Special to IFN

The Statesville ABC Board has awarded $92,000 to eight area agencies through its Education Grant Program to help fund the organizations’ substance abuse programs.

The agencies receiving a share of the education grant are: Aftershock Youth Empowerment, Angel Wings Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont, Children’s Homes of Iredell County, Fifth Street Shelter Ministries, Foundation of Hope Ministries, Pharos Parenting and Piedmont Mediation Center.

“The ABC Board strives to run an efficient operation so that each year we can help fund the important programs that work with and prevent substance abuse issues,” said Statesville ABC Board Chair David Pope. “Keeping profits in our community to help others is just one of the benefits of a controlled state system.”

The Children’s Homes of Iredell is a first time ABC Education grant recipient.

According to Executive Director Kevin Angell, the grant will be used to enhance substance abuse education for foster youth in our community.

“The funds will support the development of engaging, evidence-based workshops that focus on prevention, awareness, and the impact of substance abuse on mental health and well-being,” Angell said.

The programs, tailored to meet the needs of adolescents in transitional living, will help “them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed, healthy choices,” he added.

Another new grant recipient is Angel Wings Foundation, which will use the funds to enrich the organization’s mentoring and tutoring programs with substance abuse education.

Other organizations using the funds to incorporate substance abuse awareness and education programs for youth throughout the year include Aftershock Youth Empowerment and the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont. Piedmont Mediation offers programs that educate teens on the risks involved with substance abuse and, if needed, provides resources for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

Foundation of Hope Ministries will use the funds to “navigate the lives of those struggling with alcohol and similar addictions”. These services include case management, transportation to recovery and detox facilities, application entry fees and “fees associated with sober living.”

Pharos Parenting uses the funds to “teach positive parenting skills, stabilize and strengthen families, especially for those with substance abuse issues,” said Director Tonya Fowler. “We are grateful for the support and generosity of the ABC Board.”

The Statesville ABC Board distributes 7 percent of its remaining gross receipts annually for the treatment of alcoholism or substance abuse, or for research or education on alcohol or substance abuse, explained General Manager Tip Nicholson.

“The ABC Board is very appreciative of the work these organizations do to help with and prevent substance abuse issues,” he said.