Tri-Community Coalition Awarded $625,000 Federal Grant

The Tri-Community Coalition, which works to prevent youth substance abuse, received word this week that it has been awarded a six-figure federal grant.

The nonprofit – which serves Berkley, Huntington Woods and Oak Park – learned Wednesday that it will receive a Drug Free Communities grant of $125,000 each year for the next 5 years to help prevent and reduce substance use among the communities' young people.

Executive Director Judy Rubin said Friday that the Tri-Community Coalition will use the  funds to target middle-schoolers and address the use of marijuana, alcohol and prescription drugs.

"We're going to try to do a lot with parents," as well as focusing on social marketing campaigns and creating projects and events tailored for middle school students and parents in the Oak Park and school districts, she said.

"My hat's off to Judy Rubin and TC3," Huntington Woods City Commissioner wrote in an e-mail Thursday to Berkley Patch.

"This added grant will allow us to provide more programming and increase cooperation between our three cities and two school districts in reducing substance abuse among our youth," he wrote. "The many new forms of substance abuse and risky behavior, such as popping parents' pills – aren't really understood by most residents in our cities."

This is the second 5-year DFC grant the nonprofit has received, Rubin said, the previous one worth $500,000. When the organization turns 10, it will be expected to be self-sustaining "so, we're working hard toward that goal, as well," she said.

The Tri-Community Coalition had to re-apply for the funds this year and was one of 87 communities selected from a nationwide pool of 452 applicants.

“Data show that community efforts to reduce youth substance use through the DFC program are effective," Director of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske said in a press release. "I commend coalitions like the Tri-Community Coalition, who work tirelessly to prevent and reduce youth drug use across the Nation.”

The Drug Free Communities program is directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, according to a TCC press release.

In addition to its efforts to educate the community, the nonprofit also provides college scholarships.

"I'm thrilled and I look forward to working with the community leaders, concerned parents and students to make our already wonderful community even better," Rubin said.