Prevention begins with
education.
Progress begins with
connection.
Helping schools, families, professionals, and communities identify challenges early, strengthen protective factors, and put meaningful support into action.
Built by educators to
protect our children.
Long Island P.R.E.P. was founded in 2017 by educators Paul and Melanie Vecchione in response to the devastating impact of substance abuse and the growing challenges facing young people and families. What began as a commitment to prevention education developed into a coordinated system designed to help communities recognize concerns sooner and respond more effectively.
Today, Long Island P.R.E.P. serves New York, while PREP National brings the same mission and system of programs to communities beyond New York. Our work has grown, but the guiding belief has not changed: people need practical knowledge, trusted relationships, and access to support before challenges become crises.
Not another isolated program.
A connected system of support.
Prevention education is strongest when it is reinforced by early identification, individualized intervention, and ongoing professional development. Our Three Pillars of Action are designed to work together—supporting students and the adults who guide them.
Education. Intervention. Professional Learning.
PREP for Life
A K-12 prevention curriculum that helps students build decision-making skills, resilience, self-awareness, healthy relationships, and the ability to navigate peer pressure, misinformation, and real-world risks.
RICAPP
The Recurring Individual Communicative Addiction Prevention Plan supports early identification, individualized plans, goal setting, communication, and progress monitoring—connecting students, families, and school professionals around shared action.
PREP Academy
Practical courses, workshops, and presentations for educators, parents, administrators, and community professionals. Learning is available asynchronously and in person, with CTLE-eligible offerings for New York State educators.
Support that is practical, personal, and proactive.
Identify Early
Recognize warning signs, needs, and risk factors before they escalate.
Respond Individually
Move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches with clear goals and meaningful plans.
Connect People
Strengthen communication among students, families, educators, and providers.
Build Lasting Skills
Equip people with practical tools they can use in classrooms, homes, and communities.
Meeting people where
they are.
Our work began in schools, but the need for prevention, wellness education, and timely intervention extends far beyond the classroom. PREP National is developing and adapting resources for youth organizations, athletics, faith-based settings, veterans, nonprofits, community organizations, and other environments where meaningful support can make a difference.
Our work also includes RICAPP Therapeutic, an adaptation of individualized planning and progress support for clinical and therapeutic settings.
Our Team
Paul Vecchione
Long Island P.R.E.P. & PREP National
With more than 20 years of experience as a public school educator, Paul founded Long Island P.R.E.P. in 2017 in response to the devastating impact of substance abuse and the challenges facing young people and families. His work emphasizes prevention education, early identification, and practical support. Through PREP National, he continues to bring that mission to communities beyond New York.
Melanie Vecchione
Melanie has been an educator since 2008 and brings extensive classroom experience and a parent's perspective to the organization. She helps shape educational resources and prevention initiatives that are relevant to the everyday experiences of students, families, and educators.
Dr. Anne Rullan
Dr. Anne Rullan brings a background in educational leadership and curriculum development. Her guidance supports the organization's commitment to practical, informed approaches that help schools, families, and communities meet the needs of young people.
Stories That Carry the Message Forward
Books by Paul Vecchione that draw on experience, education, and the importance of meaningful connections.
I Never Wanted to Be a Teacher…
Paul Vecchione's personal journey through education, advocacy, and inspiring change.
VIEW BOOK ON AMAZON ↗
Blueberries and Touchdowns
A children's story celebrating family, connection, and shared experiences.
VIEW BOOK ON AMAZON ↗Prevention is a shared responsibility.
Progress is a shared opportunity.
Whether you're a school leader, provider, community organization, or potential partner, we're committed to building solutions that are relevant, accessible, and rooted in the people they serve.
Connect With Our Team →