About Us

For more than five decades, the C. E. Mendez Foundation has worked to strengthen the health and well-being of children, families, schools, and communities through effective prevention education.

We develop evidence-based, skill-building programs that prepare students to make responsible decisions, set positive goals, manage emotions, communicate effectively, build healthy relationships, and respond constructively to life’s challenges.  Today, Too Good programs are used by schools, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations throughout the United States, reaching children and families in diverse communities and learning environments.

Our commitment to prevention education began in the 1970s, when we recognized the urgent need for a proactive response to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among young people.  We developed a comprehensive K–12 approach designed to reduce risk factors and strengthen the protective factors that support healthy development.  That work later expanded to include violence prevention, conflict resolution, anger management, respect for self and others, and effective communication.

From the beginning, our goal has been larger than creating curriculum.  We work to advance the design and delivery of prevention education itself.

Our development process brings together prevention science, instructional design, classroom experience, and a practical understanding of the needs of both students and instructors.  Each lesson is carefully structured to be developmentally appropriate, engaging, purposeful, and realistic to implement.  We continually examine how students learn, how instructors teach, and how program design can support meaningful participation without sacrificing consistency or fidelity.

This commitment places the Foundation at the forefront of lesson and instructional design in prevention education.  We strive to create learning experiences that are active, interactive, and relevant to students while providing educators with the structure, guidance, and support they need to teach effectively.  Our programs are carefully developed, rigorously evaluated, and continually refined in response to research, implementation experience, and the changing needs of schools and communities.

Our reach extends beyond the classroom.  Through parent education, professional training, community partnerships, and public advocacy, we help strengthen the environments that influence children’s choices and development.  We also continue to support community events that bring children and families together around a shared commitment to healthy, positive, and drug-free lives.

The C. E. Mendez Foundation remains dedicated to expanding the reach and effectiveness of prevention education nationwide.  Our purpose is to help children develop the self-efficacy, interpersonal skills, and confidence to lead healthy, happy, and productive lives and to give the adults who serve them the tools to make that learning possible.