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Mostly Cloudy Youth Council learns some lessons
The Rockville Centre Youth Council held a meeting at the library of South Side High School on Dec. 15 to discuss applying for a Drug Free Communities Grant. These federal grants are meant to help local coalitions reduce substance abuse among young people.
Beth Hammerman, Jeanne Mulry, Lana Glass and Andrea Connolly from the Youth Council hosted the meeting. Judi Vining and Cindy Casson from Long Beach Coalition came to the meeting to discuss the grant application process and give advice.
The Long Beach Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking received a $27,500 grant from the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to mentor the Youth Council. The mentoring is meant to teach the Youth Council how to receive a Drug Free Communities Grant. The Long Beach Coalition received Drug Free Communities grants from 2003 to 2013 — the maximum number of years allowed.
The grant is worth $125,000 a year.
“To have a coalition, you need to have a basic trust in each other,” said Vining. “And so you can have open discussions at the table.”
Much of the discussion focused on how to reach out to necessary organizations — such as religious organizations, law enforcement and local government — and get these organizations to participate in the Youth Council. Drug Free Communities Grants require active participation from 12 sectors of the community. The grant application is due in March.
“And there’s a potential major benefit for the village,” said Casson. “The grant funding really flows back to the agencies to cover what is otherwise necessary expenses.” These expenses can include overtime for police and support for community events.
Also discussed the alcohol survey that was given to 7th through 12th grade students. The survey asked students about their experiences with drugs and alcohol. The results of the survey have not been released yet.
Also in attendance were Stuart Richner of Richner Communications, Janet Starr of Mercy Medical Center, Sue Sullivan and Cindy Vaupel of the Wilson School PTA and Naomi Bisk, a social worker at South Side High School.
The next meeting will be Jan. 26 at 7 p.m at the Rockville Centre Library.
