PROJECT CHARLIE FACILITATORS MEET TO PROMOTE GROUP'S GOALS

Jackson Area Project Charlie Facilitators Group met to promote the goals of the organization, being the same as those of the nationally recognized Project Charlie Drug Prevention Program.

The group's purpose is to promote abstinence for school-age students and inhibit the development of drug abuse.

Six factors have been correlated to chemical use problems: low self-esteem, peer pressure, lack of healthy relationships, poor decision-making skills, boredom and curiosity, and lack of drug information.

Project Charlie's curriculum was created to address these factors.

A very important item on the agenda at the Project Charlie facilitator's meeting held early last week of the month was resources.

Pam Brown, facilitator trainer, reported on the generous offer of resources for Project Charlie's use, made by Dr. Dennington, a community-oriented professional. Brown has previewed many of the titles such as "Getting better at getting along," and "What to do about anger," so they may better serve the curriculum's needs. "These resources come highly recommended," says Brown.

It was not that long ago that Project Charlie operated solely on donations from area businesses, volunteer's personal donations, and the Noon Optimists. Most recently, the United Way's generous donation of $2,250 enabled Project Charlie to purchase educational resources for use in the classrooms.

With dedicated volunteers presenting a curriculum of prevention, not intervention, the program targets second and fourth grade children only.

Jackson's Drug Free Advisory Council and D.A.R.E. focus on the other grades.

Dedicated volunteers are still needed, and the training program is upcoming. The only requirement to enter the classroom with the Project Charlie program is attendance at the training and a willingness to reach the children in our schools.

The estimated time required per week is about an hour. If you'd like to provide schoolchildren with the information and skills they need for drug awareness prevention, please call Pam Brown, facilitator trainer, at (573) 243-8070 or Tonya Buttry, Jackson Project Charlie President at (573) 243-4446.