DFC Grant
Local Problems Need Local Solutions
A central, bipartisan reduction strategy, the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program recognizes that the drug issue must be addressed locally within each community in America. Communities need to identify and respond to its local and specific drug and alcohol use issues. The program recognizes that in order to be sustainable over time, it must have community buy-in.
How did the DFC Program become established?
The DFC Support Program was created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-20).
The DFC, Drug Free Communities, grant program takes a comprehensive, multi-sector and data-driven approach to prevent and reduce youth substance use in communities throughout the United States.
By statute, the DFC Support Program has two goals:
- Establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public and private non-profit agencies, as well as federal, state, local, and tribal governments to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth.
- Reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, reduce substance abuse among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse.
What is the purpose of the DFC Support Grant?
The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program is directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.
Who is involved in the coalition?
DFC-funded coalitions engage community leaders representing twelve sectors that organize to meet the local prevention needs of the youth and families in their communities. The Community Sector representatives are vital to the work of the coalition as they not only bring insight and expertise to discussions and strategic planning but they also encourage participation of other interested and dedicated volunteers and members.
Who are Impact Montevallo’s Community Sector Representatives?
- Youth: Montevallo Middle School Peer Helpers
- Parent: Amanda Fowler, Shelby County Community Corrections
- Business: Julie Smitherman, Bradford Real Estate Group, LLC
- Media: Steve Gilbert, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce
- School: Jennifer “JiJi” Davis, University of Montevallo, Professor of Education
- Youth Serving Organization: Shane Baugh, Director of Parks & Recreation
- Law Enforcement: Officer David Holloway, Montevallo Police Department, Compact 2020
- Civic/Volunteer Organization: Cristin Brawner, David Mathes Center for Civic Life
- Religious/Fraternal Organization: Dr. Maurcie Valentine, Life Changing Christian Center
- Healthcare Professional: Nicole Heaton, Montevallo Drug, Pharmacist
- State/Local/Tribal Government: Dr. Hollie Cost, Mayor, City of Montevallo
- Other Organization Involved in Reducing Substance Abuse: Hillary Franklin, Shelby Emergency Assistance
What Are the Goals for Impact Montevallo?
Our 12 Month Action Plan includes the following tasks:
- Develop Marketing Materials
- Launch a Coalition Website
- Provide Awareness by Attending School and Community Events
- Perform a Capacity Assessment
- Identify Capacity Gaps and Invite New Membership
- Develop a Volunteer Skills Inventory
- Develop a Packet for New members
- Develop and Administer Coalition-Developed Member Survey
- Provide Strategic Prevention Framework Training
- Provide Training to Middle School Peer Helpers
- Obtain an Evidence-Based Curriculum for Peer Helpers to Utilize
- Implement a Public Awareness Campaign regarding Marijuanna Use and Legalization
- Implement a Social Norms Campaign
- Provide Training to Middle and High School Teachers and Coaches
- Partner with 5 Churches to Provide Training to Parents
- Distribute Parent Resource Packet
- Implement a Mentoring Program for Middle and High School Students
- Sponsor Camp Journey for upcoming 6th grade Students
- Promote and Encourage Participation in the Family Friendly Vendor Program
- Provide Banners & Signage for all Schools & Parks
- Train Coalition Members in Advocacy for State Law Considerations
- Research Local Ordinances and Policies
- Implement a Public Awareness Campaign regarding Underage Drinking and Open House Party Laws
- Provide Alcohol-Free Messaging at Summer Movie Events
- Provide Training at Athletic Parent Meetings
- Provide a Class on Impaired Driving
- Implement Smart Choices Program for 4th & 5th grade Students
- Provide Community Treatment Resources
- Hold Two Drug-Free Social Activities
- Translate Parent Resource Packet to Spanish
- Participate in ESL Parent Meetings
- Partner with Parks & Recreation to host a Parent Pledge to Lock-Up their Alcohol
- Provide Signage to Convenience Stores about Purchasing Alcohol for Minors
- Research Policy Changes for Compliance Monitoring