I have to tell you that i myself am in recovery for the last 22 months. I was amazed at the reaction of the parents and the teens that were in attendance.I feel that this program could change the attitude of both parties involved. I myself spent 22 years in prison for different offences ALL DRUG AND ALCOHOL Related. I don't know if a program like this could have changed me or not. there was no program at the time. But rest assured that if we only change one person it could be your son your daughter or even you. I hope that this will peak your curiosity and would welcome your visit to the program. In Recovery GRIFF!!!

The Reality tour is an effective way to make teens (and parents) aware of the tremendous dangers of drug use, as well as the negative impact drugs have on individuals, families and communities! Well done, RB

The reality tour was an amazing experience and something that every parent/child should do together. In the middle of an opioid pandemic in this country we def need to be able to open lines of communication in the house n the reality tour helps do exactly that with a very hard stigmatized subject that many parents don’t wanna talk about. Thinking it could be your child on drugs is never an easy concept, however at the rate of overdoses in this country, it very easily could be anybody’s child. Addiction does not discriminate and the reality tour helps bring all of this into focus. Excellent tour with exceptional people. This tour also serves a bigger purpose for the community and our country by getting facts about drugs out there. I personally feel prevention is way better than treatment for addiction.
Great job

I went to my first Reality Tour in 2017, in search of a Drug & Alcohol program to introduce to the Parents' Association at Vincentian Academy, and have been impressed to the point of now participating in the local Cranberry Twp., and Mars monthly sessions (usually the Grieving Father), while trying to gather a core group of movers and shakers in the Pittsburgh North Hills to form our own Reality Tour.

It was my turn to tally the post-session survey last month, and see clearly that both the parents and their 10-15 year old children benefit from all aspects of the three hour event, especially from the actor scenes and the testimonials of the recovering high school addicts, while long-term previous participants report that the Tour opened up a lasting channel of communications within their families--and opened up the eyes of often naive parents.

Reality Tour is a successful, winning step in solving the drug and alcohol problems plaguing our nation. Respectfully, Ed Catozella

I attended a Reality Tour by CANDLE Inc just recently and after experiencing it I immediately wondered why I didn't have something like this when I was a young kid. Instead of the kids hearing about what happens to you if you starting abusing drugs, they actually witness it happen. Which obviously leaves a bigger impact on them and the parents watching their kids watch it. I think every school should partner with CANDLE Inc so the kids not only see what could happen to them, but their friends and family as well. I can't wait to help out with more and impact more parents and their kids lives.

The Reality Tour is still helping families prevent drug and alcohol abuse after all these years. I've been so fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful organization! The friendly staff and dedicated volunteers really have designed and crafted a wonderful program highlighting the reality of what drugs and alcohol offer: jail, tragedy, and death. It's such a courageous and honest approach to a topic that was clouded in stigma and misinformation for far too long! I support the mission and wish many years of success!

"I attended Reality Tour as a member of the Slippery Rock University community who is studying public relations at the university. In the public relations field of study, I have learned that having strong community relations is vital to the success of all organizations. Reality Tour does just that in looking after the youth and parents of local communities and showing them the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Public relations is all about appealing to the audience with information important to them and working with their best interest in mind and that’s exactly what Reality Tour does."

After attending Reality Tour with our son, we all gained valuable knowledge and talking points to discuss issues, as a family, that surround us. It is a great program, very informative. We were so touched by the program that we now volunteer and hope to make a difference.

I attended my first Reality Tour and I gained a lot of insight on exactly what the nonprofit was all about. I learned a lot of vital information that is now able to share with my family and friends. I have begun to encourage those friends and family members to also attend the tours located near them.

My family attended Reality Tour in Butler shortly after we lost Amber to this horrible disease. Reality Tour is a very good program that brings up good conversations within families and communities. My family had some very good talks about the program and the information.
Thank you for organizing Reality Tour and making it available to communities.

I attend Reality Tour for the first time this past April and it was such an eye-opener. The information presented to the parents and children is shocking and needs to be made more public. There were times that parents would gasp when told a statistic, or get teary eyed when the guest speakers discussed their past addiction and how it has negatively affected their lives. I was touched by the whole experience and I hope that I will be able to take my kids to a tour in the future.

The information was good and informative. However it lacked child engagement and age-appropriate activities.

What's an amazing program! Every child and parent should see. The dramatic scenes are very impactful. Definitely worth attending and could truly save your child!

I first experienced Reality tour when I took my boys. It was a great experience for the entire family. We all learned something and it opened up the door for more open communication. The fact that the parent experiences it with their child is priceless. We were so impressed with it that we now volunteer with the local tour to hopefully direct other kids away from drugs.

I would have loved to do this when I was younger. I think this opens the eyes to parents on what to look for. I think Kids will have an eye opener also , they will see how much peer pressure and the desire to fit in is very strong.

The Reality Tour program is so wonderful for our community and others. I love knowing that I am able to make a difference in people’s lives. Our society has a drug epidemic and it will not get any better if people do not try and help. The Reality Tour does just that. I appreciate that this program enables me to be an advocate for drug prevention. I will continue to help my community through the amazing program of the Reality Tour. This is an awesome volunteer opportunity for anybody wanting to make a difference.

We attended the October session of the Reality Tour with our 6th and 7th grader. Wow - it was impacting! The presentation was "real" for both kids and parents - never a dull moment. Understanding the difference between 1980's and today was sobering and scary, but I was so glad to have received the information accurately, in an open forum, and explaining the consequences to our kids and the community. The two boys from the Detention Center that spoke definitely made it real for our kids because they are so close in age and describing how fast or unintentionally it can happen. The tour ended by providing a guide to continue the conversation for the next few weeks, which has opened up conversation even further. I'd highly recommend making the time to attend.

The Reality Tour was an amazing experience that taught me about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. I learned so much from the program and I truly believe that the Reality Tour is the reason for me staying clean throughout high school. I feel everyone should experience it and learn that drugs are not irrelevant in the community and how to stay away from them.

As a new volunteer for Reality Tour, I cannot think of a more worthwhile program for our children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents and extended family. Reality Tour is not just informative, but a tool for parents and children to learn about alcohol, drugs and its serious and dangerous ramifications. It is an evening of learning and hopefully, life long prevention.

I recently attended a Reality Tour and was very impressed. The program was very informative and impactful, and also provided helpful prevention strategies for both parents and children. It was so nice to have a program that parents and children attend together. If you have adolescents or teenagers, I highly recommend that your family attend a Reality Tour.

