Welcome, to the Partnership
Our Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Leaders program is entering its second year to tackle prescription pill abuse and heroin issues.
A LOOK BACK FOR THE FUTURE of Partnership
10.30.14 Each October, the Partnership holds an annual board meeting to elect new officers, reflect on our accomplishments and look to the future. Partnership started 26 years ago with a hand full of volunteers and has grown into a coalition that has definitely made an impact in the field of drug prevention.
Recently, the Partnership office received an email from the Coalitions of Anti-Drugs of America, (CADCA), requesting Partnership fill out a survey. It was a brief survey, with a few questions, but basically, they were trying to find out how many coalitions are still alive and well.
At one time Partnership was the recipient of an annual federal grant of $100,000 from the Office of National Drug Control. Because of that grant, we had nine staff members, a sustainability plan and proven successful programs.
Then, almost overnight, funding disappeared. Our programs and staff were cut to a bare minimum, however, we had a sustainability plan and continued to move forward regardless of the limited funding.
One of CADCA’s questions was about whether our champions stayed with us from the beginning. I think the answer was in the room with more than 60 attendees at the 26th Annual Board Meeting.
The City of Huntsville was our lifeline and champion, as well as all of our law enforcement. Most everyone who believed in Partnership stayed; always ready to help out from finding corporate sponsors to making cotton candy at our annual Legacy Fun Day. So we told CADCA that yes, Partnership is still here, but sadly several coalitions around the country have had to close their doors due to lack of funds and community resources.
No matter the lack of funding, Partnership held on and presented programs to the community, always addressing the needs of the community, whether it was meth, spice, or cocaine. We did this through monthly newsletters, forums, speaking engagements, Take Back events, and now, we are facing the fastest growing drug epidemic in our country, prescription pill abuse and the resurgence of heroin.
How do we address this need?
How do we alert youth and adults about prescription pill abuse and heroin?
Why not use our powerful tools - education and awareness?
Today, we have developed a new youth advocacy program, Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders, that is dedicated to prevent drug abuse among youth and their families.
We are entering our second year and have already trained 41 high school students from 11 high schools to speak out through a social media campaign and speakers bureau. It’s working. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and they have their own Website.
The students are all committed to serving this community and we are lucky that 16 of them could join us today because they are the voice of our future.
No matter the obstacles in Partnership’s future, we just keep on moving forward, just like the energizer bunny.
Partnership's Annual Board Meeting is also a time to celebrate the outstanding efforts of our area law enforcement community.
This year’s honorees included:
Recently, the Partnership office received an email from the Coalitions of Anti-Drugs of America, (CADCA), requesting Partnership fill out a survey. It was a brief survey, with a few questions, but basically, they were trying to find out how many coalitions are still alive and well.
At one time Partnership was the recipient of an annual federal grant of $100,000 from the Office of National Drug Control. Because of that grant, we had nine staff members, a sustainability plan and proven successful programs.
Then, almost overnight, funding disappeared. Our programs and staff were cut to a bare minimum, however, we had a sustainability plan and continued to move forward regardless of the limited funding.
One of CADCA’s questions was about whether our champions stayed with us from the beginning. I think the answer was in the room with more than 60 attendees at the 26th Annual Board Meeting.
The City of Huntsville was our lifeline and champion, as well as all of our law enforcement. Most everyone who believed in Partnership stayed; always ready to help out from finding corporate sponsors to making cotton candy at our annual Legacy Fun Day. So we told CADCA that yes, Partnership is still here, but sadly several coalitions around the country have had to close their doors due to lack of funds and community resources.
No matter the lack of funding, Partnership held on and presented programs to the community, always addressing the needs of the community, whether it was meth, spice, or cocaine. We did this through monthly newsletters, forums, speaking engagements, Take Back events, and now, we are facing the fastest growing drug epidemic in our country, prescription pill abuse and the resurgence of heroin.
How do we address this need?
How do we alert youth and adults about prescription pill abuse and heroin?
Why not use our powerful tools - education and awareness?
Today, we have developed a new youth advocacy program, Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Leaders, that is dedicated to prevent drug abuse among youth and their families.
We are entering our second year and have already trained 41 high school students from 11 high schools to speak out through a social media campaign and speakers bureau. It’s working. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and they have their own Website.
The students are all committed to serving this community and we are lucky that 16 of them could join us today because they are the voice of our future.
No matter the obstacles in Partnership’s future, we just keep on moving forward, just like the energizer bunny.
Partnership's Annual Board Meeting is also a time to celebrate the outstanding efforts of our area law enforcement community.
This year’s honorees included:
- Spirit of Partnership Award, Madison County Public Health Officer Dr. Larry Robey
- District Attorney’s Law Enforcement Award, Assistant DA James Tolleson
- Daniel Golden Memorial Law Enforcement Award, Huntsville Police Officer Jeremiah Taylor
- Outstanding Law Enforcement Recognition Award, Huntsville Police Officer Shane Turley
- Outstanding Law Enforcement Recognition Award, Madison County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Cody Lock
- Outstanding Law Enforcement Recognition Award, Madison Police Officer Eric Parker
- Cindy Conrad Juvenile Justice Volunteer Award for Distinguished and Dedicated Service, Cindy Conrad
- Outstanding Law Enforcement Recognition Award, Juvenile Probation Officer Paul Fontaine
- Gayle Owen Memorial Award of Excellence, Shirley Whorton, Madison County High School
Click on the image above to learn more about heroin and other drugs in our local community.
WELCOME ...
Are you searching for something specific pertaining to youth substance abuse? If so, read all about us. We may be able to help you. Most likely, many of you who are visiting this website are parents or grandparents concerned about the different drugs that you are reading about in the media. We share your concern. That's why we're here. We are the drug prevention agency for Huntsville, Madison, Madison County, and even North Alabama. Take a look around our site. If you can't find what you're looking for here, feel free to call us. We'll do our best to help.
256-539-7339.
256-539-7339.
ANNOUNCING TODAY'S YOUTH, TOMORROW'S LEADERS
The Partnership for a Drug-Free Community presents a new youth social media awareness program that is influencing young people as well as adults to better understand the impact and dangers of prescription pill abuse. This youth-oriented program, Today’s Youth –Tomorrow’s Leaders, is under way. Right now, we are looking for additional young people interested in being a part of Year 2.0 of the program. We also welcome additional funding sources to support this valuable effort in our community. Read more about the program on the TYTL page. Contact us with any questions. 256-539-7339.
