Our HISTORY

Rebuilding the Village

The Empowerment Zone Coalition, Inc. is a very unique 501(c)(3) community-based non-profit that focuses on comprehensive substance abuse prevention.

We are a broad based coalition with agency collaborations that improves collective advocacy and service delivery to the community with strong focus on the youth and families.

For the past 14 years, our goals were to raise the visibility of the coalition, increase public awareness of substance abuse issues, and public policy advocacy.

Company Inception

1996

Since its inception in May 1996, the coalition has been “Rebuilding the Village” through community empowerment.

Coalition members and additional volunteers are dedicated to increasing protective factors through faith-based substance abuse prevention and community involvement.

Raised Visibility of Coalition 51%

EZC’s initiatives were successful in raising the visibility of the coalition – 51% of the target population was familiar with the coalition and its activities as demonstrated through a poll conducted by a local media partner.

Reached More Than One Million

EZC has reached more than one million people over time with substance abuse prevention messages and resources through public education campaign, public forums, workshops, summits, community outreach projects and programs.

Made Our Streets Safer

2016

EZC initiated public policy advocacy that resulted in an ordinance to hold landlords responsible for boarding up their abandon buildings to decrease illegal drug activity and increase neighborhood safety. These abandon buildings threaten the safety of young people walking to school and some of them were used as drug dens.

20+ Years in the Community

2022

The coalition has more than 20 years of experience in providing comprehensive health and substance abuse prevention services to the catchment area. Our strength comes from our resources, partnerships and volunteers.

EZC Difference

Licensed to Provide Substance Abuse Prevention Services

We is dedicated to increasing protective factors and improving social conditions in the community that has been negatively impacted by alcohol, tobacco and other drug-related issues. The Empowerment Zone Coalition, Inc. (EZC) is licensed by the State of Michigan to provide substance abuse prevention services.

Member of The CADCA

The coalition is an active member of the Community Anti-Drug Coalition Coalitions of America (CADCA), a national association of community-based coalitions.

Governed By A Board of Passionate Community Members

We are governed by a Board of Directors from different industries and specialties. EZC also has an impressive record of managing Federal, State and local grants without exceptions and raising funds to augment existing funding.

501(C)(3) IRS charitable designation

EZC has successfully passed all audits in accordance with standard accounting principles. The Coalition all required tax forms annually, and possesses a 501(C)(3) IRS charitable designation in good standing.