In 1989, the New Jersey Legislature created the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse to address the issues related to alcoholism and drug abuse. Each municipal government in New Jersey was encouraged to establish a Municipal Alliance committee to identify problems, coordinate projects, develop prevention and early intervention programs and to become a force for change within the community.

In 1989, the New Jersey Legislature created the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse to address the issues related to alcoholism and drug abuse. Each municipal government in New Jersey was encouraged to establish a Municipal Alliance committee to identify problems, coordinate projects, develop prevention and early intervention programs and to become a force for change within the community.

What is the Alliance?

By June 1990, the Township of Montclair responded to the State’s invitation by creating the Montclair Community Intervention Alliance. Its members are approved by the township Council and include representatives of: The Board of Education, parent organizations, youth groups, municipal government, police, clergy, health department, chamber of commerce and other civic and volunteer agencies. The objective of the committee is to develop and support substance abuse prevention, education programs and to provide healthy alternative activities for the youth and families of Montclair.

How is the Alliance Funded?

The Alliance receives a grant from the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA). These funds come from municipal drug fines and are available to the community through a “matching fund” grant. The ALLIANCE is required by the grant to raise 25% of the grant dollars received in matching funds.

WHAT DOES THE ALLIANCE DO?

The Montclair Community Alliance has funded and/or supported the following:

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Array of after-school activities for middle school students.

ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH
Month-long community alcohol awareness campaign.

BABES
Cross-age teaching with teens instructing grades Pre K – 3.

DARE
Prevention program for 5th and 6th grade students through the Montclair Police.Department.

DREAMS
After-school program for 9th grade students, offering sports, homework help and outdoor education-activities.

FIRST NIGHT MONTCLAIR
Alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION / VIOLENCE PREVENTION
Activities teaching social problem solving in the high school.

MEGA SKILLS PARENTS PROGRAM
Nationally recognized program to enhance parenting skills.

PROJECT GRADUATION
Graduation celebration for high school seniors – a complete night of fun without alcohol.

KIDS on the BLOCK
High school students providing education about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs to 5th grade students, utilizing a renowned puppet program.

TERRY’S SERENDIPITY CAFÉ
A place for teens to showcase their talent and promote community unity.

WISE - Wellness Initiative for Senior Educators
Trains senior citizens to educate their peers regarding alcohol, tobacco and mixing prescription medication.

SMOKING PREVENTION ACTIVITIES
Outreach activities for education and cessation programs for young people.

TIGS – TEEN INSTITUTE OF THE GARDEN STATE
Wellness/leadership training program to empower teens to be high on life without drugs or alcohol.

YES – Youth Employment Service
Providing teens with employment and healthy options for living.

SPORTS NIGHT
Saturday night sports activities for teens.

FREE GROUP
Adventure education activities to promote drug-free life style.

SIDE DOOR
Friday after school activities for middle school students, held in the Unitarian
Church in Upper Montclair.

SISTER-TO-SISTER
Mentoring program encouraging young women to focus on healthy lifestyles.

RITES OF PASSAGE
Students work with adult mentors to develop self-esteem and learn community values.

JUNIOR POLICE
One-week camp for 11-14 year-olds to teach life lessons and respectful interaction
with the Police Department.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

ACTIVATE:

--Talk to your children about alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Tell them very clearly that you don’t want them using substances – no tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy or inhalants. It’s not pestering – it’s parenting! Teens who learn anti-drug messages at home are 42% less likely to use drugs.

--Listen to your children. It has been proven that families that dine together have a lesser incidence of drug abuse. Make time for your children.

--Know their friends and their friends’ habits. Talk to your children’s friends’ parents and make sure you’re all “on the same page”.

--If you are taking medication, be aware of the side effects and possible interaction of drugs you may be taking.

LEGISLATE:

Let your government representatives know how you feel about issues pertaining to substance abuse. Your tax dollars are spent in the fight against illegal drugs and the health crisis that is a direct result of substance abuse.

DONATE:

Become a friend of the A L L I A N C E and support local programs that teach healthy lifestyles.

Make checks payable to:

The Montclair Community Intervention Alliance
205 Claremont Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042