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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom