Pubdate: Fri, 01 Nov 2002
Source: Montgomery Advertiser (AL)
Copyright: 2002sThe Advertiser Co.
Contact:  http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1088
Author: Jannell McGrew, Montgomery Advertiser

FAITH-BASED GROUPS TRY TO REDUCE ABUSE

More than a quarter of a million Alabama residents need drug or alcohol 
abuse treatment, and the state is reaching out to faith-based organizations 
to use federal money in filling the void in the road to addiction recovery.

"We need to hear from organizations like faith-based coalitions as to how 
we can coordinate services and best help the addicted in Alabama," said 
Kent Hunt, associate commissioner for substance abuse with the Alabama 
Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.

He said a recent study showed that at least 273,000 Alabamians need 
treatment for alcohol or drug addiction. In 2000-2001, the Department of 
Mental Health alone admitted about 19,000 people for substance abuse.

Amid that dismal backdrop, the National Center for Faith-Based Initiative 
and the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental 
Health Service Administration teamed up to bring the Greater Alabama 
Faith-Based and Community Organizations Institute conference to Montgomery 
this week.

Various participants from across the state are taking part in the three-day 
conference, focused on helping faith-based groups tap into millions of 
dollars in federal funds. The group gathered Thursday at the Montgomery 
Civic Center for a day of sessions on grant writing and how to obtain funds 
to serve thousands of Alabamians addicted to alcohol or drugs.

During the conference, faith-based and grassroots community organizations 
received technical training on how to enhance their knowledge about 
substance abuse treatment and prevention practices. How to get federal 
funds to aid their endeavors was part of the training, with workshops 
focused on program evaluation and other topics.

Tijuanna Adetunji of Montgomery, a member of Fresh Anointing International 
Church, said she came to the conference to be empowered.

"Being a part of the church, we have people who come in from all walks of 
life," she said. "We want to minister to the whole man, but we also want to 
be able to tap into the funds to be able to do it."

A study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association 
estimated that 60,000 illegal drug abusers in the state did not get needed 
treatment, Hunt said.

"It says that there are many more people in need of treatment that can't 
actually get it," he added.

During sessions, workshop leaders told participants that they have to know 
how to apply for grants properly. First an organization needs to gain 
nonprofit status, Adetunji said. The ability to search the Internet for 
applications and information is also a good tool.

"What they've taught us is where the money is, how to qualify ourselves for 
it and the way to tap into all the resources to get it," she said.

Grant writing workshop leader Steve Walker, senior grant writing consultant 
for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, told 
listeners that another key to getting necessary federal funds is 
preparation, professionalism and collaboration with other faith-based 
groups in order to get monetary support.

"You do not have to do it alone," he said.

The conference, which is free to the public, will continue today.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom