A Collective Call to Action: Training & Workshop Series – The Collective Call to Action Workshop Series designed to educate the community on health, substance abuse and drug-related issues in an effort to counteract the misconceptions and work towards changing the negative social norms in the community. The workshops were designed to arm people with adequate information to become actively involved in changing the social conditions in their community.
Partnerships – The Empowerment Zone Coalition, Inc. (EZC) continues to work diligently with several partners to maximize the resources offered to the community, reduce the duplication of services, and reach a larger portion of the population. Through the partnerships, EZC has successful organized Prescription Take Back Days, Underage Drinking Town Hall Meeting, World AIDS Day, Kick Butts Day, Red Ribbon Week, Alcohol Awareness Month, HIV/AIDS & Substance Abuse Prevention Public Education Campaign, and etc.
Education and Advocacy – EZC develops innovative initiatives to raise public awareness on health issues affecting the citizens’ quality of life and work with community citizens to take an active role in changing social conditions in the community through public forums, town hall meetings, public education campaigns and other strategies.
“Come Walk with Us” Project – In United States, obesity has become an epidemic. More people are physically inactive and have unhealthy dietary behaviors which are affecting people’s weight. The obesity rates are highest among African Americans, middle age and low income adults. According to data provided by Gallup report, the adult obesity rate so far in 2013 is 27.2%, while the 2011 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicated that among United States high school students are 13% obese. Obesity can lead to depression, suicide and substance use/abuse.
“Come Walk with Us” Project is designed to help individuals to live a healthier lifestyle by exercising and learning about additive substances and healthy tips. The project provides education on proper walking techniques and healthy tips. The program is focus on youth and their families in the city of Detroit.
Connections – EZC gather resources and provide referral services for citizens in need of behavioral health and prevention services. EZC is very skilled at developing initiatives to promote existing substance abuse prevention, treatment, recovery and behavioral health services to the community citizens.
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Special Projects
Detroit Sack Pack Giveaway Program – Office Depot Foundation National Back Pack Program – The Empowerment Zone Coalition, Inc. (EZC) was selected by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) as the national partner representing Detroit to participate in the Office Depot Foundation National Back Pack Program. EZC successfully distributed more than 2000 sack packs to Detroit children primarily in pre-k – 5th graders.
Think Don’t Drink Underage Town Hall Meetings – EZC organizes Underage Drinking town hall meetings as part of the national Stop Underage Drinking campaign sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). EZC has reached more than 500 youth and adults with underage drinking prevention messages and literature.
Demand Reduction Project – EZC continues to develop strategies and initiatives to reach larger segment of the population with substance abuse prevention and behavioral health messages and work with our partners to reinforce the messages with their constituency. EZC believes we have to reduce the demand by encourage people not to participate in risky behaviors and provide resources to support people to prevent mental, emotional and behavior disorders.
#Communities Talk Town Hall – Funded by SAMHSA our #Communitities Talk Town Hall to prevent underage drinking was an Open Mic event that brought together youth poets, singers, rappers, and other talents to not only perform their works, but also discuss underage drinking and substance abuse prevention. We also had a special guest host, Coco to entertain us and give the youth words of wisdom.
Stress Management and Self Care Day – In an effort to pursue wholistic wellness, encourage positive discussions about mental health, and promote good mental health as a path to prevention the EZC hosted a Stress Management and Self Care Day. Activities included Yoga, Massages, Aromatherapy, and other ways to manage stress and take care of ourselves every day to avoid substance abuse.
Fun -N- The Hood – We brought our message of prevention poolside with our Fun -N- The Hood Day. We enjoyed the sun, played in the water, did yoga, and even collected some data. Everyone who took part in our event got free admission to the park and free lunch.
