(Louisville, KY) Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) presented $625,000 in federal funding to the Center for Neighborhoods to support the work of the 7^th Street Corridor PAL Coalition in reducing youth drug and alcohol abuse in Louisville.

“Reducing drug abuse in Louisville is a problem that requires a comprehensive solution. Of course, it takes strong law enforcement work, but also great schools, strong families, and unified communities to ensure we keep our kids away from drugs,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “This funding will support a community-based effort that will work to guarantee a strong foundation of support exists for young people throughout Louisville.”

The 7^th Street Corridor PAL Coalition works extensively to build partnerships between members of the local community and businesses, schools, law enforcement agencies, religious organizations, and other outlets. These alliances provide opportunities for Louisville young people and their families, educating them about the dangers of drug abuse and the potential for career advancement and job training.

“The grant presents the opportunity to bring a unified, organized and effective approach to a community otherwise confronted by the daily reality of extreme urban poverty,” said Center for Neighborhoods Executive Director Jack Trawick.

The Center for Neighborhoods was one of 161 new grantees to receive funding from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) as part of the Drug Free Communities Program. The Center for Neighborhoods will administer the funding for the 7^th Street Corridor PAL Coalition.

“Efforts to keep our youth drug free are critical to healthy communities here in Louisville.” said Nancy Carrington, Program Director for the grant at the Center For Neighborhoods. “The Drug Free Communities Program recognizes the great potential of the 7^th Street Corridor PAL Coalition to work within neighborhoods to help create healthier and safer communities with strong families that have the necessary opportunities, relationships, networks and supports to raise their children successfully.  This new funding will allow the 7^th Street Corridor PAL Coalition to mobilize and organize the community.”

The $625,000 will be allocated to the Center for Neighborhoods over five years from the ONDCP in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.