This is a fantastic program and one that I would most definitely recommend for anyone with pre-teens and teens. It is extremely informative, well executed and holds the attention of all involved. I found it to be life-changing for myself and my children.

I attended the Drug Reality Tour with my middle school daughter (three years ago) - it was insightful! The experience gave each of us a common ground which we could use to begin conversations - those began immediately and are ongoing. Based on that experience we continually talk and discuss current issues facing my teen and peers...drinking, drugs and especially the opioid crisis. Thank you Drug Reality Tour!!

CANDLE, Inc has done so much for the families of our community. The organization stresses the importance of talking with their children from a young age about the dangers of drugs. The impact that the Reality Tour has had has been significant and education is the key to success.

When I first came to a reality tour I was not sure what to expect; but soon learned that it is a program crucial to parents and kids everywhere who need this information to protect their families from the drug epidemic. It is a lasting feeling of satisfaction that I can help make a difference in the lives of my fellow youths, and I will never forget how this opportunity has prepared me for the next step in my career.

Being an intern for CANDLE Inc. has given me the opportunity to be a part of an amazing organization and give back to the community by helping to spread the word of drug prevention. Out of the many important things I have learned during my time at CANDLE, it is just how important working as a team is to the smooth running of a company. From day one, being able to listen to each other and work together is the base of what we accomplished this semester. I've also learned how to improve and further tailor my messages to my audience as well as a hands on look into event planning.

I attended my first Reality Tour prior to starting my internship with CANDLE,Inc. I wanted to be educated on the process of the tour from an outside perspective before my time spent behind the scenes. The tour immediately made me think about my education about drug prevention. I remember my middle school education of learning what drugs did to your body and how they were bad by watching videos in health class. Other than learning of the harms from a mandatory class in middle school, I only remember my parents telling me I would ruin my life if I ever did drugs, which made me stay away from the kids who were using.

I truly believe Reality Tour goes above and beyond the class curriculum of watching a series of videos in health class. Having a parent attend with their child is a mutually beneficial tactic for drug prevention. The tour gives hands-on access for a child to see the consequences of a teen who made life-changing bad choices. The impact of visualizing a mother losing their child is beyond what any video can show.

Being 22 years old, I was moved by what Reality Tour does and how it impacts the audience. The opportunity to intern at this nonprofit has opened my eyes on how everyone should be educated on drug prevention. I was able to use my public relation practices I learned at Slippery Rock University to this nonprofit to help reach more Butler county community members.

Having first attended a Reality Tour, as well as interned for CANDLE, Inc., I can say that this non-profit is amazing in-and-out with the work that they do for families and the community. While we all hope that no one we know or love is subject to drugs or drug abuse, it is an epidemic that needs to be known and understood by all parents and children. The dedication that the executive director, tour directors, and volunteers hold is the power behind what is making a difference in all of the communities that Reality Tour can reach. Not only do the tours open the eyes of parents, but their children as well which is equally important and beneficial. The tour shines a light on not only what can come of drug abuse, but ways to prevent it within each household. I have a younger brother who is soon to be attending the Reality Tour in Murrysville and I am more than excited for him, as well as my parents, to have the eye-opening and informational experience that Reality Tour gives. After working for this amazing cause, and seeing the impact it has on others, as well as myself, I would recommend it to any and everyone.

I just scheduled my our second trip to the Reality Tour in Greensburg - this time with my daughter. We attended 4 years ago with my son who was 13 at the time. It was very impactful. While we never believed (as no one ever does) that our children would ever get into drugs, we know 100% they will be in a situation where they might be able to use the information they gain through the Reality Tour. We're taking the preventative approach.

Thank you for the work that you do for this program AND for being parent partners in helping my children to be informed as to the dangers with all drugs.

Thank you SO much for organizing the Reality Tour! I thought I was up to date on what was going on in the dark realm of drugs and other inhibitors, but boy was I wrong. This was very well put together. The action skit, the videos, and the live testimonies all had so much information, and those boys from George Junior just tore my heart up. So young, and so brave to share their story so another child will not have to walk in their shoes. I just can't express how much I appreciate the hard work everyone put into this event!!

We brought our 13 year old to the Reality Tour not knowing what to expect. I have to say that this was a very powerful experience for myself, my son and my wife! The powerful content of this tour is right on target and much needed for all of our children. We will be referring our youth group as well as our Celebrate Recovery family to this mission. Thank you!

The Reality Tour held by CANDLE, Inc. on September 12, 2016 was an amazing and memorable experience. Previous to attending I had heard that the Reality tour was very powerful and the message was well done. After attending I can say that it far surpassed my expectations, was very powerful, and was done in a very nice way. All parts of the Tour were impactful but the most powerful were the interviews with a retired PA State Trooper and also interviews with young individuals from a correctional facility who were there because of involvement with drugs from a very young age. I must thank the CANDLE, Inc organization for providing this service to the community.

Having both worked for CANDLE, Inc. and attended Reality Tour, I can honestly say this is an amazing non-profit and program. The drug epidemic across the country is growing each day and the passionate people that run CANDLE, Inc and Reality Tour are desperate to stop it. The Reality Tour program really opens up the communication lines between parents and children so they are comfortable talking about drugs. It also shows the consequences and provides coping skills. Something that I found very influential about the program is the talks from law enforcement and at risk youth. It shows parents that this is happening in their own community and kids that this problem could happen to them. Overall I highly recommend the program, it has made an impact on my life and I'm sure countless others as well.

I'm a mom of three kids now 22,20,15 All of whom experienced the reality tour with a group of friends when they went to Middle school. THEY STILL talk about. The older two successfully avoided the trap of drugs as did the students/friends they attended with. We were talking about it the other day and the 20 year old remembered the Jail. "there was a person behind the glass, they had tennis shoes like mine, I realized they had lost all their freedom and I didn't ever want to end up there," Now in college entering into her Junior year...the memory is vivid. She continues to avoid the path that drugs could take her. The 15 year old said the funeral is what cinched it for her. She said, "Looking at the body and knowing people were missing their friend I didn't want to lose a friend to something stupid like drugs or want people looking at me in a casket and wondering how I could have been so stupid." As a parent I remember grilling the students who were in recovery and asking them HOW did your parents MISS this? They willingly shared with me their tips and tricks on how they got away with it...I am grateful. To this day...if my kids go somewhere and call me on the cell, I ask to speak to their friend or friends parent from the cell...to be assured they are where they say they are...they know it will happen...no need to try to be deceptive. My son is pursing a career in law enforcement...he remembers the question about giving something up for 6 weeks and thinking as a child what it would be like to never have pizza again, or some other enjoyable thing. They drew the parallel about why "try something" that could become addictive to have to live the rest of your life NEVER experiencing it again..to the point of having to experience extreme pain because a narcotic could contribute to a relapse. For my olders its been 7 and almost 10 years and THE REALITY tour is still shaping their thought process about drugs and their use. I am thankful that so far their path has strayed away from the destructive one involving drug use. Those morphed images of their photos are etched into their minds as something to avoid. As homeschooled students the olders never encountered the peer pressure that kids grew up with. The REALITY TOUR prepared them for what peers can do. They have the ability to pull you down...or lift you up and out of the pit and away from the drug scene. Kudos to a program that makes a difference and leaves an impact. Our family is proof!

