FY 2004 Continuation Drug-Free Communities Support Program

The GRADE A PLUS coalition serves Des Moines County, a primarily rural area in southeastern Iowa. The Des Moines County population is 41,500. Recent closings and downsizing of several factories have led to an upsurge in unemployment, and as defined by the percent of all school children who qualify for subsidized school lunches, Des Moines County is considered economically disadvantaged. The GRADE A PLUS Coalition has a seventeen-year history of successful collaboration and service provision within the community.

To achieve the two goals of reducing substance abuse among youth and strengthening collaboration among communities, non-profit organizations and units of government, the GRADE A PLUS coalition, in its fourth year, will implement the following strategies: 1) leadership and conflict resolution training for youth; 2) sustaining the Youth Volunteer Clearinghouse; 3) community-wide workshops on 40 Developmental Assets; 4) expanding an already extensive parent coalition; 5) substance-free recreational events for youth, families and community; and 6) disseminating information through media and community health fairs.

CA/NCF