Here's a news release from GCASA.
Genesee County Drug Free Communities (DFC) was recently selected as one of the top 10 finalists for the 2010 Out of the Box Prize, honoring “innovative approaches to promoting community health and development worldwide."
The first prize winner will be awarded $5,000 and a free customized WorkStation; the second prize winner will receive $2,000 and a WorkStation.
Genesee DFC, which is a coalition of individuals, agencies and organizations from almost all community sectors (schools, media, business, youth-serving organizations, etc.), works toward reducing alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among youth in grades six through 12.
The nine other finalists were chosen from among 309 applicants from 42 countries. Fellow finalists include two others from the United States – one from Arkansas, the other from California – two from India, two from Kenya, one from the Philippines, one from Malawi, and one worldwide initiative.
Out of the Box is sponsored by Community Toolbox, an organization based in Lawrence, Kan., that provides resources for community-building groups around the world.
"We were deeply moved by the stories we received from around the world,” said Christina Holt, associate director for Community Tool Box Services. “It is evident that there is an abundance of good work being done to improve community health and well-being (in Genesee County). Members of this coalition should be extraordinarily proud of their efforts.”
The DFC is a program of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse (GCASA). Maryann Bowman, director of prevention at GCASA, expressed deep gratitude to Community Toolbox for their recognition.
The Out of the Box Award is an opportunity for the Drug Free Communities Coalition to share its success story with the world,” Bowman said. “It highlights the fact that we have done excellent work, and comes on the heels of our selection in 2007 by Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America as the national Coalition of the Year."
She attributes the success of the coalition to the dedication of its members, who generously volunteer their time and efforts to foster a safe, healthy and drug-free community for youth and families.
"People from law enforcement, business, faith-based groups, seniors and schools, among others, are the reason we can document positive outcomes through 10 years of data collection and incorporating our own environmental strategies,” Bowman said.
People are encouraged to go online and vote for the coalition between now and Jan. 31. To do so, and to read the submission on behalf of the DFC, go to: <http://ctb.ku.edu/en/out_of_the_box/finalists/finalist4.aspx>.
Click on the “Vote” tab in the lower left corner to place your vote.
