Frequently Asked Questions about the Mendez Foundation

How did the Mendez Foundation begin?
The Foundation was established in 1963 by Charles E. Mendez in Tampa, Florida, to support local charitable organizations that served the needs of children and families. See About the Mendez Foundation..

Who is Charles E. Mendez, Jr.?
Charles E. Mendez, Jr. has served as president of the Mendez Foundation since 1967. Under his leadership, the Foundation began the development of prevention education programming for children and adults. See About the Mendez Foundation.

Where is the Mendez Foundation located?
The Foundation's principal office is located at 601 S. Magnolia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606. See Map. We do not maintain any branch offices, however our programs are implemented in school systems throughout the nation. See About the Mendez Foundation.

How is the Mendez Foundation funded?
The Foundation is a non-profit organization that derives its funding through grants and contracts-for services with various state and local agencies, Hillsborough County Public Schools , and other Drug-Free Schools Programs, coalitions and agencies throughout the United States.

How large is the Mendez Foundation?
The foundation staff currently numbers 45. We have a staff of Prevention Specialists that teach our curriculum in the classroom each day, a program development team that creates our programs, and an administrative staff. See Our People.

How many school districts use your program?
More than 2,500 school districts and other organizations use Mendez Foundation programs. See National Recognition and Reach.

How can I get more information about your programs?
Information about our programs can be found in the Education Center of this Web site.

How do I order Too Good products?
Please visit our Online Store.

How quickly will I receive my order?
Orders generally are shipped the same day they are received; however, large orders with multiple delivery addresses may require more time.

How can I get a lesson sample?
A lesson sample from each of the Too Good Programs is available in the Education Center of this site.

What programs do you have for high school students?
Our high school program, Too Good for Drugs and Violence—High School, combines alcohol, tobacco and other drugs prevention and violence prevention.

When were your programs developed/revised?
Too Good for Drugs was developed in 1980 and last revised in 1998. Too Good for Violence, formerly known as A Peace-Able Place, was developed in 1993 and last revised in 2007. Too Good for Drugs and Violence After-School Activities was developed in 1999. Too Good for Drugs and Violence—High School was developed in 2000 and recently revised in 2008.

What evaluations/research do you have that your programs work?
All of the research and evaluation information is available in the Resource Center of this Web site.

What is the cost of the workbooks for Too Good for Drugs™ and Too Good for Violence?
Workbooks are sold in packages of 25 for $20.00 (only $.80 per child). Please visit our Online Store for prices on other items.

Can I order items separately from the kit?
Yes. Please visit our Online Store.

Is training needed to implement the curriculum?
For effective implementation, we recommend curriculum training for all staff members involved in presenting prevention education in the classroom. Let the certified teachers and training professionals who developed the programs prepare you to implement them. Curriculum training can be tailored to meet your school's or district's specific needs, but we will always place a priority on simplifying the learning process and motivating educators.

What is the cost of training for my staff?
The cost of an on-site training is $2,000 per day plus travel expenses with the purchase of $2,000 or more in materials. The training cost without the purchase of materials is $2,500 per day plus travel expenses. Training groups must include a minimum of 10 participants to a maximum of 50 participants. Small districts may collaborate with other nearby school districts to share the cost of an on-site training. See Training.

How long do your training presentations last?
Training Sessions typically are one day each for elementary, middle school and high school. See Training.

Do you offer keynote addresses and workshop presentations?
Yes, our staff presents at numerous national and regional conferences each year. See Training.

How can I train my teachers in effective prevention techniques?
We have a program specifically for teachers called Too Good for Drugs and Violence -- Staff Development (also available as part of Too Good for Drugs and Violence—High School).

Do you offer programs which can be used in after-care settings such as recreation centers?
Yes. Too Good for Drugs and Violence -- After-School Activities includes more than 60 activities geared toward children ages 5-13.

How can I get a Carmen puppet or Wagner puppet for my child?
Carmen and Wagner puppets may be purchased through our Online Store.