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Be Smart! Be Sober! Be Safe!
Travel Alcohol Free!
The Wilcox County Community Coalition (WCCC) is continuously recruiting new members to bring positive change to Wilcox County. The WCCC’s focus is on the prevention of underage drinking in Wilcox County by implementing various activities throughout the community. Members of this coalition all have a passion for making Wilcox County a safe community for our children by providing them with knowledge and understanding in hopes that it may prevent incidents in the future related to underage drinking.
Mediacom Communications announced the company is extending Through July and August billing cycles a series of previously announced initiatives directed at helping American families address work, education and health care challenges created by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Specific initiatives include:
In addition, beginning with the September billing cycle and continuing through the end of 2020. Mediacom will provide up to 100 gigabytes of additional data to any broadband customer that exceeds their monthly data allowance for free.
Wilcox County Library has a subscription to TumbleBook Library, that families can access from home. It’s unlimited and free. TumbleBook Library is an online collection of e-books for children. The e-books are also available in Spanish and French. You can use your computer, tablet and mobile phone. Visit the App Store or Google Play. No downloads, stream right to your device at the click of a button.
Be Smart! Be Sober! Be Safe!
Travel Alcohol Free!
The Wilcox County Community Coalition (WCCC) is continuously recruiting new members to bring positive change to Wilcox County. The WCCC’s focus is on the prevention of underage drinking in Wilcox County by implementing various activities throughout the community. Members of this coalition all have a passion for making Wilcox County a safe community for our children by providing them with knowledge and understanding in hopes that it may prevent incidents in the future related to underage drinking.
Wilcox County Library has a subscription to TumbleBook Library, that families can access from home. It’s unlimited and free. TumbleBook Library is an online collection of e-books for children. The e-books are also available in Spanish and French. You can use your computer, tablet and mobile phone. Visit the App Store or Google Play. No downloads, stream right to your device at the click of a button.
11:00 a.m.
Communities of Transformation is a community initiative that supports individuals and families wanting to move from just surviving to thriving. These families are partnered with community volunteers who provide support and encouragement. Both participants and volunteers receive extensive training before being matched in small groups. However, this is not a mentoring program. Mentoring implies a hierarchy, and at COT there is no hierarchy. Every member of the program contributes to its success, every member sets and works towards personal goals, and every member experiences the transformation of an expanded worldview and new possibilities. All of this occurs during weekly meetings, which include a meal and childcare. An additional significant outcome of COT is the breaking down of barriers that historically divide our communities – socioeconomic, racial, religious, political, and cultural.
UWSWA-The United Way of Southwest Alabama held there 23rd Resource Network meeting on March 2, 2022, via Zoom. United Way of Southwest Alabama fights for the health, education, financial stability, and access to life’s basic essentials for every person in every community served.
Purpose: This guide serves as a tool for school administrators and student assistance teams to use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign resources. It describes the campaign’s student assistance resources and provides tangible ways that school administrators and student assistance teams can implement the strategies. It also encourages school leaders and student assistance teams to increase awareness of student assistance services in their communities.
About the Campaign: The goal of SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign is to provide parents and caregivers with the resources they need to address the issue of alcohol and other drugs with children under the age of 21. Specifically, the campaign seeks to:
SAMHSA has expanded the campaign’s substance use messaging beyond underage drinking prevention to include other substances such as marijuana and opioids. SAMHSA has also broadened its audience to include others, such as school leaders and educators, who influence the growth and development of youths under 21 years of age.
Over 80 percent of young people ages 10–18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. Send a clear and strong message that you disapprove of underage drinking and use or misuse of other drugs. Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. Young people are more likely to listen when they know you’re on their side
The goals encourage parents to:
1. Show they disapprove of underage drinking and substance use.
2. Show they care about their child’s health, wellness, and success.
3. Show they’re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs.
4. Show they’re paying attention and they’ll discourage risky behaviors; and
5. Build their child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking and substance use. Student Assistance Programs In reality, almost every student will face some level of difficulty or be at risk for alcohol and substance use.
Get free at-home COVID-19 tests (https://covidtests.gov)
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four (4) free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
If you need a COVID-19 test now, please see other testing resources for free testing locations in your area.
Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration was held on January 17, 2022, in downtown Camden, Alabama. The celebration included a Pre-March Rally in front of the Wilcox County Courthouse. Next the March/Motorcade led participants to the Historical Antioch Baptist Church and the program commenced at 2:00 p.m.
