A Two Year, $150k Grant Will Support Area Drug And Alcohol Coalition

The Rensselaer County Underage Drinking Coalition has just  received a two year, $150,000 grant to assist local drug coalitions and community organizations in their efforts to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth. The money will be used to further organize and train coalitions in  Berlin Central and Hoosic Valley School Districts so that each coalition will be prepared to apply for a five year, $125,000 per year, Drug Free Communities Grant.  If awarded, The Drug Free Communities grant would provide up to $625,000 in funds to address factors that increase the risk of substance abuse and promote factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse in the towns of Grafton, Petersburgh, Berlin and Stephentown.
Our local drug and alcohol coalition, TRACS (Together Reducing Alcohol and Drugs in our Communities), is very excited to have been  chosen for grant funding and is now preparing to increase its efforts in our communities. However, in order to best use the current two year grant and be eligible for the $625,000 grant, the coalition needs the help and support of the larger community.
TRACS is looking for people and organizations interested in working together on substance abuse prevention issues in our community. TRACS invites town governments and religious, youth and other community organizations to  become involved. Any person or organization that would like to participate and potentially be included in the next round of funding should plan to join the Coalition’s work  as soon as possible. TRAC’s next meeting is Tuesday, November 16,  at 5:30 pm at the Berlin MS/HS library.  For additional  information, call 772-0024.