This experience hits hard from all different angles. Hopefully by showing how drugs affect all of our lives in today's world the message will get across to youths and adults. By showing the skits, the movie, and talks from law enforcement and recovering addicts I am hopeful that something will touch a nerve and make a difference.

I attended a Reality Tour in Mars on June 9th. I was astonished and surprised at just how influential and educational Reality Tour is. The dramatic scenes, although put on by volunteers, were fabulous and really got their messages across. Another great aspect was hearing from two boys from George Junior. Their stories were so inspirational and I know their wasn't a dry eye in the entire audience after one of the boys explained he will be leaving George Junior soon as a changed man and is headed to the army. I think this experience was a great learning exercise and all parents should consider taking their kids to this wonderful program.

The Reality Tour is a wonderful opportunity to open communications with your child about drugs if you haven't already. Providing real life situations, video commentary, as well as first hand experience of what life is like to be a "user". This program exceeded my expectations and gave my daughter and I plenty to talk about on the ride home as well as share with other family members at home. As a parent I really appreciated the tips given by the instructor, police officer and former abusers. Worth checking out and quite possibly saving the life of a friend or family member. Thank You!

I attended the final tour @ BVA and was truly moved when listening to the mom give her gut wrenching story followed by her son who is in recovery. Every person in the audience had tears in their eyes. Thanks to all the volunteers who work tirelessly to educated families about this horrible epidemic.

I am a PR intern at CANDLE for the spring of 2016. My name is Samantha and I’m a graduating senior at Slippery Rock University. My experience here has been great so far. I’ve been put in charge of reaching out to potential leads and working extensively on their Fun Fore All Fundraiser. I feel like CANDLE has offered me many opportunities to grow not only as an intern, but an individual as well. Everyone is so passionate about the cause and truly wants to make a difference in the lives of families. Working at an organization with such a great message has been very rewarding. Also, having been through the Reality Tour, I highly recommend the experience to all families.

I attended the reality tour last Thursday. I was not really sure what to expect, but I left with a wealth of knowledge about drugs and drug prevention for teens. I learned more about drug prevention in three hours than anything I have found on the internet or in school. I recommend this program for any pre-teen and their parents. This is a wonderful program for a family to make sure the whole family is on the same page and feel comfortable about talking about drugs. This tour gives you the reality of what happened when you get caught up in drugs. It gives a glimpse of a teens life struggles on drugs and it is very eye opening. Lastly, the part of the program I found to be most helpful was the Q and A with two teens who are in a correction facility and they talked about their lives on drugs. I though that it was very beneficial to hear how drugs are prevalent with teens first hand. Overall, this is a wonderful and very knowledge program. I recommend anyone to go.

Our children "hear" and are taught about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, but this program let them actually "see" the devastating effects drugs and alcohol have on them. Our family attended this program a few years ago, and now our oldest son is in high school. Our kids know the dangers, but you are always going to have peer pressure or that 1 person, whether it be a close friend or someone they date, that may have that special hold over them and can talk them into trying something they really know they shouldn't do. For this reason, I have tried to give my sons a way out and told them to tell their friends that their mother "drug tests" them, and if they ever got caught, they would have to reveal the name of the person who gave them the drugs. My boys liked having that idea as an option if a simple "no" didn't work, so I just order the drug testing kit which makes it official--I contacted Candle, Inc. and was given a 50% off coupon since we attended the Reality Tour. They send random drug testing notifications which my sons have agreed to take. This way, my kids really do have a way out if they need it. Should they refuse, then I will know something is up. It's a win, win situation!

I have been volunteering for 2 years with the Reality Tour. I started volunteering after I took my daughter to the Reality Tour in 6th grade. It is just a phenomenal program for both parents and students to create understanding and awareness of drug influence in the area. It helps educate what drugs to be aware of and the serious consequences of taking drugs. I am still impacted as a parent every time I volunteer.

The Reality Tour is amazing. I've attended the program years ago with my son and recently with my 6th grade daughter. I can't say enough about the program. It is professional run and very educational for the students and parents. Keep up the amazing job!

Ive taken both of my daughters through the reality tour. Its an excellent program making a great impact on our kids and community.

I have been a volunteer for over 10 years and have had so many positive experiences, from the camaraderie with the other volunteers, to the hugs and comments from the attendees during the tour. I can't say how many times people have told me that they attended years ago, and how important it was for them and their children. Please, do yourself a favor - take your child to Reality Tour. And, if you are looking for purpose or involvement in a community - consider volunteering. There are many ways in which you can help. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Have a great day.

After reading that five young people had overdosed in a little over a week in our area, I am so glad to have the Reality Tour in our area. It provides a great opportunity to help kids before they get hooked! As my mom used to say, Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure, and in this case it is so more possible.

As a volunteer Tour Director and Board Member, I occasionally have the privilege to attend open houses at different elementary schools in our area. Two things consistently stand out at these open houses: the number of parents who have already been through Reality Tour with their older children and can't wait to bring their younger children; and the number of parents who have not yet been through Reality Tour but have heard so many positive comments from friends and neighbors who have. I almost forgot, there are three things. The last is how many parents make a point to stop and thank us for providing Reality Tour to their families.

I could not put a price on any of the above.

I'm a ninth grader who attended the reality tour and it was one of the greatest programs I have attended in years. The reality tour explains drugs way better than a school and I recommend it to anyone.

My daughter attended the tour in 2006. She was so deeply affected that she wanted to volunteer. What a wonderful experience and learning opportunity for her. She has been blessed tie share her knowledge with others and , hopefully, make a positive impact in their lives

The Reality Tour was phenomenal! It was so beneficial for my 11-year-old child. The tour gave real life examples of how drugs can turn your world around for the worse. The presentation was informational and hearing the two recovering addicts speak was helpful, too. Thank you to everyone who makes this possible. Every child should experience this with at least one parent. It will open the lines of communication as well. Thank you!

