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UNITE Activities
Operation UNITE coalition volunteers and students from across the Fifth Congressional District were honored Friday, November 9, 2007, for outstanding efforts during the past year. More than 800 people attended the program, held at the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.
For photos click here.
For story click here.
View pictures from the Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp with Jeff Sheppard held June 19, 2007 in Jackson County. Click here.
Jackson County is working to create a facility to provide youth recreational and social opportunities. Volunteers are currently needed for this project. Board of Directors meets on the second Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. in the Old McKee gym. If you have a talent, or would like more information, contact Interim Director Neal Broadus at 606-364-2218 or by e-mail at LGofJC@yahoo.com. Pledges to support the Lord's Gym may be sent to P.O. Box 1168, McKee, KY 40447.
Currently one Jackson County school has a registered UNITE Club – Jackson County High. The group was been named Operation UNITE's High School UNITE Club of the Year in both 2006 and 2007.
For pictures from last year's Bible Club/UNITE Club lock-in click here.
Jackson County Middle and High Schools began a program designed to educate students and the community about the dangers of drugs during the 2006-07 school year. Called STAND (Student Thespians Against Narcotic Drugs) Drama Team, the program is supported by the Perfect Vision Coalition, Operation UNITE, JCHS Drama Club and JCHS UNITE Club.
For the second year, an anti-drug script writing contest was held for the JCHS STAND Drama Team to perform. This year's winning script was titled "Callie's Prayer" and was written by Aylua Ansarian and Amanda Smith, who were awarded a $100 gift card from Wal-Mart. A date for the performance has not been scheduled.
The Anti-Drug PEP (Prevention Education Puppet) Squad began signing up members on November 12, 2007, and began holding regular weekly meetings on Thursdays from 3-4 p.m. in January. The purpose of this squad is to develop talents of students as puppeteers and to create anti-drug plays to be performed at elementary schools and interested parties - such as church youth groups. For information contact Neal Broadus at 606-364-2218.
A Court Watch Committee was recently formed and members are now attending all court sessions to monitor drug-related cases. Additional volunteers are needed to assist with the various Court Watch activities. To learn more or to volunteer contact Lois Powell at 606-965-3175 or by e-mail at marty@prtcnet.org.
Coalition members are becoming more involved in supporting Drug Court, specifically with assistance in transportation, as well as assistance for basic family needs. A Community Recovery program to help persons who do not have anything when released from jail began in 2008.
During the last half of 2007, about 25 coalition members were involved in a project to provide jail inmates information about addiction, recovery and encouragement that they could succeed. In addition, about 375 children were reached during homecoming, and literature was distributed through churches. Four presentations to churches were made. For more information about these efforts contact Tom Conner at 606-364-2894.
Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs® continues to be a major project of the coalition. Events usually held each Saturday. Call for dates and times. For information contact Glen Byrd at 606-287-7900.
To view the Jackson County Public Schools Drug Counseling Website click here. Contact District Substance Abuse Counselor Neal Broadus at 606-287-7155 ext 118 or drug.counselor@jackson.kyschools.us.
A Narcotics Anonymous support group was formed in May 2006. Meetings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays each week at 8 p.m. at Jackson Christian Church. For information contact Bridgette Gross at 606-666-3800 or bgross0002@yahoo.com.
Thursday, May 8 - A meeting of the Lord's Gym Board of Directors will be held at 6 p.m. at the old McKee Gym.
Friday, May 16 - The annual Prom Promise Program featuring a drunk driving reenactment will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. to encourage students to have an alcohol- and other drug-free prom.
For details click here.
Monday, May 19 - The Clay-Leslie-Jackson Drug Court will hold a graduation ceremony at 6 p.m. in the Clay County Justice Center in Manchester.
Recent Activities
Saturday, April 26 - A Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs youth fishing and mentoring program was held at the Jackson County Ministries Pond in Annville for all youth 17 and under. Awards were given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, along with door prizes for all. Lunch, snacks and drinks provided. For details contact Glen Byrd at 606-287-7900.
Saturday, April 12 - A methamphetamine awareness training was held for foster parents at the vocational school in McKee. For information contact Lora Stivers at 606-330-2001 or 606-493-7282.
Thursday, April 10 - The Lord's Gym Board of Directors met at the old McKee Gym.
Wednesday, March 19 - Former NFL player Ray McElroy spoke to students at Jackson County Middle School and Jackson County High School. McElroy played four seasons as safety with Indianapolis Colts (1995-98), with stints at Chicago (2000) and Detroit (2001). McElroy's message was how "we're not born winners or losers, but born to be choosers." His appearance was sponsored by the JCHS UNITE Club and both schools' Youth Service Centers.
Thursday, February 28 - First official meeting of the Lord's Gym of Jackson County Community Activity Center. Details about the various committees was presented.
Monday, January 21 - A informational community meeting was held in the Sexton Hall library on the campus of Jackson County Ministries in Annville. Officials from UNITE and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office were on hand to inform citizens about the work of the Annville Community Watch program, which has been in existence for about 1 year. For more information call Jake Moss at 606-364-5151.
Friday, January 18 - Deadline to submit entries in an Anti-Drug Script Writing Contest. For details or an entry form contact Substance Abuse Counselor Neal Broadus or the Youth Services Center.
Thursday, January 10 - A Focus On The Family "How To Drug-Proof Your Kids" training will be held at 7 p.m. at Gray Hawk Reformed Church. Topic of discussion will be "Intervention and Where To Get Help." Trainers are Carroll and Betty DeForest. For information contact Neal Broadus at 606-287-7155, ext. 118.
2007 Activities
Saturday, December 15 - A meeting of the Lord's Gym of Jackson County was held in the Old McKee Gym. Board members elected were: Carlos Cameron (Operation UNITE), Rev. Carroll Deforrest (retired pastor Gray Hawk Reformed Church), Pastor Brian Gabbard (Seven Pines Pentecostal Church), Lynetta Hunter (Owner of "In Jesus Name" Christian Book Store in Berea), