The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Awards Grant to Unified Prevention Coalition to Help Develop High School Youth Council in Fairfax County

The Virginia Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) has awarded the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC) a grant to help develop a UPC Youth Council made up of representatives from each county high school. ABC Special Agent Phil Disharoon made the presentation for the $7,513.75 award to UPC leaders and youth at the coalition’s October meeting.

Fairfax County students and leaders from the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC) received a grant from the Virginia Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control to help start a UPC Youth Council. ABC Special Agent Phil Disharoon made the presentation of the $7,513.75 grant at the coalition’s October meeting. The Youth Council will plan and host a conference in April for middle school students and parents focused on positive alternatives to stress and alcohol use.

The award is one of eight community coalition grants totaling $68,489.50 for alcohol education awarded to organizations across Virginia. Funded by a federal grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the grants were received by organizations that demonstrated a creative plan to promote zero tolerance for underage drinking, reach large numbers of people through programs, gain broad-based community support and ensure effectiveness and accountability.

Samara Kimmelman, UPC’s youth coordinator, said nearly half of the county’s high schools so far have sent a representative to become part of the Youth Council. Other high school students interested in this leadership opportunity can apply online at www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org.

This month the youth will distribute “The Best Me is Drug Free” posters and other materials to county middle schools during Red Ribbon Week. The Youth Council also will be involved in planning and hosting a conference in April for middle school students and parents focused on positive alternatives to stress and alcohol use. The youth also will be part of UPC’s efforts on Capitol Hill Day in February and in addressing the school board and county Board of Supervisors in the spring as part of the Parents Who Host, Lose the Most Month.

The UPC is a nonprofit organization with more than 50 community partners dedicated to the prevention of violence, alcohol, and other drug use by youth and young adults.

For more information, please call 703-938-8723 or
visit www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org.
2970-B Chain Bridge Road, Oakton, VA 22124
www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org
www.facebook.com/unifiedpreventioncoalition
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