As a volunteer, I have to say it is so rewarding to see the amount of families that come in and have their lives changed. You can clearly see the positive effects that it has on pre-teens/teens by observing their behavior before the tour starts and after it is concluded.

I was the PR intern for CANDLE Inc. during my spring semester 2015. My name is Kaila and I am a graduating senior from Slippery Rock University. Being the intern for such a great cause really made this experience memorable. During my internship my main focus was to keep the social media accounts: Facebook and Twitter up-to-date. I also did written work, design work and other tasks throughout my internship. The wide variety of opportunities that was available for me to be part of was a great learning experience and a huge step forward for me when entering the professional world. I highly recommend CANDLE as a nonprofit that allows for a great internship!

I attended the Reality Tour with my 2 children ages 12 and 16. This is by far the best drug prevention program out there today. It was truly eye opening for not only my children but for myself as well. I have shared the experience with many people and they plan on signing up to attend. I think all schools should make this a mandatory program for students.

I recently attended the Reality Tour with my husband and our two sons (ages 11 and 14). We found this program to be very educational. The volunteers did a wonderful job of conveying a lot of information about drug use in a way that captured the attention of kids and adults alike. I am so grateful to our school district for promoting this important organization - I really believe that if everyone took the time to attend a Reality Tour, the drug problems in our communities would diminish greatly. I highly recommend this program for anyone with teens and pre-teens.

I attended the Reality Tour with my 11yr old son. Several of his friends also attended with their parents. It was very informative for both the kids and the adults, I did not realize how much I didn't know about what is going on with drugs. The biggest benefit of this program for us was that it opened up communication for our family. I hope every family gets to attend this amazing program!

The reality tour is something every child should attend and every school district should pay for! Theses are the things that impacted my daughter the most, the tour it's self is an A+. The mother screaming and crying at the emerg room scene impacted me as well as her. The talk by the recovering addicts and the detective held her attention, even the movie kept her interest but when it came to the talk by the director and the gentleman who is in charge of drug prevention, she did not remember a word that was said. After about 2hours she was getting bored. (Which is about the attention level of any 6th or 7th grader.) I have recommended this to many of my friends.

Hi,

I just want to let you know that this was a very educational for me, my husband and duaghter. I was not a very good child and I really thought I knew a good bit regarding drugs. I had some friends die from drugs and alcohol. I was very lucky and cleaned my act up however now that I have children I thought I new what to look for. After your tour I was completely wrong.

I really think every parent should attend this tour and not just once. I think that they should attend every couple or so years. I have a child that is 19 and I know things have changed since I was a kid. I also have a child age 11 and it changed from my oldest.

Please keep up the great work. My daughter thanked me for taking her. It really did opens some great line of communication.

Thanks,

Tammy Hoffer

It was an absolute honor for me to be part of the Reality Tour group last night. From the very beginning with the boy scouts, the very excellent film and right up to the very end at the viewing I felt involved in the life of the girl (on the tape).
I watched the faces of the kids and although you cannot always read, I read enough to tell me that the message was making a deep impression.
The viewing was so real, the mirror made such a dramatic impact. I know I was moved by it but in watching the parents and kids standing at the casket you could almost sense the shock as they looked in the mirror.

THE TOUR MAKES AN IMPACT and if the message sinks in to hopefully most, then it is a "life success".

Thank you for welcoming me.

Dori Daigle

I have been working with the Reality tour for over a year and I have had the opportunity to see first hand how it changes lives. I also work at George Junior Republic where the majority of the speakers come from to speak about their life experiences with drugs or alcohol. I recently had a youth who has spoken 4 different times at Reality Tours make a great connection with a member of the audience who wanted to hire him to work with him once he is discharged from George Junior. This connection has done amazing things for the youth's attitude and I am proud to see how a member of our community can see the true potential in a youth from GJR. A huge thank you to the Reality Tour for letting the GJR youth speak and share their stories, this not only helps with their public speaking skills but also with their communication skills and confidence.

By donating our services to transport students and their parents to there Reality Tours we are able to extend our commitment to safety. Getting these students to these tours may help keep so many of the students safe from drugs and the downward spiral effect they have on our entire society.

I first encountered Candle Inc and Norma at a reality tour through an internship. I'm currently in school for addiction counseling and absolutely loved the program and everything it stood for. After seeing one reality tour I knew I wanted to be involved in more. Drug prevention is very important to me and I fully stand behind everything Candle Inc is about and strongly suggest it to others!

When Norma Norris asked me ten years ago to help put together ONE reality tour I thought it was a great idea. Over those years I have volunteered and seen the faces of the children who never thought about the consequences of drug use, over and over and over.
When a group of "hard core" kids from an alternate education facility attend a tour and came up to us afterwards, with tears in their eyes, saying: "I want my sister/cousin/brother to see this program" and gave us hugs, I KNEW this was one of the most valuable programs available for young children.
I don't know how many lives this has saved, but if it saved ONE child from drug abuse, it's well worthwhile!

I was originally involved with the Westmoreland Reality Tour for about 1 year after the loss of my son (David Baughman) to a heroin overdose. In November of last year I took on the venture of bringing the program to the Latrobe Area. The Latrobe Reality Tour will cover the Latrobe, Derry and Ligonier School districts as the Westmoreland Reality Tour no longer has the capacity for our families. Our first tour will be on Wednesday September 17 at the Latrobe Municipal Authority. If I can help deter one child from going down that terrible road then my son's death was not in vain.

When I give to a charity I am hopeful that my donation will actually help someone. In the case of CANDLE, Inc I know that my contribution will be used to help young people learn of the negative effects of drugs and that it will really change lives.

My husband and I have seen how heroin has ruined the young life of a son of our friends. This boy was stealing anything & everything to get money to feed his habit, and at age 21 is now in jail on felony charges. His mother's heart broke when the police came to subdue & arrest him at their house, on Mother's Day. If CANDLE, Inc keeps one kid from a future like that, then it is worth it. But we know they are opening the eyes of more than one kid, and that's why we support this organization.