Using Zoom as their platform, on January 6, 2022, The Wilcox County Coalition Coordinator presented a science-based program entitled, “Introduction to the Brain and Nervous System” to students enrolled in the after- school program at the Lily Baptist Community and Youth Development Center. The program was designed to help students learn about the parts of the brain, how the brain communicates with the rest of the body, and to help students explain the process of the neurotransmission.
Every January, the mentoring movement unites in celebration of National Mentoring Month and uses the power of our collective voice to recruit new mentors, advance the mentoring field’s legislative priorities, and drive meaningful change for young people.
This month-long celebration of mentoring is full of exciting opportunities to grow the movement and raise awareness about the power of relationships. Explore the resources below for ideas on how you can participate and engage on social media using hashtags #MentoringAmplifies and #MentoringMonth throughout January!
National Mentoring Month
SRBWI-HOPE CENTER PRAYER VIGIL
On January 6, 2022 Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative held it’s Prayer Vigil at the Hope Center in Camden, AL to bring awareness to child, domestic, and substance abuse. The SRBWI Hope Center of Wilcox County, AL was established May 2021 and serves to further the goals and objectives of SRBWI. The center provides a safe space for women of asll ages to gather regularly for skill building, advocacy training, and leadership development. They nourish the capacity of women to take responsibility for their own lives, and advocate for the change they wish to see in their communities. The Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative of Wilcox County, AL was established in 2010.
On behalf of the Pine Hill Police Department, Chief Nikisha Gailes, we would like to thank every one of you who participated in our Annual Christmas Parade. You made the parade a success.
Community Health and Resource Fair was a Hit in Red Creek
Pine Hill, Alabama – West Central Alabama Community Health Improvement League (WCACHIL) and Lily Baptist Community Center and Youth Development (LBCCYD) known for health, wellness, tutoring, and mentoring is showing the community they have more to offer.
WCACHIL and the LBCCYD hosted a free community health and resource fair on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 6 Lily Baptist Church Road, Pine Hill, Alabama 36769.
Participants at the Community Fair had a good time visiting the many booths and gathering important information on services available in the community including health providers, wellness, nutrition, educational support, and more.
“We have a bunch of little niches and we’re good at each one of them and we want the community to be involved with us,” said Rose Garner, an “Lily Baptist Community Center and youth Development” Director. “We really value community engagement and community involvement.”
The large crowd was also treated to information from BAMA Kids, Inc, Activity Coordinator, Jacqueline Hives, Alabama Cooperative Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Agent, Carolyn Rothchild, Southern Black Women’s initiative (SRBWI) representatives, Selma AIR, Erica Heard, Pine Hill Rural Health Clinic CRNP, Dierdre M. Aycock, Rural Heart and Lung Study Coordinator, Ethel Johnson, UAB Clinical Research Coordinator, Jasmine S. Kennedy, Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Group (L.O.T.Y.G.) Representatives, UAB LPN, Janice Robinson, AmeriCorps VISTA’s, Addeidra January, Crystal Portis, Frenesha Womack, and Others, Wilcox County Coalition in Action Coordinator, Brenda Autry, and many. many more.
The hosts greatly appreciates’ its many community partners for the collaborative effort to provide families with vital information that will help improve their health and quality of life.
The Wilcox County Community Coalition in Action Coordinator disseminated the following information (100 copies/pieces of each): Focus on Prevention Booklet, Medication for the Treatment of alcohol Use Disorder: Pocket Guide, Talk. They Hear You: She’s Interested in Learning New Things Print Public Service Announcement-Wallet Card, Talk. They Hear You: Coach Your Kids Through More Than Just Homework Print Public Service Announcement-Wallet Card, Mind Matters: Drugs and the Brain. Also, giveaways included, branding items, hand sanitizers and notepads with pens. Other giveaways were assorted toys, loose leaf paper, and tablets.
There are not enough pages to express my gratitude for everyone who helped to make my first at home book signing a success. However, today I want to especially thank my family, friends, and the Wilcox County Prevention Coordinator for helping me to setup and organize this day. Your understanding and support are without measure. I could not have done it without you. With God’s orchestration and your help, I felt like a star today. To God be the Glory. 
Many of your neighbors are struggling every day to make ends meet. People in your community don’t know how they are going to keep the car running and the heat and electricity on. In fact, 7.1 million Americans are behind on the rent, and 63% of all Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. The Pine Hill Mission has been assisting families in the local community for 21 years. This year they put clothing, gifts, food, toys, and bicycles in 120 homes for the holiday season. The Wilcox County Prevention Coordinator placed Talk: They Hear You Conversation Starter Window Clings inside the food bags.
