The Future Seekers Operation Drug Free Community Coalition - Operation Drug Free Community Project Abstract Through Drug Free Communities funding, the Operation Drug Free Community Coalition (ODFC) continues to make a difference in the East Point and College Park, Georgia communities. The purpose of the ODFC Coalition is to foster programs and deliver information to youth, 18 years and under to minimize use and misuse of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs. It is through the exposure to true facts, societal statistics, social and educational programs that reduce probable barriers and significant outcomes of poor choices and destructive behaviors. Future Seekers has provided positive direction to youth for more than 20 years in the East Point and College Park communities to impact these issues directly and positively. By establishing an effective reputation for impacting youth, Future Seekers leads strategic efforts to mobilize our region in preventing tobacco and alcohol misuse among youth and provide evidence-based strategies to support for those youths struggling to make positive choices. Specific expanded and enhanced activities will include: 1. Marketing Strategy- Community social media campaign addressing tobacco and alcohol; Utilizing local publications, online videos, radio and a live blog; Engaging special guests; and Growing community partnerships to increase visibility. 2. Training/Workshop Development Courses- Identify curriculum/resource materials relating to prevention of youth tobacco and alcohol use; Define teachers/facilitator roles; and Establish partnerships for incentives. 3. Community-Wide Forums- Format to include radio, blogs, and rap sessions; Subjects include Parent Child Relations, Decision Making, Peer Pressure, etc.; and Training components for high school, and middle school. 4. Analyze Program Impact- Create surveys/questionnaire; Identify statistical resources for data analysis; and Create newsletter, website, and other materials for sharing needs and accomplishments with the community. East Point is a dense urban area population of 38,380 with a primarily minority population (76% African American, 8% Hispanic, 13% White). Within this population, 9% of the population does not have a high school degree and only 42.5% own their own home. The per capita income is $19,542 with 28.0% of residents - living in poverty. College Park, Georgia is the home to 13,492 residents, also largely minority (81.81% African American, 6% Latino, and 5.34% White). Within this population, 17% of the population do not have a high school degree and only 26% own their own home. The per capita income is $20,132 with 34% of residents living in poverty. In these historically low-income communities, many young people are trapped in a cycle of poverty, a phenomenon where people become entrenched in poverty due to several different factors. Family experience, lack of education, limited access to employment and health care all contribute to this destructive cycle. Poverty begins in an earlier generation, but future generations are unable to break free. With regard to addiction, there is some evidence to suggest that those in the cycle of poverty who also suffer from substance abuse problems have a significantly more difficult time grappling with both issues. There is also a strong temptation for youth to try substances they can easily find in their homes, and often witness their parents and other adults using – particularly tobacco and alcohol. Therefore, it is vital that Operation Drug Free Coalition continue to implement the proposed continued prevention, support, and education-focused coalition activities to build resiliency in youth. The project will also improve long-term outcomes for our high-risk students to address community-based factors that increase the risk of substance abuse.
