Where it all Started:
Pressing the Brakes was founded not for the goal of lowering statistics or because of numbers on a piece of paper. This all started because in the Orange County community throughout 2024 and 2025, it seemed like our youth were dropping like flies. Every month or two our schools would mourn the losses of classmates, friends and students due to driving under the influence. If this program can save one life, then that's one more family who won't have to mourn, one more friend, and one more person in our world. That is why we are bringing change to our community.
Meet the Founders:
Anthony Barone and Antonio Contreras are two youth leaders from Middletown, Orange County, New York. The project was first introduced through the YMCA Changemakers Foundation, where Anthony and Antonio aimed to aimed project started. Anthony and Antonio are known around the community as fervent civic leaders and are often referred to as the future of our nation. They aspire to bring change to the world, starting with their hometown.