December 22, 2021- One of my Christmas memories is the goody bag the church always gave out after their Christmas program. Handed to each guest, it was an unexpected and exciting brown paper bag. Due to the pandemic, we’ve stopped handing these out at my church. So, a local church decided to get creative with this years’ fruit bag. Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Joyce E. Williams, Coordinator, distributed 100 fruit bags filled with preventive drug information, Wilcox County Coalition in Action Hand Sanitizers, apples, oranges, and assorted candy to the community. Instead of residents driving up to get a fruit bag, the bags were delivered to the residents to ensure all families received a bag.
The Alabama Children’s Policy Council (CPC) system originated from the Alabama Juvenile Justice Coordinating Councils and is designed to support providers of children’s services as they work collaboratively in developing community service plans to address the needs of children ages 0-19 and their families.
Wilcox County held their meeting on December 2, 2021, 12:00 p.m. The virtual meeting began with the reports from the Department of children’s Affairs, plans for Title IV Funds was discussed by Mr. Timothy strong, and the plans for a Grade Level reading Campaign. All service providers gave their reports and announcements. The next meeting will be held March 3, 2022.
One of the main places that offers help at Christmas, whether a meal or bag of food, is the Pine Hill Mission. This is the Pine Hill Mission’s 21st Christmas Dinner for the elderly in the greater Wilcox County and surrounding counties in the Blackbelt. There were over 200 covered plates, plus a Christmas gift and hand sanitizer distributed drive-thru style to senior citizens only on December 12, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The hand sanitizer was provided by the Wilcox County Community Coalition in Action.
A Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive and Distribution
Created By L.O.T.Y.G.
(Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Group)
Founder and Director Jasmine S. Kennedy
November 24, 2021
Wilcox Works, 23 Claiborne Suite A, Camden, AL
#PRESSPLAY Again, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all personal donors, local businesses, and community organizations who donated to this worthy cause and made it a success supplying over 230+ canned food/non-perishable item bags, 115 cold meats, and 125+ hand sanitizers to Wilcox County families, the shut in, and Pre-Thanksgiving lunch to the residents of Camden Nursing Facility this year! The Wilcox County Community in Action Coalition Coordinator gave away the following branding item: (75) 3-ply over the head face masks.
Community Health and Resource Fair was a Hit in Red Creek
Pine Hill, Alabama – West Central Alabama Community Health Improvement League (WCACHIL) and Lily Baptist Community Center and Youth Development (LBCCYD) known for health, wellness, tutoring, and mentoring is showing the community they have more to offer.
WCACHIL and the LBCCYD hosted a free community health and resource fair on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 6 Lily Baptist Church Road, Pine Hill, Alabama 36769.
Participants at the Community Fair had a good time visiting the many booths and gathering important information on services available in the community including health providers, wellness, nutrition, educational support, and more.
“We have a bunch of little niches and we’re good at each one of them and we want the community to be involved with us,” said Rose Garner, an “Lily Baptist Community Center and youth Development” Director. “We really value community engagement and community involvement.”
The large crowd was also treated to information from BAMA Kids, Inc, Activity Coordinator, Jacqueline Hives, Alabama Cooperative Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Agent, Carolyn Rothchild, Southern Black Women’s initiative (SRBWI) representatives, Selma AIR, Erica Heard, Pine Hill Rural Health Clinic CRNP, Dierdre M. Aycock, Rural Heart and Lung Study Coordinator, Ethel Johnson, UAB Clinical Research Coordinator, Jasmine S. Kennedy, Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Group (L.O.T.Y.G.) Representatives, UAB LPN, Janice Robinson, AmeriCorps VISTA’s, Addeidra January, Crystal Portis, Frenesha Womack, and Others, Wilcox County Coalition in Action Coordinator, Brenda Autry, and many. many more.
The hosts greatly appreciates’ its many community partners for the collaborative effort to provide families with vital information that will help improve their health and quality of life.
The Wilcox County Community Coalition in Action Coordinator disseminated the following information (100 copies/pieces of each): Focus on Prevention Booklet, Medication for the Treatment of alcohol Use Disorder: Pocket Guide, Talk. They Hear You: She’s Interested in Learning New Things Print Public Service Announcement-Wallet Card, Talk. They Hear You: Coach Your Kids Through More Than Just Homework Print Public Service Announcement-Wallet Card, Mind Matters: Drugs and the Brain. Also, giveaways included, branding items, hand sanitizers and notepads with pens. Other giveaways were assorted toys, loose leaf paper, and tablets.
