Dear editor:
In the North Oakland Community Coalition’s strategic plan, obtaining the Drug Free Communities Grant, which would have brought $125,000 to the community to strengthen coordination and prevention efforts, encourage citizen participation in substance abuse reduction efforts, and disseminate information about effective programs, was going to occur in 2011. Due to the progress, positive response and collaboration with the Lake Orion and Oxford communities, it was attempted a year early.
Results from the White House Office of National Drug Policy, which directs the Drug Free Communities Support Program in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, were released Aug. 31. The Coalition did not receive the funding this year.
The Coalition will not be deterred and will continue the great work that began in 2007 when the NOCC was formed. Many thanks to all the community members and organizations who supported grant application efforts; know that when the Request for Proposal for the 2011 DFC Grant is available, the Coalition will try again!
The North Oakland Community Coalition, a 501(c)(3) organization, promotes a sense of belonging in a healthy environment free of alcohol abuse and substance abuse by uniting community members and developing community strengths for all.
Visit www.northoaklandcoalition.org or contact at 248-520-3786 for more information. Donations to the Coalition can be sent to: P.O. Box 361, Lake Orion, MI 48361.
Julie Brenner,
NOCC Executive Director