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.