Community Health and Resource Fair was a Hit in Red Creek
Pine Hill, Alabama – West Central Alabama Community Health Improvement League (WCACHIL) and Lily Baptist Community Center and Youth Development (LBCCYD) known for health, wellness, tutoring, and mentoring is showing the community they have more to offer.
WCACHIL and the LBCCYD hosted a free community health and resource fair on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 6 Lily Baptist Church Road, Pine Hill, Alabama 36769.
Participants at the Community Fair had a good time visiting the many booths and gathering important information on services available in the community including health providers, wellness, nutrition, educational support, and more.
“We have a bunch of little niches and we’re good at each one of them and we want the community to be involved with us,” said Rose Garner, an “Lily Baptist Community Center and youth Development” Director. “We really value community engagement and community involvement.”
The large crowd was also treated to information from BAMA Kids, Inc, Activity Coordinator, Jacqueline Hives, Alabama Cooperative Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Agent, Carolyn Rothchild, Southern Black Women’s initiative (SRBWI) representatives, Selma AIR, Erica Heard, Pine Hill Rural Health Clinic CRNP, Dierdre M. Aycock, Rural Heart and Lung Study Coordinator, Ethel Johnson, UAB Clinical Research Coordinator, Jasmine S. Kennedy, Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Group (L.O.T.Y.G.) Representatives, UAB LPN, Janice Robinson, AmeriCorps VISTA’s, Addeidra January, Crystal Portis, Frenesha Womack, and Others, Wilcox County Coalition in Action Coordinator, Brenda Autry, and many. many more.
The hosts greatly appreciates’ its many community partners for the collaborative effort to provide families with vital information that will help improve their health and quality of life.
The Wilcox County Community Coalition in Action Coordinator disseminated the following information (100 copies/pieces of each): Focus on Prevention Booklet, Medication for the Treatment of alcohol Use Disorder: Pocket Guide, Talk. They Hear You: She’s Interested in Learning New Things Print Public Service Announcement-Wallet Card, Talk. They Hear You: Coach Your Kids Through More Than Just Homework Print Public Service Announcement-Wallet Card, Mind Matters: Drugs and the Brain. Also, giveaways included, branding items, hand sanitizers and notepads with pens. Other giveaways were assorted toys, loose leaf paper, and tablets.
Community Health and Resource Fair was a Hit in Red Creek
Pine Hill, Alabama – West Central Alabama Community Health Improvement League (WCACHIL) and Lily Baptist Community Center and Youth Development (LBCCYD) known for health, wellness, tutoring, and mentoring is showing the community they have more to offer.
WCACHIL and the LBCCYD hosted a free community health and resource fair on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 6 Lily Baptist Church Road, Pine Hill, Alabama 36769.
Participants at the Community Fair had a good time visiting the many booths and gathering important information on services available in the community including health providers, wellness, nutrition, educational support, and more.
“We have a bunch of little niches and we’re good at each one of them and we want the community to be involved with us,” said Rose Garner, an “Lily Baptist Community Center and youth Development” Director. “We really value community engagement and community involvement.”
The large crowd was also treated to information from BAMA Kids, Inc, Activity Coordinator, Jacqueline Hives, Alabama Cooperative Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Agent, Carolyn Rothchild, Southern Black Women’s initiative (SRBWI) representatives, Selma AIR, Erica Heard, Pine Hill Rural Health Clinic CRNP, Dierdre M. Aycock, Rural Heart and Lung Study Coordinator, Ethel Johnson, UAB Clinical Research Coordinator, Jasmine S. Kennedy, Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Group (L.O.T.Y.G.) Representatives, UAB LPN, Janice Robinson, AmeriCorps VISTA’s, Addeidra January, Crystal Portis, Frenesha Womack, and Others, Wilcox County Coalition in Action Coordinator, Brenda Autry, and many. many more.
The hosts greatly appreciates’ its many community partners for the collaborative effort to provide families with vital information that will help improve their health and quality of life.
The Wilcox County Community Coalition in Action Coordinator disseminated the following information (100 copies/pieces of each): Focus on Prevention Booklet, Medication for the Treatment of alcohol Use Disorder: Pocket Guide, Talk. They Hear You: She’s Interested in Learning New Things Print Public Service Announcement-Wallet Card, Talk. They Hear You: Coach Your Kids Through More Than Just Homework Print Public Service Announcement-Wallet Card, Mind Matters: Drugs and the Brain. Also, giveaways included, branding items, hand sanitizers and notepads with pens. Other giveaways were assorted toys, loose leaf paper, and tablets.
