Friday, September 23, 2005

CLEAN Inc. Receives $100,000 Grant

From Star Staff Reports

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A local anti-drug organization received a $100,000 grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy this week to continue its efforts in the northern Shenandoah Valley.

Winchester-based CLEAN Inc. — Community and Law Enforcement Against Narcotics Inc. — has received the grant each year since 1998 through a competitive process, according to Executive Director Ciro Grassi.

The money helps CLEAN coordinate efforts from anti-drug organizations in Winchester and Frederick and Clarke counties.

“It doesn’t provide for direct service programs, but it gives us the ability to work with other agencies in the area that are working toward the same goals as us,” Grassi said on Thursday.

The organization works to reduce youth substance abuse and associated behavior such as violence, quitting school, and teen pregnancy, often by putting on social and recreational events. The group also strives to reduce substance abuse among adults through skills development.

Part of the grant money will be used to promote national Family Day this Monday, which encourages families to eat dinner together.

“Studies show that children and teens who eat dinner with their families are less likely to become involved in substance abuse or smoking,” Grassi said. “It also means that they’re more likely to do well in school, be emotionally content, and have positive peer relationships.”

CLEAN must complete a rigorous application process to receive the grant, Grassi said.

“It’s a competitive process, so we have to jump through a lot of hoops to get it each year,” Grassi said.

A day before the grant was announced, representatives from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration went through all of the organization’s financial and program files.

The grant requires the organization to match the $100,000 grant through money and in-kind contributions such as volunteer time and free office space.