10 Things with Jennifer Rossi (MADD)
I had the privilege of speaking with Jennifer Rossi today to chat about her experience working with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). We’ve all heard of this organization, but I was surprised at some of the misconceptions out there regarding what this wonderful organization does. Please read on and meet Jennifer. She has dedicated so many years to spreading the word about MADD, she loves to travel or roadtrip to new places, spontaneous adventures, read, go to the beach, make memories with her children and play with her 2 curious cats! Love it! Thank you Jennifer for sharing your time with me and giving us the opportunity to help you promote this incredible organization and its upcoming fundraier.
Jennifer Rossi, Program Specialist MADD CT
1) Jennifer, please tell us about yourself. Are you originally from Fairfield County?
I'm a busy mom of 3 children, son and twin girls and also PTA President for my daughters school. I am actually from New Haven County on the shoreline but do spend a lot of time in the Fairfield County area with my partner.
2) How/when did you get involved with MADD's Connecticut chapter?
As I was completing my Masters Degree in Criminal Justice, one of my professors told me that MADD was looking for a Victim Advocate and she would give me a recommendation. I went to the interview a little scared just coming out of college and for 17 years I have been employed with MADD.
3) What are the biggest challenges MADD faces in achieving its mission, and how can the community help overcome these challenges?
One of the biggest hurdles is the public's perception of MADD and not knowing what we actually do. Education and awareness are then vital to getting our message out that we are foremost a victim services organization. It is the best kept secret of MADD because many think we are trying to stop people from drinking or having a good time. Our messages have always been clear that you can have a great time, but do it responsibly, have a sober designated driver and plan ahead to get home safely.
4) What educational/resources programs does MADD offer to the community to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, and support those affected by it?
All of the programs we offer are no charge to the community or schools. MADD has general presentations on what we do and programs available, victim services training, death notification training for law enforcement, and youth education ranging from 4th and 5th graders to high school students.
5) How do you feel the organization has evolved over the years?
Since MADD's inception 45 years ago, drunk driving fatalities have been cut in half and over one million victims/survivors have been assisted. Technology is more advanced now with the ignition interlock device and autonomous vehicles. Even the general public is more aware of who MADD is and that we exist to help strengthen DUI laws across the country for justice to be served to those who can no longer advocate for themselves.
6) How does MADD address the issue of underage drinking and its relation to drunk driving prevention?
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among America's youth, which kills 4,300 teens a year. If we wait until kids are in middle school to begin the conversations about alcohol with them, we’ve waited too late. It takes at least twenty-one years for the human brain to build the foundation on which all future development will depend. Anything that interferes with how the brain operates during this first twenty-one-year period can change the course of a person's mental, emotional, cognitive, and social development and alter his or her opportunities for success. In response to this research, MADD has created a number of programs dedicated to engaging youth and parents in discussion and providing statistics, tips and tools to assist in making the decision not to drink until the legal age of 21.
7) Tell us about your partnership with SAAD this year, and how that has impacted your outreach efforts.
MADD CT has had a partnership with the Fairfield Ludlowe High School SADD club for many years. They've run our youth area at walks, we've hosted mock crashes at the school and spoken with students. We believe that it is the youth that will spread MADD's mission especially with social media. The SADD students are dedicated to bringing awareness about the dangers of underage drinking and how it can affect your body now and long term. The earlier we can start to have conversations with youth about risky behaviors, the more likely they are to not start using alcohol until the legal age of 21.
8) This year your fundraising event has shifted from a MADD Walk to a Comedy Show. Tell us about this upcoming event!
The Stand Up Comedy Show will take place on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Fairfield Ludlowe High School Auditorium. Doors open at 7:00 pm, the show begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. They can be purchased in advance online at madd.org/comedyct or at the door. SADD will be hosting a bake/snack sale, raffle prizes have been donated by community businesses. In addition MADD will be handing out information along with Farifield Cares and Impact.
9) What is your favorite thing about working with MADD?
We are like a family in our office. Many of us have worked here for a long time so we have a great friendship and are always there for one another to jump in on a project or help with something outside of work hours.
10) nAnything else you'd like to share with our readership?
MADD is here to support you and your family in anyway that you may need us. It doesn't matter if you've had a loved one killed, injured or property damage. MADD can assist you through the difficulty of the criminal justice process, provide you peer support and help with community resources.
