Purpose
The cornerstone of each coalition, the Faith-Based Committee provides prevention, intervention, treatment, family support, after-care and mentoring for drug abusers and their families by replacing faith and serenity in those lost due to addiction.
Why is it important?
For too long, communities have watched the drug epidemic destroy families, wipe out moral integrity, undermine our justice system and hamper economic growth. Our homes are no longer a safe haven. While it is easy to arrest those dealing or using drugs illegally, and treatment programs are available to help those seeking assistance in battling a substance abuse problem, it is a much more difficult task to prevent recurrence. Faith-based communities are a sanctuary for hurting families and a cornerstone in preventing youth from using drugs. By their very nature, churches offer a moral compass for living and have congregations that reach across the spectrum of socio-economic boundaries. Addicts and recovering addicts come with problems that need solutions. The mission of the faith-based community is to help these individuals adjust to a different lifestyle than they have known in the past.
To learn more about UNITE's faith-based efforts click here.
Who should be involved?
The Faith-Based Committee is designed to empower every church member with the knowledge and skill to play an active part in this fight against drugs. No congregation is too small to facilitate a ministry. Involving your local ministerial association will quickly build support and grow membership.
What are the goals?
The first step is to decide if your congregation wants to perform a ministry within the walls of the church or to collectively assist with community anti-drug efforts. Once this is decided you can set your objectives.
Goals of the Faith-Based Committee include:
Educate members of the congregation about your mission.
Involve all segments of the congregation in activities.
Develop a written plan that is both realistic in its scope and within the financial and emotional means of the membership.
Document and evaluate the success of each program.
Work with youth groups. Youth can influence their peers in a way that adults cannot accomplish.
Activities to accomplish your goals
There are many ways for a faith-based community to play a leading role. Some of these include:
