Urban Women Against Substance Abuse (UWASA) aims to strengthen bonds between preadolescent girls and their mothers or significant female relatives to increase girls' self-esteem and prevent their involvement in high-risk behaviors. Funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and under the aegis of the Institute for Community Research, the program targets girls who are predominately African-American, Caribbean, Puerto Rican, and Hispanic, and who are living in economically deprived urban neighborhoods. Program runs in nine-month cycles, serving 40 girls and their mothers or other significant female relative ("other mothers"). Groups for girls and the adult women address issues of identity, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, substance abuse, and risky sexual behavior. The program culminates in a community substance-abuse prevention project led by the girls, who are assisted by their mothers/other mothers. The project integrates arts curriculum, with artists and community activists acting as mentors and role models.