Pubdate: Wed, 01 Feb 2006
Source: Clarke Times-Courier (VA)
Copyright: Times Community Newspapers 2005
Contact:  http://www.timescommunity.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3891
Author: Claudia Bigelow
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

CLEAN COMBATS DRUGS, GANGS

A "lot of drug problems and substance abuse" exist in Clarke County,
says Linda Jones, the program manager for CLEAN, Inc.

"There have been several incidents involving young people that cause
great concern," she said. "There have been deaths related to this."

"We're trying to remedy that."

Jones works for CLEAN, Inc., a non-profit organization with an office
in Winchester and staff of 10 people, that provides education and
programs in local schools to help youths (ages 12 to 17 years old)
with problems that include not only drug and alcohol use but also
shoplifting and joining gangs.

There have actually been a small number of identified members of gang
members in Clarke County, she said.

The "most violent" gang, MS-13, does have members appearing here in
Clarke County, she said.

CLEAN, Inc., is employed through contracts with Clarke, Frederick and
Winchester school systems to do drug and alcohol education, student
assessments, and grief and crisis counseling.

CLEAN works with law enforcement agencies and schools to discourage
the growth of gangs. CLEAN also works with youths who are referred to
the organization by the courts.

Clarke Schools Superintendent Eleanor Smalley said CLEAN administers
drug tests to students who are suspended and also conducts the random
drug testing at the high school.

The assessments and the education by CLEAN "makes a big difference for
the safety of all at school," Smalley said.

"They're really helped turn around kids," she said.

And CLEAN helps students to remain drug free, Smalley
said.

CLEAN, Inc., is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Since
1986, the organization has been helping local youths with many programs.

A fund-raising campaign is currently under way to help CLEAN continue
its mission of making the community a safe place to grow up in, Jones
said.

Besides the school contracts, CLEAN also receives grant funding. CLEAN
is paid for services it provides to the courts. Parents and students
pay small fees for counseling.

But "we're tens of thousands behind in funding," Jones
said.

Jones brought her message recently to the Clarke County Rotary Club at
its weekly meeting in Berryville. She said she did not approach the
Rotary Club on behalf of the fund-raising campaign. She spoke because
it is so important that the community's leaders be aware of the
problems, and not turn a blind eye and pretend these problems don't
exist.

County Supervisor Barbara Byrd (I-Russell) who serves on the board of
directors for CLEAN, introduced Jones to the Rotary Club to give her
talk.

"We see students from all walks of life," Jones told the Rotary
Club.

She also told Rotary that she's proud of the law enforcement officers
in this area. They do a good job keeping school personnel informed on
"what to look for."

Skilled counselors are available to make appointments for anyone,
Jones said.

Programs available include anger management, shoplifting prevention
and strengthening family relationships between teens and parents.

Details

For information, call CLEAN, Inc., at 540-722-3589. Go on-line to
cleaninc.org for information and links to resources and services in
the local community.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake