Waterford Community Coalition Celebrates Distinguished Drug Free Communities Support Grant Recognition

WATERFORD, [October 2023] – As the country recognizes National Substance Abuse Awareness Month, the Waterford Community Coalition recently shared its recognition as a recipient of the Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Grant, a distinction recently announced by the White House. This funding and accolade underscores the coalition's unwavering commitment, along with its partner entities, towards the prevention of youth substance use within the Waterford area.

Established in 1997, the DFC Support Program champions community-led coalitions that bring together diverse sectors with a unified goal: preventing youth substance misuse. Re-opening in 2021, Waterford Community Coalition has spent the past several years re-organizing to carry on the mission and honor longtime director Heather Halls after her passing.

By being awarded this grant, WCC is set to benefit from an annual funding of up to $125,000 for a span of five years, propelling its mission to create lasting reductions in substance misuse among local youth.

The philosophy underscoring the DFC Support Program is that community-specific challenges demand local solutions. By endorsing community engagement across a broad range of sectors, the DFC Support Program ensures a well-rounded, holistic approach to curtailing substance misuse. The WCC stands as a testament to this vision, with representation from the twelve essential sectors integral to community-led prevention.

A representative from WCC expressed, "This grant is not only an acknowledgment of previous endeavors but also a beacon guiding the coalition's dedication to creating a drug-free environment for the youth of Waterford. With these funds, the coalition intends to further its mission, harnessing the combined strengths of all community sectors."

Evidence-backed evaluations highlight the DFC Support Program's efficacy in significantly reducing youth substance use. The WCC aims to utilize this grant to enhance its initiatives, fostering measurable, positive transformations within the community.

About The Waterford Community Coalition (WCC)

The Waterford Community Coalition (WCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Waterford, whether they live or work in the area. With a particular focus on the youth, WCC drives forward its mission by promoting a healthy community through education, prevention, support, and recovery. Through evidence-based prevention strategies, the WCC champions mental wellness, reduces substance misuse, builds resilience, fosters protective factors, and diminishes risk factors for the broader community.