Send a little love this February by joining the Project Holiday Hope campaign
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Valentine’s Day is around the corner. If you’re wondering how to spread some love and encouragement this February, take part in Addiction Prevention Coalition’s Project Holiday Hope campaign. Here’s how.
Who is Addiction Prevention Coalition?
Addiction Prevention Coalition (APC) is a nonprofit community resource that aims to eliminate addiction in Central Alabama.
APC has been a constant for many in the community, having served the Greater Birmingham Area for over a decade.
Their vision is to be a leader in preventing addiction by inspiring people to live with hope, resilience and purpose. They do this in a number ways, including:
- Communicating awareness of the addiction problem and inspiring hope.
- Providing education for prevention of substance abuse.
- Assisting those seeking connection by creating coalitions in the community.
What’s unique about APC is that they don’t just focus on those already in treatment for addiction. They also strive to stop addiction before it starts through programs like the following:
- Youth Advisory Council (YAC): passionate and dedicated student leaders who wish to advocate for and educate their peers.
- Positive Action EBP: a model evidence-based program that is focused on social-emotional learning.
- INFOCUS Student Chapters: Peer led student chapters in area high schools that discuss the catalyst issues that may lead to substance use and abuse.
APC also offers many resources to parents designed specifically to help educate them on how drugs work, what types of abuse are common, the risks of addiction for adolescents and the addiction warning signs.
“APC works hard to offer awareness, prevention and connection in our community. We love investing in the lives of students, empowering them to lead prevention efforts in their schools, their homes and their communities. We are passionate about equipping parents to help educate their children from an early age, about substance use, so they can make better informed choices all the way to adulthood.”
Carie Wimberly, Executive Director, Addiction Prevention Coalition
December’s Project Holiday Hope was a big success
Many people in recovery have very little, if any, support system when in the early stages of sobriety. This can make holidays especially tough. With this in mind, APC did something special this past December. They held their Project Holiday Hope campaign where staff members and local volunteers wrote notes of encouragement inside holiday cards to those in Substance Use Treatment Programs around the Greater Birmingham Area.
Some treatment programs included:
The campaign was a success, with APC being able to deliver over 300 holiday cards.
“We definitely need more love and kindness in our world. Project Holiday Hope offers volunteers the chance to stop and encourage someone who may be struggling. Writing a note is such an easy way to acknowledge others. On the other end, the recipient gains the benefit of knowing someone sees them and believes in their potential. So simple yet so impactful.”
Suzanne Muir, Associate Director, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology at UAB
Now, you can help with their Valentine’s
Now, APC plans to do it again—this time with Valentine’s Day cards. Along with the previous Substance Use Treatment Programs, APC wants to expand their card reach to other locations, including:
- Aletheia House
- My Sister’s Place
- Turning Point
- UAB Beacon Recovery
But, in order to make the campaign successful, they need your help.
All you have to do to take part in the campaign is hand-write positive notes of encouragement on the card of your choice, then deliver it to APC’s office by February 5.
You can also volunteer by visiting APC’s office during the week of February 8 to help attach pieces of candy to the submitted cards.
You can find APC’s office at 324 Commons Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209.
More ways to help the Addiction Prevention Coalition
Participating in APC’s Project Holiday Hope campaign is just one way to volunteer. You can also sign up to join the coalition and make a difference in the life of someone undergoing substance abuse treatment.
You’ll join thousands of APC members across the Greater Birmingham Area who are helping to prevent and end addiction.
It’s free to sign up and you’ll receive the latest tools and information via email to help you advocate for sobriety.
“APC works so hard at reaching out to the community to help anyone in need—no matter if you are an addict, or someone who loves an addict. They also work to inspire people to be their best self.
APC made me understand what volunteering is and how much it helps the community. It also reminds the volunteer (me) that this is important. It is impactful and meaningful to the person on the receiving end, as well.“
Becky Harris, Volunteer, Addiction Prevention Coalition
Is donating more your style? That’s also a great way to help APC in their mission. To make a donation, follow this link.
For programs, events and more taking place at Addiction Prevention Coalition, check out their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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