Vermont State Representative Kiah Morris recently announced the awarding of $75,000 to the Bennington based coalition Alliance for Community Transformations (ACT), in partnership with the Hoosick Falls based group HAYC3, in support of efforts to address alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse in the region. Funded through the federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, the two groups will work collaboratively on the development of comprehensive, evidence based strategies towards strengthening communities in southern Bennington County and preventing first time alcohol, tobacco and drug use in youth.
“The Alliance for Community Transformations and HAYC3 have long shared a strong collaborative relationship and have maintained a commitment to addressing issues that affect our region together for a number of years. The issues that the Greater Bennington region faces regarding alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse are the same as those in the Greater Hoosick region, with shared challenges and experiences. The awarding of these funds validates our belief that we are all in this together,” said Morris who also serves as the Director of ACT.
Now in its 16th year of existence, ACT is a community based, grassroots coalition that addresses a wide range of public health issues including substance abuse that serves Bennington, North Bennington, Arlington, Shaftsbury, Pownal and Woodford in southern Bennington County. In the past year they have co-presented community forums on opiate addiction in Hoosick Falls and Bennington.
“As an organization, we are passionate about supporting our youth and creating meaningful opportunities for youth to lead and be heard in the building of our communities,” said Morris. In addition to coordination of their Youth Ambassador Program, which promotes peer outreach for area youth, ACT spearheaded efforts to establish a statewide and local Youth Appreciation Day. “Supporting youth strengthens families and enriches our community. By bringing together other sectors to look at ways to prevent substance abuse, we can better develop a clear vision on how to support our youth and make that work sustainable into the future,” Morris said.
ACT currently receives funding through the Vermont Department of Health for prevention work and operates through the Bennington County Regional Commission’s Healthy Communities division.