The Reality Tour and their volunteers provide the education and life-like exposure that parents and their middle school children need about drug prevention in today's world. The topics presented at a Reality Tour provide common knowledge for on-going discussions between parents and their children that attended a tour. These on-going parent-child discussions have helped many families avoid the negative impact drugs can have on the lives of family members.

ive been working with the candle inc for several years as a volunteer and now as a board member.i lost a daughter to a 11 year battle to drugs in march 2011 . my wish is by me helping this way of showing what happened that I can save others from going through what my family went through.

I have been volunteering for CANDLE, Inc./ Reality Tour through my on campus organization at Slippery Rock University of PA, Rock PRoductions, for about two years now and I recently started interning for them this fall semester. They have an amazing impact on families and that impact increases each day. Several months ago I attended Reality Tour on my own just to get a feel for how they run things and it far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend ALL parents to take the time to go to Reality Tour with their kids!

I have been with CANDLE Inc. and The Reality Tour for a little over a year now. The countless lives I have seen impacted over that short time has been tremendous. I myself do not have children, but I recommend all of my friends with children 10 and up take their child to Reality Tour. The positive responses I receive back is astounding. So many parents and pre-teens / teens do not realize the severity drug abuse has on an entire family. The knowledge they gain at the tours is so profound, many change their entire thinking about ever trying drugs in the first place. This program should be in every school district and every county nationwide.

Tara M

The Reality Tour had a tremendous impact on our 10 year old daughter and us. My wife, daughter, and I have truly opened up the lines of communication regarding drugs and alcohol. As all parents, we want the best for our children and the Reality Tour provided us a venue to comfortably approach a difficult subject. We will bring our two other children to the tour when they reach the appropriate age.

We have been working on bringing the Reality Tour to Russell, Ontario, Canada. Over the last few years I have noticed the increase in drug use amongst the youth in our community. Having two teenage children these statistics scare me to death! While in the States last summer I heared about the Reality Tour from some youth that had done the Tour. They said it was "life changing". There was nothing like this available to youth in Canada. We contacted Norma Norris and she is helping adjust a few things with the program to make it suitable for Canada. We are excited to be the first community in Canada to launch the Reality Tour. It is an amazing program!

ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO I WENT TO ONE OF THESE REALITY TOURS LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT IT WOULD CHANGE MY LIFE AND GIVE ME A BETTER UNDERSTANDING ON HOW I WANTED MY LIFE TO GO. THE LEARNING POTENTIALS FAR EXCEED THE NORMAL PROGRAMS ABOUT DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE! THE VOLUNTEERS LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON ME THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE GAVE ME AN OUTLOOK THAT I NEVER EXPECTED TO RECEIVE VERY POWERFUL! I HAVE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THIS TO MANY OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY! i WOULD ALSO SUGGEST THAT ANYONE THAT HAS NOT BEEN TO A REALITY TOUR DO SO VERY SOON!

The Realty Tour is totally worth the time and money we spent. I recommend that all parents take their kids. My husband and I took our 14 and 16 year old sons on the Reality Tour in April. We wanted to learn, with our kids, about what drugs are really here in our community. The best part was learning from the presenters about new drugs, and the scary reality of the drug trade right here where we live. As a public school teacher, I want all of my junior high students to learn what I've learned, to bolster their resolve to avoid drugs and people who are involved with drugs. My sons were most affected by the candid stories of the boys who are currently serving time for their involvement with drugs.

My husband and I thought that the Reality Tour far exceeded our expectations! The children were amazed at how many chemicals were added to drugs, like battery acid and gasoline. We were all moved by the video , scenes, demonstrator and most of all the boys from George Jr. Thank you for going the extra distance in taking this tour to a different level of knowledge . You all will be in our thoughts and prayers always :))

This program far exceeded my expectations and taught me even more! The skits were most engaging for my 12 year old. He asked me more than once if it was "real". I was very enthralled by the recovery speakers. My prayers contine daily for these 2 young brave men.

I would've paid at least $50 each for my children and I to attend! Worth so much more!

This program should be required in EVERY school nationwide!!

"The Reality Tour made me more determined to NOT try drugs!"- Quote from a Clarion County Youth attendee

I learned about REALITY TOUR two years ago and I love the program so much I am helping to start one in the Murrysville, PA, area! Every time I attend a TOUR, I gain more knowledge of the current dangers that illegal drugs and the abuse of prescription medications present to our children and our communities. I'm always surprised that the emotional power of REALITY TOUR continues to affect me no matter how many times I attend. I have young children, so my personal connection to videos and scenes at REALITY TOUR is strong. I never want to see these events unfold for my children or their friends and I'll do whatever it takes to help educate them and lead them in the right direction and help others in our community delay or stop experimentation that can lead to addiction. God Bless CANDLE Inc. for the work they are doing saving lives, families and communities. Once addiction sets in, there is no easy road back to "normal." Prevention -- specifically evidence-based prevention -- plays a vital role as the best way to fight the negative power of addiction and keep the drug trade out of our communities.

"Thank you so much for caring about our kids enough to show them how dangerous and easy it is to get involved with drugs & alcohol. Very informative and creative in helping our awareness." - Adult participant at the Indiana County Reality Tour in January 2010.

I wanted a share my personal story on how the Reality Tour impacted my family - even after several years. My children (a son and a daughter) and I were volunteers for the tour when it first started. At the time, my son was 15 and my daughter was 12, and they were members of the opening peer pressure scene. As time goes by, we all tend to forget the impact or significance of past involvements that at the time were so impactful and important to us when we were in the midst. However, the impact on the Reality Tour has been so beneficial to my children and my son, in particular - even several years later. Let me tell you why.....

My son is now 24 years - and reconnecting with some of his former friends from high school since returning from college. He shared with me some shocking news that some of his former class mates are experiencing with drugs, such as: LSD. I asked him what his thoughts were -- and here are his own words: 'I know the impact of drug usage. The Reality Tour taught me as a young teen the negative affect that drugs would have on my life - and I'll never forget it!'

What an amazing validation for the benefit of this program! It is truly a must-see for all pre-teens/teens and their parents. THANK YOU, Reality Tour for leaving such a lasting, postive impression on my children!

Our partnership with Candle, Inc. and the Reality Tour here in Greensburg has been outstanding. The number of students and parents that we have been able to send to the Reality Tours continues to grow and has made a lasting impact on the participants. The children we serve are our greatest resource, and experiencing the Reality Tour will hopefully lead to better, safer choices as they face the daily pressures in their lives.