Community Health and Resource Fair was a Hit in Red Creek
Pine Hill, Alabama – West Central Alabama Community Health Improvement League (WCACHIL) and Lily Baptist Community Center and Youth Development (LBCCYD) known for health, wellness, tutoring, and mentoring is showing the community they have more to offer.
WCACHIL and the LBCCYD hosted a free community health and resource fair on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 6 Lily Baptist Church Road, Pine Hill, Alabama 36769.
Participants at the Community Fair had a good time visiting the many booths and gathering important information on services available in the community including health providers, wellness, nutrition, educational support, and more.
“We have a bunch of little niches and we’re good at each one of them and we want the community to be involved with us,” said Rose Garner, an “Lily Baptist Community Center and youth Development” Director. “We really value community engagement and community involvement.”
The large crowd was also treated to information from BAMA Kids, Inc, Activity Coordinator, Jacqueline Hives, Alabama Cooperative Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Agent, Carolyn Rothchild, Southern Black Women’s initiative (SRBWI) representatives, Selma AIR, Erica Heard, Pine Hill Rural Health Clinic CRNP, Dierdre M. Aycock, Rural Heart and Lung Study Coordinator, Ethel Johnson, UAB Clinical Research Coordinator, Jasmine S. Kennedy, Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Group (L.O.T.Y.G.) Representatives, UAB LPN, Janice Robinson, AmeriCorps VISTA’s, Addeidra January, Crystal Portis, Frenesha Womack, and Others, Wilcox County Coalition in Action Coordinator, Brenda Autry, and many. many more.
The hosts greatly appreciates’ its many community partners for the collaborative effort to provide families with vital information that will help improve their health and quality of life.
The Wilcox County Community Coalition in Action Coordinator disseminated the following information (100 copies/pieces of each): Focus on Prevention Booklet, Medication for the Treatment of alcohol Use Disorder: Pocket Guide, Talk. They Hear You: She’s Interested in Learning New Things Print Public Service Announcement-Wallet Card, Talk. They Hear You: Coach Your Kids Through More Than Just Homework Print Public Service Announcement-Wallet Card, Mind Matters: Drugs and the Brain. Also, giveaways included, branding items, hand sanitizers and notepads with pens. Other giveaways were assorted toys, loose leaf paper, and tablets.
Wilcox — Children’s Policy Councils of Alabama Home (alcpc.org)
The Alabama Children’s Policy Council (CPC) system originated from the Alabama Juvenile Justice Coordinating Councils and is designed to support providers of children’s services as they work collaboratively in developing community service plans to address the needs of children ages 0-19 and their families. By creating a CPC in each county, the unique needs of each community can be addressed. At the state level, these local needs become the driving force for children’s policies.
By creating six sub-committees, a county CPC takes a comprehensive approach to helping its families:
• Economic Security
• Health
• Safety
• Education
• Parental Involvement and Skills
• Early Care and Education
Throughout the year, CPC members review the needs of children and families in their community then report their results in a Needs Assessment. This Needs Assessment serves as a blueprint for the counties, state, and legislators to assign priorities to needs and implement programs and services to provide for the needs.
Some programs and services that have developed as a result of the CPC Needs Assessment are:
• Kids health and developmental screenings and health fairs,
• Community gardens,
• “Prom Promise” to emphasize effects of alcohol and driving,
• Teen pregnancy prevention programs to high schools,
• Juvenile Redirection Program as an alternative for first time juvenile offenders,
• Juvenile Drug Court and Juvenile Mental Health Court,
• Character education programs for middle school students and alternative school students,
• Dolly Parton Imagination Library for children birth-5,
• Peer Helper Program where students assist peers with tutoring, mediation and leadership,
• Comprehensive Resource Directories,
• Career Fairs and GED training, and
• Parenting classes for teens and adults.
To find out more about the CPC, contact Liletta Jenkins at liletta.jenkins@ece.alabama.gov or call 334-202-3024.
Four weeks ago, as tropical storms move across the Blackbelt, I began my quest to close out my journey as PFS Coordinator. I was filled with anticipative jitters that I haven’t experienced in a very long time as we filmed our Teen Summit. Although a normal response, my jitters were for nothing as many times this past month, I have experienced moments of “living into my calling” by seeing the impact the Wilcox County Coalition has moved positively within the communities and in the daily administrative work that is required.
