Signs of substance use among teens and young adults are often “Hidden in Plain Sight.” That’s why The Barry Robinson Center is hosting a conversation about substance use on Saturday, February 15, designed for parents, teachers, counselors and other members of the community. 

This free event features an interactive display, expert speakers and community resources, from 9 a.m. to noon at St. Patrick Catholic School in Norfolk.

Participants will walk through a typical teenage bedroom set up with drug paraphernalia that’s “Hidden in Plain Sight.” This interactive display offers insights into current trends in youth substance abuse, drug paraphernalia, and concealment of illicit drugs and alcohol. 

After walking through the display, participants will hear from featured speaker Dr. Hope Sinclair, as she discusses “The Truth About Addiction.” 

Sinclair’s solo practice, Hope Experts, LLC, promotes youth development and excellence throughout the Hampton Roads area by leading the decision to provide quality substance abuse training and counseling services to juveniles and families.

Her practice focuses on providing information to youth, parents, and community partners about the dangers of substance abuse, the long-term effects, and safe and productive alternatives. 

BRC is presenting this event in collaboration with the City of Norfolk Community Services Board. Other community partners participating include Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Safe Harbor, EVMS Mentally Healthy Norfolk Coalition and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

Event Schedule:

• 9-9:30 a.m. – Registration & Breakfast
• 9:30-10 a.m. – Walk through “Hidden in Plain Sight” bedroom
• 10-10:30 a.m. – Reveal signs of substance use & discussion
• 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Remarks from Dr. Hope Sinclair
• 11:30-noon – Next steps & closing remarks

About Hope Sinclair

Hope R. Sinclair, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Hampton Roads (CISofHR). With a professional background in Psychology, Dr. Sinclair began working extensively with nonprofit organizations in 2005. As the executive director at one of the nation’s leading most effective dropout prevention programs, Dr. Sinclair is leading the movement in Hampton Roads to give young people the help they need to not only graduate high school but to become productive citizens. 

A native of Chesapeake, Dr. Sinclair earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Johnson C. Smith University and a Master of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina Central University. In 2005, Dr. Sinclair returned to Hampton Roads where she earned a Master of Arts in Urban Education and Counseling from Norfolk State University. She later enrolled in The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. 

Since the very beginning, Dr. Sinclair’s vision for her work has been to empower the community to get involved, get engaged, and get connected to help fuel a stronger community. She serves on the board of directors for YMCA Effingham, Portsmouth Service League, Town Point Club’s Young Executive Board, Lefcoe Alumni Association, and is a member of the Civic Leadership class of 2019.