The Alcohol and Drug Concerns (ADC) is a nonprofit organisation which prevents, educates and brings awareness in schools, prisons, youth groups, churches and any corporate company of the dangers of substance use.
They are based in number 5 Hammond Road, West Turffontein.
Their vision is to have all the youth and adults make informed decisions when faced with the temptation of substance usage and abuse.
They further aim to educate, equip and empower vulnerable and impressionable youth and adults alike, on dangers of substance abuse and to instil a deep understanding that good choices can be made.
Speaking to Betty Sahabodien who has been with ADC for 11 years, COURIER established that although they do outreach programmes to various people, others do come to their offices seeking for help.
“We do our preventative education and life coaching to schools, youth groups, churches and other structures.
“We also work with SAPS Johannesburg Central Cluster which consists of eight police stations, namely Johannesburg Central, Booysens, Mondeor, Moffat View, Langlaagte, Brixton, Sophiatown and Fairland. When the police search at schools, we address the learners,” she said.
She also mentioned that when it comes to funding they are helped by their national branch in Cape Town; however, they need more funding in order to have volunteers who can help them.
“No government or any other funding comes to our side. We try to do our own fund-raising programmes like selling our branded bottled water and key rings.
“We also have the ‘Red Friday’ initiative where school children wear red on a Friday and we address them on substance abuse.
“We would ask for a certain percentage on their civvies money on the day. We also use our hall to rent out to two churches,” explained Betty.
How can you help?
• Prayer – The organisation needs your prayers support in order that they may carry out the work to which they were called.
• Serving – Attend training at their centre and become a volunteer in your area.
• Financial support – you can help to sustain the work in schools, prisons, churches and communities at large
For more information on this organisation which started in 1889, contact them on 011 433 2372.