I have had the pleasure of attending numerous Resource Days, Health Fairs, Back-to-School events, indulge in speaking engagements to educate the community on preventive drug and alcohol measures, attended and lead coalition meetings, and most importantly I have bonded with the community that has been very evident and inspiring. For someone to let down their walls and begin to trust is a major accomplishment and should be celebrated.
The hard work, dedication, and love of community was present in every conversation. Thank you for sharing with me the good, the bad, and the ugly as we moved through this journey together.
My focus now is preparing for our speaking engagements within the After-School Programs. I am excited to see all of you in person or virtually as we begin to work through the work groups we started together in February, clarifying, and enhancing our work, and visioning for the future.
My prayers are with all of you and your sites. Thank you for all the hard work and as always please call or email me if you need anything.
Continuing our quest to teach children aged 12-20 to make healthy choices about drugs and alcohol requires the expertise and support of each community. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers. Volunteers have the most amazing superpowers of all. When you touch one person, you touch them all. Thank you so much for serving as a Wilcox County Community in Action Coalition member. You are a great asset to our community. Your volunteering made a positive impact in improving the well-being of Wilcox County by strengthening family’s awareness about drug and alcohol abuse.
This month will go down in history as our “Inaugural” month because many first moments took place. We completed our first Poetry Slam, our first vignettes, and our first round of summer enrichment programs. We would like to thank all the PFS Coalition Coordinators, Wilcox County Community Coalition in Action Members, BAMA Kids, Inc., Camden Community Youth Development Center, Lily Baptist Church Outreach Center, Mazie L. Johnson Reading Initiative, Inc., and Wilcox County Extension Office, the SPF-PFS Administration and Staff for supporting us and for arming us the tools we needed to become successful.
This month will go down in history as our “Inaugural” month because many first moments took place. We completed our first Poetry Slam, our first vignettes, and our first round of summer enrichment programs. We would like to thank all the PFS Coalition Coordinators, Wilcox County Community Coalition in Action Members, BAMA Kids, Inc., Camden Community Youth Development Center, Lily Baptist Church Outreach Center, Mazie L. Johnson Reading Initiative, Inc., and Wilcox County Extension Office, the SPF-PFS Administration and Staff for supporting us and for arming us the tools we needed to become successful.
Despite the growing epidemic, there’s still a culture of silence around addiction and stigma surrounding drug and alcohol abuse. Telling your story allows you to think about the events of your life and express them in a way that makes sense to other people and ultimately to you yourself. Sharing your story makes you stronger. Studies have shown that sharing difficult experiences with others results in improved health and well-being.
Resources:
Your Recovery Story: How and Why You Should Share It – Black Bear Lodge (blackbearrehab.com)
Give Back by Telling Your Story – It Could Save a Life – Recovery Centers of America
Telling Your Story of Addiction Is Healing – Transcend (transcendrecoverycommunity.com)
A Personal Story of Addiction (massmed.org)
Recovery.org – Voices of Hope – Share your Story
Do’s and Don’ts of Telling Your Story | Amethyst Recovery Center
Overview:
This tool is designed for people who have stopped drug use while they were detained in the criminal justice system or while receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment. To prepare these individuals to return to their home environment, counselors can customize this tool to help them identify triggers that could prompt a drug relapse. It also includes information about resources and helplines. These discreet cards can be kept in a wallet, pocket, purse, or cell phone case for easy access.
Mazie L. Johnson Reading Initiative hosted its Back-to-School-Bash on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 7577 Hwy 10 West, Yellow Bluff, AL in the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Parking Lot. This program and its services were organized in honor of the late Mazie L. Johnson in an effort to strengthening family literacy routines and community literacy connections. The Mazie L. Johnson Reading Initiative is a 501C3, Non-Profit Community Based Reading Program.
During this event the PFS Coordinator distributed 97 bags. The bags were filled with preventive drug brochures, flyers, pamphlets, and promotional items.
CCYDC Summer Arts Fun and Enrichment Program was blessed with a presentation from “Partnership for Success Coalition Coordinator, Brenda Autry and Camden City Councilwoman Andrea Finklea. Children were enriched with important awareness and information related to Drug abuse, your body, decision making and peer pressure. Councilwoman Finklea made the presentation even more surreal by serving as a co-presenter. She was very impressed that the program material related to real-world situations and would like to assist in sustaining the program in our county.