My name is Rob Fabriiz. I first experiened the Reality Tour when I was in 6th grade with my parents and younger brother, the program not only opened the door for my family to talk about the drug use that is all around us in school and in the streets but it also made me want to help out. I wanted to help bring this awareness to others. From that day forward I felt the need to help with the program. I took the role of being arrested one Tuesday night a month. As a teenager being involved with this program, it helped me not only be aware of the dangers of drug use but it helped me to look out for those around me . This program is a must see for every family, it helps to open the door for kids and partens to talk about drugs, it helps parents to be aware of what their kids face when it comes to the dangers of drugs and how easily available they are. I have recommended this program to all my friends. BEST PROGRAM EVER!!!!!

I am amazed by the powerful and lasting impression the Reality Tour is having in our community! We so much appreciate being a part of serving our community with this program and are hoping for future successes as Candle, Inc. continues to offer hope and education to individuals in our communities battling drug use and addiction.

Sincerely,
Nicole Slaughter
Fayette County WV

The Butler Reality Tour is dedicated to educating both the parents and children of our community. As a volunteer, I see the commitment given to each part of the program and the love shown to each participant. Even though the leadership struggles with funding cuts to the program, the dedication to the families never falters. Innovative ideas and community/business support have helped to sustain this great program. As a retired public educator, I see the need and value in the Reality Tour and hope it's message continues to be spread throughout America!

Our tour (Norwin Reality Tour) started one year ago. We have had an incredible response from our community. We have had over 250 people attend from 9 area school districts. We have the full support of our local police and school district. I truly believe we are making a difference. Our reviews have been great! I am proud to be a part of the program.

Our County Child Death Review Team began the Reality Tour in 2007. We have the most dedicated volunteers that ALWAYS show up for team meetings and tours. It is because of the hard work of the organization CANDLE, Inc. in making such an easy to understand, comprehensive, and educational program available. It is our hope that this program impacts families in a very positive way.

We took our son when he was in the fifth grade. His Dad is in recovery (drug) and our son has watched him struggle. Without scaring him as to what could happen to his dad but showing him the truth, we decided he was old enough. Before something happened to him that we hadn't prepared him enough for. The experience was not only excellent for our son, who is now 16, but it strengthened my husband efforts in staying clean and getting healthier, mentally and physically. It was a truly awesome learning experience and we would never hesitate to volunteer if needed! My husband did go back once to stand and give a testimonial.

My daughter attended the tour when she was in 6th grade. It impacted her so much that she wanted to volunteer. We have been doing so for the last 6 years. She is now on her way to college with the skills to stand up to peer pressure and make good choices. It has been a blessing to meet and work with all of the volunteers and learn from their stories.

What a wonderful experience for me and my children.

I am so excited that we are bringing Reality Tour to our area for upcoming school year! I am a parent of recovering addict and am involved with local Nar Anon family group. I have been working with Rotary to assist with funding for this program. Westmoreland county has been hit hard with RX drug OD deaths and we want to change this statistic and save our children and young adults. Reality Tour is sweeping our area like wildfire and we are so pleased to introduce it to our community. Norma Norris is very passionate about making a difference with this cruel disease of addiction. God bless Norma and Reality Tour! Thank you .

Well I did not start off being a volunteer my daughter's classroom had teacher night at the Reality Tour so I decided to take both my girls and on top of this all I am a police officer so I thought it would be beneficial for my girls. After the program I was very moved to what impact it had on my girls and on myself and hope they learned what can happen to you when you make a decision about drugs. The night I went they usually have a police officer that gives a talk at the end of the session and that day we attended they did not have one and someone else who volunteers knew I was a police officer so at the end of the night they asked me to give the talk and that is how my youngest daughter and I started volunteering and it's going on 3 years now.

I took my daughter to the Reality Tour when she was in 5th grade. We both learned so much from the program. We were so impressed with how well it was put together that we agreed to volunteer. As my daughter is now beginning her junior year in high school, we both continue to support the Reality Tour. We speak openly about the drug and alcohol issues that we continue to learn about through Candle, Inc. I also have joined the Family Health Program and randomly drug test both of my children when we are notified to do so. I feel that Candle, Inc. has given me the opportunity to help my children move through life with the knowledge and ability to stay away from substances that can harm them and those that they love.

In Indiana County, Pennsylvania, the Armstrong-Indiana Drug Free Communities Coalition coordinates the Reality Tour Program as a drug prevention strategy for the community of Indiana County, PA. As a Prevention Specialist, I am proud to say I have participated in the program for more than five years. The information and education provided during this program is priceless. The tour is a much needed avenue for parents, families and youth leaders to gain invaluable information about current drug trends in our area while learning / strengthening strategies to resist alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Familes appreciate that the youth are engaged in programming from the beginning to the end of the programming and are encouraged to ask questions. Our coalition is grateful to have the Reality Tour program in our community.

The Reality Tour is a very well thought out factual based program on substance abuse and what it can do to the individual who chooses to use. I find it very educational and believe it would benefit any child or parent who goes to the event. It shows the slow progression and no one is above substance abuse regardless of what walk of life they come from. Parents should take advantage of the opportunity to go to the event with there children.

The work Reality Tour performs is truly amazing! So many parents have told me how it has helped convince their children to avoid illicit drugs and users, provided so much important information, and even helped the relationship between the parent and child.
There is absolutely nothing similar in this area-it fills a huge void.

I have been a Reality Tour volunteer for the past 5 years, and never in my life have I been involved in a project more fulfilling! Our area is suffering from an epidemic of drug use, abuse, and overdoses as well as a record number of drug-related deaths. Knowing the work we do here is preventing young people from ever experimenting and saving them from this horrible disease is thanks enough! Amazing!

The Reality Tour is wonderful! Both of my children were positively affected by attending. We talk about drugs more than we used to and I feel that it really opened their eyes to how drugs can totally mess up your life. Keep up the excellent work!

I volunteered at Reality Tour for a few years after the loss of my son to a heroin addiction. It is an amazing program. It is very fact based...shows actual consequences of drug use and gives you real life stories from individuals who have struggled with addiction. I only wish it had know about it sooner and it may of made a differnce in my sons outcome.

Our organzation used Reality Tour for the first time this year. It has been amaazing! All of our famiies gave positive reviews. We attracted families from all sectors of our community. It truely became a community project for us. Our first responders were our volunteers (police, fire, paramedics) and the employees from our morturary did the funeral scene. Having these professionals and their equipment brought the REAL in to Reality. The folks see the harsh reality of drug addiciton in our community. Being a part of this event provided them with a way to feel like they are making a difference and helping prevent some of the devistation of drugs.

