Drug-Free Communities Support Program

Geminus Corporation is the fiscal agent for Project REACH coalition. The coalition serves the Harbor Community of east Chicago, Indiana with a population 4,241 of which 83% are minority. The goals of the coalition are to: (1) reduce abuse of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other illegal drugs by youth (2) build and maintain a strong and healthy community by strengthening the collaboration among communities, governments, and private non-profit agencies. To achieve these goals, the coalition will implement the following strategies:

1) increase the perception of the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through the implementation of science-based prevention activities;
2) expand the Botvin's Life Skills curriculum to three new elementary schools and two middle schools in the Harbor Community;
3) increase recruitment efforts for youth to participate in the SMART Moves SMART Leaders community leadership training;
4) support Mendez Foundation After-School Activities curriculum implementation to expand after-school structured activities at three elementary schools;
5) provide ATOD prevention training opportunities for substance abuse professionals;
6) collaborate with and support the activities of Taking Our Community Back neighborhood watch group; and,
7) build partnerships and collaboration within the community. CA/NCF