Talking about taboo issues may have just gotten a bit easier for parents on the Eastside – in the form of Parents UKnight, a new group aiming to provide support and awareness to families dealing with drug and alcohol abuse in teens. The organization will have it’s first meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, at the South Bellevue Community Center.

Founded by Bellevue-area parents Kim Stohler and Stephanie Jaswal, Parents UKnight looks to breakdown the stigma associated with talking about drug and alcohol abuse by bridging the gap between teens, parents and schools.

“It’s a lonely place to be when you can’t talk to anybody about those things. We have to stand together,” Stohler said. “If we are going to tackle this whole issue of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction – we have to band together. And I didn’t see anybody in my community doing that.”

According to Stohler, there has been a huge increase in drug and alcohol related incidents in Bellevue schools in the past year – and she sees the support group as a great way for parents to get involved. Ultimately, the goal of Parents UKnight is two-fold: bring awareness to the community and provide a safe, confidential environment for families already struggling.

“What I’m hoping is that we are bringing a lot of community awareness that this is going on. And that if this has touched your life, you’re not alone,” Stohler said. “It’s just a way for us to [band] together as a community to take a stand for our kids – and get our kids back.”

Parents UKnight meetings will take place the second Thursday of every month at the South Bellevue Community Center. The May kick-off will feature Drug and Alcohol Intervention Specialist John Houston and Chief of Police Linda Pillo.