On July 26, 2021, The BAMA Kids, Inc participated in a science-based presentation provided by the National Institute of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse. BAMA Kids (Better Activities Makes All-Around Kids) organization exists to improve the well-being-both physically and spiritually of our youth in Wilcox County by combining organized recreational and educational activities, developing, and promoting leadership involvement for youth and their parents, and by promoting life skills to prevent substance abuse and other harmful activities. “Drugs in the Cupboard.” Explains how prescription drugs and some household products can damage the brain and body when used improperly. We discussed the Prescription drugs, Inhalants, and the Brain Fact sheet, completed an online activity, “Is it Candy or Medicine?”, and wrapped up our session by summarizing what we learned. This presentation was presented using the platform, Zoom, and 15 students, 5 instructors, attended the presentation.
The Camden Community Youth Development Center programs are being held Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Program will run until July 23rd.
The SAFE programs will focus on the components of the summer arts fun and enrichment with emphasis on music appreciation, visual arts, and folk arts.
The year round after school program will continue with academics and assistance with homework in all subjects focusing on reading and math.
The Wilcox County PFS Prevention Coalition Coordinator, Mrs. Brenda Autry, will be with us on Thursday, July 15, 2021, to teach our students aged 12-20 substance abuse strategies to help our teens make healthy and safe choices about Prescription Drugs and Underage Drinking.
Special thanks to Mrs. Autry, our intervention partner, for stopping by to meet with the staff this afternoon. She will present to the students on Thursday, July 15, 2021.
Summer Enrichment and After School Tutorial Program
The Camden Community Youth Development Center programs are being held Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program will run until July 23, 2021. The SAFE programs will focus on the components of the summer arts fun and enrichment with emphasis on music appreciation, visual arts, and folk arts.
BAMA Kids, Inc. Summer Enrichment Program
BAMA Kids, Inc. began its Summer Enrichment Program on Monday, June 21, 2021, and will run for six weeks. The virtual sessions will be offered from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Program components will include academic enhancement, focusing on reading and math. Life skills, social skills, the arts, financial literacy. Black history and the arts will offer enrichment and a well-rounded program. BAMA Kids, Inc. is pleased again this year, to partner with SAIL (Summer Adventure in Learning) Program that is focused primarily on preventing summer slide.
Lily Baptist Community Center and Youth Development, Inc.
Lilly Baptist Community Center and Youth Development Inc. Summer Enrichment Program will continue until July 30, 3021 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. daily. The program will consist of in-person and virtual activities which includes academic enhancement (reading and math), life skills, music, dance, drama, visual arts, health promotion, fun, and incentives.
Mazie L. Johnson Reading Initiative Summer Enrichment Program
Mazie L. Johnson Reading Initiative will host its annual Summer Enrichment Program July 1 -30 2021 at the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Yellow Bluff, AL. The camp hours are 3:00 to 5:00 pm daily. We would love for your child to participate in this Academic Programs, including Good Study Habits, Healthy Eating Habits, Poetry, and College Preparatory Skills Enhancement.
Pine Hill Mission Food Bank and Outreach
Pine Hill Mission Food Bank and Outreach will conduct a Drive By Big Food Truck Giveaway July 14, 2021, from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. The giveaway is free to everyone. The Pine Hill Mission is located at 3915 Broad Street, Pine Hill, AL 36769
On July 15, 2021, the AMH Staffing agency will be site to administer the COVID-19 Vaccine for free to anyone that may need the first or second dose.
4-H Seeking Local Volunteers
Wilcox County 4-H has a variety of programs available tour youth. We just need help delivering the programs to youths. Programs such as archery, fishing, art, woodworking, gardening, sewing, cooking, or whatever your passion might be. Please contact the Wilcox County 4-H agent, Candice Burroughs at 334-682-4289 if you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have any questions.
“Wilcox County Community In Action Coalition Meeting”
Prevention planners are pressed to put in place solutions to urgent substance misuse problems facing their communities. One way of achieving this goal is by raising public awareness about community’s priority substance misuse problem(s), prevention planners can help garner valuable resources and increase local readiness for prevention.
The Alabama PFS Goals are: Reduce Underage Drinking and Substance Abuse, and Build Community Capacity for Prevention. Locally, in Wilcox County, our Prevention Strategies consist of Social Media Campaign, ID Checking Guides, and Information Dissemination.
The Northwest MHTTC Presents
We Make the Path by Walking’ Webinar and Podcast Series
The Northwest MHTTC is excited to collaborate with Rebekah Demirel L.Ac. MPCC to deliver a webinar and podcast series as part of our Provider Well-Being activities.