Candle Inc is a very worthwhile organization. The Reality Tour has made an impact on many lives in a positive and amazing way! I have been a volunteer for quite a few years and it is extremely rewarding to see how the youth are taken in with the scenes and possibilities and sad endings that one decision can bring to themselves and their family members.

Candle, Inc. provides an important component to the future of children. As schools continue to face budget restraints, Candle provides the educational piece for students and families to learn the harsh reality of drugs and achohol. This program takes a proactive approach to meet parents and children head on and provides support and direction. I have attended several times and have left each time with a new perspective on what is happening to our children (and adults).

I have volunteered with this organization for over 2 years. The other volunteers are great and everyone gets along so well. The mission of Candle Inc. and the Reality Tour is to bring education, awareness, and prevention of substance abuse in teens. It is SO important today! Both of my Sons volunteer with the program as well. Through meeting some of the speakers and talking to others at the Reality Tour it has helped them to truly see the risks involved with substance abuse.
I am very proud to support this organization.

Outstanding Organization!!!! Candle, Inc. saves lives one program at a time!!! Proud that this organization started in Pennsylvania, but is desperately needed throughout the world!!! I learned so much when my daughter and I attended the program last fall. My daughter said the program made her stronger in her convictions!!!

I am an intermediate principal and promote the Reality Tour as a way to educate our families on how drugs and alcohol can destroy hopes and dreams. This is the most informative educational drug/alcohol program reaching parent and child together. My families have shared with me the positive impact this program has had on educating their family about the dangers of substance abuse and strategies to say, 'NO!' I've attended numerous sessions and every time I walk away from the experience reminded of the impact this program has on our children and their parents.

Love this program. It reaches parents and children at a critical developmental juncture. It is a key component of our drug prevention work. Not only does it reach parents and children, it galvanizes a whole community as schools, emergency personnel, treatment facilities, and others get involved in making the program a success. Finally, it's affordable -- something critical for all of us.

My mom and I volunteer, and I feel proud that I can be part of a message that can help others!
Mac Michael

This was one of the most memorable and most important things we as parents did with our daughter. I know she will also never forget it. I am so glad there are people caring enough to take the time to present this.
Its exceptional!

I attended the Candle Inc. Reality Tour with my daughter. I was so impressed with the program and the strong message it gets across. It is so important to have a program like this in the community.

I am a secondary principal and have seen first hand how drugs and/or alcohol destroy families. We use the Reality Tour for students found to be under the influence of or in possession of drugs or alcohol. Both parents and students have returned and described the positive impact that the Reality Tour had on their situation. I took my own children to see it and they were definitely impacted by the material. I am very thankful for the volunteers who provide this service and we, as a district, will continue to utilize this service.

I believe the Reality Tour has an edge over other drug use prevention programs because of the involvement of both the parent and the child. The program provides factual information. This is great parent information so they know what is really out there and happening in their child's world and it lets the child know that their parents are informed and aware and on guard against drug use. Opening lines of communication on the realities/consequences of drug use is very important.

I believe this organization provides a valuable service to families in the community struggling with the challenges of drug use and abuse. I hope they keep going strong because they have definately made a difference on our community.

The work being done by Candle Inc. and the Reality Tour is an invaluable resource to our community and schools. As the former middle school principal of our school district, we partnered with Candle Inc. to bring parents and students together to learn about the dangers of drug abuse. More importantly, this program which is attended by both parent and child, opens up the lines of communication and the improves awareness of early at risk behaviors. I endorse this program.

Cannot not say enough about this program. I truly believe it not only makes the children aware of what can happen but also as parents what is out there and how readily available things are for your children to get into. My son and I both walked away with so much knowledge that my son now is a part of the Reality Tour program with volunteering. I look forward to attending with my youngest son this year.

The Reality Tour is a project of Candle Inc. and the show is a great way to have "the talk" with your pre-teens and teens about drug and alsohol prevention. This show is interactive with role-playing and discussion and the kids don't feel like they are being lectured to but are a major part of the Reality Tour. Believe me the kids and parents will never forget it.
Taba Aleem
E. Cleveland, OH

CANDLE Inc. is a wonderful nonprofit that is helping our youth and families combat substance abuse across the country. The Reality Tour is a meaningful program that impacts everyone in attendance. It truly the only program of its kind, benefiting children and parents together. Every community should utilize Reality Tour and the other programs that CANDLE, Inc. can offer. Saving a child from substance abuse is priceless.

I really believe that The Reality Tour is an effective program because it gets parents/gaurdians talking with their children about how to say no to drugs. If even one child doesn't become an addict because of what they learned at Reality Tour, then my time as a volunteer is worth it. As a mom, my children attended Reality Tour and to quote my son, "Every kid should go to this." I am happy to say that 6 years later, my 18 year old son remains drug free and he plans to stay drug fee throughout college.

Young Brothers Tae Kwon-Do is proud to support this amazing organization. The impact this unique program has on the children of this community is necessary to help them grow up productive and successful citizens !

Words can not express the benefits that the Reality Tour and Candle, Inc. has brought to our local community in regards to drug awareness and prevention. It is a 'must see' for all families with pre-teens. I am also truly elated to see the outreach from across the nation that has occurred in regards to their interest in the Reality Tour. In my opinion, the Reality Tour should be seen all 7 graders across the nation!

My daughter first became involved as a volunteer following her 8th grade girl scout troops visit to the tour. She and her friends then participated when they could throughout high school. I dont think they will ever forget the impact the tour had on them.

I can't imagine not being part of this unique project. Living and working in the community where Reality Tour started feels like a true benefit. I'm glad to support CANDLE Inc. and glad to know how hard they work on behalf of our community.

Having a family member that has been addicted to herion, I can't thank Candle Inc enough for the wonderful job they do. I have 3 sons that have seen our family go thru so much with this addiction in our family. They have attended the program and all said how much they had learned from it. Our youngest has been volunteering now for 2 years. Thank you for all you do to make a difference and make kids aware . Keep up the good work !

I am a recovering addict with over eight years clean. This is a great way to give back to the community. The Reality Tour delivers a powerful message, please come see it for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

My children are 28,18,16,13,9. My oldest son is a heroin addict. I shield my 3 younger kids for years about his addiction. Now however I don't.drugs are a openly discussed now. All my kids have been to the tour an I now help with the tour in north huntingdon, PA.
I think the visual effect of seeing the actor arrested,put in jail,dying,an the funeral scene have a bigger impact on the kids an parents the just simply talking about drugs. Please continue supporting this programming I know it saves a lot of kids from even trying drugs. And as a parent of an addict if I saw this 10 years ago I may have seen the signs much sooner then I did.

