Congressman Pete Visclosky announced today that three Northwest Indiana organizations will receive $125,000 each from the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. This program is directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The program provides grants to support the initiatives of community coalitions to create and sustain a reduction in youth substance use. The Northwest Indiana awardees include the Community Organizations for Families and Youth (COFFY), the Lake County Substance Abuse Council, and the LaPorte County Drug Free Partnership.
According to Mr. Jerome Flagg with COFFY, the DFC grant will assist their mission to improve the quality of life for the residents in the City of Gary. Mr. Flagg stated, “COFFY has worked tirelessly over the past ten years to address issues such as violence, substance abuse, and crime among our youth. The DFC grant, in coordination with Gary Neighborhood Services, Inc., will be used to further our efforts to empower youth and reduce substance abuse and violence.”
Ms. Amanda Morrison of the Lake County Substance Abuse Council stated that the DFC grant will assist their efforts to reduce underage drinking and marijuana use in Merrillville. “This grant will help our coalition break social norms and get the word out about the harmful effects of underage drinking and marijuana use,” said Ms. Morrison.
The LaPorte County Drug Free Partnership Grant Coordinator, Ms. Michelle Webb, stated that this funding will assist with their efforts to make LaPorte County healthier. Ms. Webb stated, “The DFC grant will allow us to continue the momentum to reduce underage drinking, youth access to marijuana, and non-medical prescription drug misuse.”
“I congratulate these organizations on their ability to obtain federal funding that will allow them to better provide invaluable drug-prevention resources to Northwest Indiana communities,” said Congressman Visclosky. “I am heartened by their commitment to investing in the youth of Northwest Indiana. Their important work has a direct positive impact on the quality of life for so many families, and I look forward to seeing the results of their continued success.”
For additional information on the awards and the DFC Support Program, click here.