Series Description:
We Make the Path by Walking is an eight-part webinar series designed to help us reckon with our turbulent world, offering support and direction for a clearer path forward. Sessions bring focus and connection, opening opportunities for personal exploration, insight, and the discovery of new ways to navigate life with resilience and hope. Psychotherapeutic modalities drawn from East Asian medicine equips participants with self-nurturance skills such as meditation and breathing practices, voice-work and body awareness techniques for day-to-day well-being and sharing with others.
Webinar Recordings & Podcast Links: ‘We Make The Path By Walking’ Webinar and Podcast Series | Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network (mhttcnetwork.org)
Breaking The Stigma
It is not always easy to tell others that your child has challenges managing their thoughts or feelings. And it might not be easy for your child to express that either. Even though it is normal for people of any age to experience these challenges, our culture has told us we need to fear them. In this video, we ask why it is this way and what we can all do to give each other the support we need to get help. Click on the link to watch the video:
SPF-PFS 2021 Coalition Survey is a leading source of information on community-level substance misuse prevention. The survey provides insights into coalition processes, strategies and activities aimed to reduce substance misuse in efforts to improve population health. We welcome all Wilcox County Community in Action Coalition Members to participate! We are using two methods of surveying: the most popular type is the online survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NL9BTNK) and the traditional type is paper and pencil.
“Plant a Pinwheel Garden Program,” hosted by the Child Advocacy Center on the front lawn of the Wilcox County Courtyard. There were over 35 service agencies participating. Each service agency briefly described what service they offer. Then the program commenced to honor over 100 Wilcox County children who were involved in child abuse investigations last year, but who are now safe and protected. Following a brief ceremony each agency planted pinwheel.
WILCOX COUNTY DRIVE THRU RESOURCE COALITION DAY
THEME: “SHOWERING UP YOUR HEALTH FOR A BETTER DAY”
The Coalition Coordinator along with partnering agencies, Extension Service, UAB Research Center, and Lily Baptist Outreach Center participated in the first Drive Thru Coalition Resource Day. The Pine Hill Mission Foodbank and Outreach Center hosted this event. The goal of collaborations is to bring individuals, agencies, organizations, and community members themselves together in an atmosphere of support to systematically solve existing and emerging problems that could not easily be solved by one group alone. Collaborations should focus on increasing capacity, communication and efficiency while improving outcomes. We passed out over 200 resource bags during the event. If you would like additional information from the partnering agencies see information listed below:
Carolyn Rothschild, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education rothsca@aces.edu
Rosie Garner, Lily Baptist Outreach Community Center and Youth Development Inc. Director roseking@uab.edu or threecoyd@gamil.com
Ethel Johnson, Community Engagement Coordinator RURAL Heart and Lung Study ethelj@uab.edu
Brenda Autry, Prevention Coalition Coordinator bautry@altapointe.org
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Wilcox County Sheriff’s Department-The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that most misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
The PFS Cooridnator partnered with the Sheriffs Department and passed out 25 Resource Bags filled with pamphlets, flyers, parent guides and promotional items during the event.
“National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides Wilcox Countians with the opportunity to rid their medicine cabinets of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, as well as vaping products,” said Wilcox County Sheriff, Chief Earnest Evans.
SUSTAINABILITY
SPF-PFS 2021 Coalition Survey is a leading source of information on community-level substance misuse prevention. The survey provides insights into coalition processes, strategies and activities aimed to reduce substance misuse in efforts to improve population health. We welcome all Wilcox County Community in Action Coalition Members to participate!
(Check Back–The Survey will be added soon)
Wilcox Central High School and Camden School of Technology Students attended FOCUS Rally 2019 at University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
If you desire to join the WCCC, please contact
Brenda Autry at bautry@altapointe.org
If you desire to join the WCCC, please contact Sylvia Williams at sylviaw@altapointe.org
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_NDAFWBingoCards_Web.pdf
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_NDAFWBingoVocabSheet_Web.pdf
https://www.responsibility.org/…/underage-drinking-statistics
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0387-dangers-teen-drinking
www.drugrehab.com › Addiction › Alcohol › Effects on Families
www.niaaa.nih.gov › … › Special Populations & Co-occurring Disorders
https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/underage-drinking
CADCA
SAMHSA
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_NDAFWBingoCards_Web.pdf
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_NDAFWBingoVocabSheet_Web.pdf
https://www.responsibility.org/…/underage-drinking-statistics
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0387-dangers-teen-drinking
www.drugrehab.com › Addiction › Alcohol › Effects on Families
www.niaaa.nih.gov › … › Special Populations & Co-occurring Disorders
https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/underage-drinking
CADCA
SAMHSA