Candle Inc provides an invaluable community resource for families. Participants learn how to be proactive in the choices presented to youth in their social environments. Parents receive information on how to give their child the tools to say "no" when presented with invitations to party in harmful ways. Today it's when, not if, the child will have to decline a peer pressure encounter with drugs. Consequences are depicted clearly and create a lasting impression. Families are provided steps to openly discuss drugs and establish what is acceptable behavior for the family.

My son and I enjoy volunteering at the Reality Tour. The number one reason is - we believe in what the tour is communicating.....Temptations are out there, regardless of our social economic circumstances, education, or family lineage. Drugs, of all shape and sizes and made up concoctions are a reality, and the best way to combat this is to talk about it... honest talks with our kids and ourselves. Reality tour breaks it down to the raw facts and encourages us to be prepared, know what is out there, talk about it, and give a kids new ways of coping. I thank Reality tour for giving me, as a parent, that proverbial kick. As a volunteer, I see behind the scenes, and how dedicated the volunteers are.... It is truly a labor of love! Thank you for all you do!

I am a group leader for both the Norwin and Greensburg Reality Tours, and the volunteer coordinator for the Greensburg site. My daughters and I went to the Greensburg site as attendees 2 1/2 years ago. It was 1 week before the 4-year anniversary of my brother's death to a heroin and Xanax overdose. The scenes were all very realistic. The funeral scene played the same music that I personally chose for Allen's funeral mass. It was very hard to get through and sometimes still is. The information given is invaluable. I saw the looks on other parents' faces and on the children's and realized it was affecting them. I decided before we left that I wanted to be a part of this so that hopefully we could save other young people and their families from going through the same heartache that we did. My daughters play roles, as well. As the arrestee, the victim in the ER scene, and family that attends the funeral. We have met many people we now proudly call friends. People who care about the same things we do. The recovery speakers also offer hope to me for the family members I have that are still in active addiction. After going to that first one, I was shocked that it had been being done once a month for 4 years and I had only just heard of it. Since then, I tell everyone who will listen and encourage them to come.

I absolutely loved volunteering for Candle Inc. The outreach they have is huge and the impact on the teens they minister too is even bigger. The program they use is very moving and realistic. I enjoyed volunteering with them and do it whenever I can.

I am the director of the Reality Tour in Pike Co, PA and it has been one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences I have ever had (and I do A LOT of volunteering!). It is so wonderful to see the community support for the program. Those that have attended continually send comments in about how The Reality Tour has impacted their lives. Past attendees come back to volunteer because they feel so strongly about the program. To me, that speaks volumes about the quality of the program.

My boys and I went to a reality tour a few years ago and it was so impactful.We have been volunteering monthly since.I play a doctor role and my sons girlfriend my nurse.Everywhere I go I tell people all about this program.It should be mandatory that all children in all schools go because it is that good of a program and it could save so many lives.So many parents are not aware of actually how bad the drug problem is today.Unfortunetly for me I lost my sister to drugs and my husband and I have buried other family members from drugs too.Thankfully God has truly blessed us with the strengh and knowledge to teach our five children that drugs are not the answer.Not one of us in this world can be with our children twenty four hours a day,but with wonderful programs like this and spending lots of quality time with our kids we can only hope and pray they never choose that road.I have suffered many tears watching people around me die of drugs so if I can help save lives I am sure going to try. I am very thankful we have one started here in N.Huntigdon now. Terry

This program is a great asset to our kids. It is vivid and real and really shows kids what truly happens when they use drugs.

Exceptional, high-impact program that helps kids avoid drug use and abuse while ensuring families take a very active role towards an anti-drug lifestyle. This program changes lives. It's all about saving kids one at a time so they could live a productive and successful life. It's about taking steps in our community to solve the serious drug problems that often destroy neighborhoods and families. As a volunteer, the feedback is continuously and consistently positive towards anti-drug use. Otis DiCerbo, Norwin Reality Tour, North Huntingdon, PA

I am the director for Reality Tour in NY. We've never had anything like this in our small county. It was hard to get it going, but when do have a tour, we rarely have a dry eye i the house and the impact is shown. We have parents coming up thanking us for the tour and we've even had people come more than once and refer others to come. It is literally a "reality" tour, in the life of an addict. It's so much more impactable because teens and parents are able to see the truth instead of just hearing it.

Reality Tour became part of the Iron Mountain Public Schools in 2012 as a response to the infiltration of synthetic marijuana in our school and community. The program has had a remarkable impact on the children and adults. Reviews and comments from program participants have all been positive. Reality Tour has made a difference in our school.

As a parent and youth group leader, Reality Tour opened my eyes, and my teens eyes, to the dangers of drugs. It put my family on a level playing field when it comes to talking about drugs, and my teens know that I've been educated. There were so many important points that I learned through Reality Tour that were invaluable to my family. It's a must-do activity for all families!

As a coordinator for the Reality Tour in Fayette Co., WV, I have seen several youth and parents that have felt an impact from these tours. I have had comments telling how much the Reality Tour has meant to them and some that have said they would no longer use drugs. There have been comments to continue the tour because it helped them to stay clean. Personally, I like having the opportunity to give to the community by providing access to information and resources . This is a life-changing opportunity and a program that is not available to the community otherwise. I feel this is a very worthwhile program.

What a classic, easy to implement community support system to educate families on the dangers lurking readily to our youth. The focus on prevention vs. rehabilitation is extremely cost-effective not only in after care dollars but in preserving the ability of our youth to grow and mature into all they can be. The learn how to say no and how to recognize the dangers. It is by community for the community and all reap the benefits. The volunteers are dedicated and provide the core of the delivery of this important message that allows families to have open discussion and address the issue of drugs before it's a crisis in the family.

As a pharmacist and mother of an 8th grader, the program is so meaningful to me. I feel it should be mandatory for preteens and teens. Drug abuse in our community is a real problem and I am so grateful the Reality Tour is proactive in reaching the kids before it potentially takes hold of them. Having been robbed at gunpoint last year working as a pharmacist in a local community pharmacy, I know the reality of drug addiction, tolerance and what desperation can lead a person to do.

The reality tour is an exceptional program to help keep children away from drug and substance abuse. The program opens up lines of communication between children and parents/guardians to keep the focus on a drug-free lifestyle. This is high impact and a must for children and parents to live a drug-free lifestyle. Otis DiCerbo