About
Project C.O.P.E. (Communities Organizing for Prevention and Empowerment) is a five-year federal initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). Targeting underserved racial and ethnic minority youth between the ages of 8 and 24 in the city of Paterson, New Jersey, Project C.O.P.E. has developed and currently manages comprehensive community-based substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention services.
Paterson is the third largest city in New Jersey and has one of the highest rates in the state for both substance abuse and HIV/AIDS infection among African American and Hispanic/Latino residents. Focus-group interviews conducted with key community stakeholders conveyed that the scarcity of prevention programs and gaps in service delivery have exacerbated the social problems experienced by Paterson youth.
As a collaborative effort between Montclair State University, the Paterson Public Schools, the Paterson Police Department, and numerous social service agencies, Project C.O.P.E. has helped transform the way the community is served by increasing the capacity of local community-based organizations. With the support of our partners, our prevention team has provided direct, family-centered prevention services that target such risk-taking |
behaviors as substance abuse, sexual risk, gang involvement, youth violence, and juvenile delinquency. Additionally, we strive to improve communication between program participants and their families and actively engage parents with other systems involved in their children's lives, such as schools and social service programs.
Project C.O.P.E. has successfully implemented model substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention protocols (i.e., Keepin' it Real, Be Proud! Be Responsible! and CASASTART) with proven effectiveness. An independent outcome evaluation conducted by the College of Public Health, University of Iowa, concluded that youth participating in our program exhibited significant reductions in alcohol and drug use behaviors and marked increases in social support, family cohesiveness, and community involvement.
In our ongoing effort to mitigate the adverse health consequences associated with illicit drug use and risky sexual behaviors in the city of Paterson, New Jersey, and to counter its ill effect on vulnerable and at-risk children and families, we are in the process of identifying and applying for external funds to sustain our present initiative beyond its funding cycle. Our goal is to expand our current scope of services and continue to provide the children and adolescents we serve an opportunity to look forward to a bright future. |
