About Us

Doing good work for the health and well-being of our children is nothing new for the Mendez Foundation. For over forty years, we've been developing and implementing unparalleled prevention education programs K-12 that teach kids they are too good for drugs and violence. Our evidence-based, skill-building programs make a positive impact on the lives of students, teacher, parents, and community leaders nationwide.

Our commitment to prevention education began in the late nineteen seventies when we recognized the need for drug prevention education to address the growing and debilitating drug abuse epidemic facing our country's youth. We responded with the development and implementation of innovative K-12 programming designed to mitigate the risk factors and enhance the protective factors related to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD). Successful drug prevention education was followed by the development of proven effective character education programming promoting a caring approach to violence prevention - conflict resolution, anger management, respect for self and others, and effective communication.

Through a partnership with the Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Florida we took our new programming to school and have been delivering the curriculum there with our own team of Prevention Specialists ever since. Since then, thousands of school districts, law enforcement agencies, and community agencies in 50 states have chosen the nationally recognized and award winning Too Good programs. In addition, thousands of parents have received our parent education through PTAs, community organizations, and businesses.

Along with developing proven effective prevention education, we are a strong advocate in our community. For over 25 years, we presented the I am Too Good for Drugs Walk and Kidfest and we continue to support the the Publix Supermarkets Too Good for Drugs Junior Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa, FL bringing thousands of children and families together to demonstrate their commitment to stay drug-free.

As prevention educators, we have a professional commitment to the careful development, rigorous testing, and on-going refinement of our programs. As an organization, we have a time honored commitment to fostering the healthy development of individuals, schools, families, and communities in leading healthy, happy lives. It's our purpose and our passion.