Timeline

To ring in the new millennium, we introduced several exciting new programs to the Mendez Foundation's lineup! Too Good for Drugs and Violence—High School a comprehensive, research based prevention education program is designed to equip high school students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to remain safe and drug-free. Too Good for Drugs and Violence -- Staff Development (included in Too Good for Drugs and Violence—High School, or sold separately) examines ways in which teachers can play en effective role in helping to prevent youth violence and use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Participants will learn research-based prevention education techniques and strategies for keeping students balanced, safe and drug-free.

The Mendez Foundation develops the Too Good for Drugs and Violence -- After-School Activites program, featuring fun, age-specific activities designed to be used in after-school settings, such as Recreation Centers and Boys and Girls Clubs.

The Mendez Foundation introduces Too Good for Drugs II™, a revised, updated version of the popular Too Good for Drugs™ program. Based on the most current prevention research, Too Good for Drugs II takes our vital prevention message beyond the classroom and into the home and community.

YANKEE DAY! The Mendez Foundation forms a partnership with the New York Yankees...and together they establish an annual event which gives thousands of children from the City of Tampa Recreation Centers the opportunity to enjoy a professional game with the Tampa Yankees.

A Peace-Able Place™, our popular violence prevention program, is introduced. Now known as Too Good for Violence, this program meets character education guidelines and teaches children that they have what it takes to resolve conflicts without violence.

President Clinton visits Tampa, Florida, and is presented with an A Peace-Able Place™ t-shirt from the Mendez Foundation.

See a picture of President Clinton with A Peace-Able Place students.

The "Summer Parks Program" begins. Through grants from the Govenor's Office and the City of Tampa, the Mendez Foundation brings its message to kids at 18 City of Tampa Recreation Centers, using games, skits and music to teach kids that they are Too Good for Drugs!

The Mendez Foundation initiates the first annual "Too Good for Drugs Walk" in Tampa. This event, which includes many family-oriented activities, has consistently drawn thousands of children and adults every year.

The National Football League forms a cooperative partnership with the Mendez Foundation; 11 NFL teams fund the implementation of Too Good for Drugs™ in the schools of their respective cities. Over the next several years, Mendez staff travels to these NFL cities to train teachers to implement the program.

Too Good for Drugs™ becomes available on a national basis; Mendez Foundation trainers begin traveling around the country training teachers to teach the programs to students.

The Mendez Foundation begins hiring full-time teachers to teach Too Good for Drugs™ in Tampa-area schools. (Today we have approximately 25 teachers on staff.)

The Mendez Foundation introduces its first educational drug prevention program, Too Good for Drugs™, primarily to serve 6th grade students in Tampa-area schools.

Charles E. Mendez, Jr., becomes President of the Mendez Foundation, continuing and expanding his father's work. In 1975, Charles decides the Mendez Foundation should take a proactive role in addressing the growing drug abuse problem in the United States. Recognizing the need to be focused, he embarks on a program of prevention education targeted initially towards 6th grade children.

Charles E. Mendez, Sr., a Florida businessman, establishes The C.E. Mendez Foundation to support local charitable organizations whose purpose is to help children and families improve their lives.