history
who we are

The Governor’s Commission for a Drug Free Indiana was created by an executive order of Governor Evan Bayh in 1989 as a new strategy for furthering Indiana’s fight against alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

The Drug Free Community Council has been chosen by the Commission as the designee or what is also known as the Local Coordinating Council to help coordinate and carry out these efforts in St. Joseph County. A large portion of the court fees collected are deposited into the County Drug-Free Communities Fund and the remaining portion is deposited into the State User Fee Fund.

The Governor’s Commission for a Drug Free Indiana serves to mobilize a collaborative local, regional and state effort toward a drug free Indiana. The goal is to establish needed services in the community and to expand existing efforts in education, prevention, treatment and law enforcement.

Click to visit the Indiana State Drug Free website...>

responsibilities
Functions & Statuatory Responsibilities
as the Local Coordinating Council include:

• Functions & Statutory Responsibilities as the Local Coordinating Council include:
• Identifying community drug programs
• Coordinating community initiatives in collaborative effort
• Monitoring anti-drug activities at the local level.
• Fostering communication at local levels between and among stakeholders
• Stewarding local DFCC funds
• Promoting public awareness
• Collecting local data
• Being the local link to/with the state for information on legislative funding

DFCC’s Primary Responsibilities include:

• Activities& Community Sponsored Events
• Strengthening Families
• Alcohol Compliance Enforcement (ACE checks)
• Red Ribbon Week (each October)
• The Drug Scene II Server Training
• Potawatami Zoo:
  • Zoo Boo
• Facilitate allocation process for County Drug Free Community Funds
• Beacon Bowl:
  • Holiday Fun Bowl
  • Bowling Blast
  • MLK Lock-In

subcommittees

Criminal Justice

The purpose of this committee is to look at ways the Criminal Justice system can be enhanced by the DFCC as it relates to drug-related issues and how the system can enhance the work of the Drug Free Community Council. It also addresses issues and concerns of law enforcement officials and legal consequences of substance abuse.

Red Ribbon

Red Ribbon is not a subcommitte of the DFCC but has representation each year on the community committee led by 21st Century Scholars and Urban Communities Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (UCADAA).

National Red Ribbon Week is every October. The Red Ribbon Committee commences its planning in August. Last year our event and march were held on October 28, 2005, commencing at the Charles Martin Youth Center, where food was provided and the kids began the march to Century Center, where we coordinated activities for all ages.

Prevention /Education

This committee helps develop/present community-oriented prevention and education programming aimed at deterring individuals from the use or abuse of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

Membership

This committee is responsible for
developing a recruitment plan and materials, monitoring membership and attempting to guarantee that membership includes representatives from the required areas of the community as mandated by legislation.

Treatment Committee

The purpose of this committee is to look at the issues facing the field of treatment in today's society. Currently, this committee is moving full speed ahead with such events as full day workshops offering CEU's and stellar speakers.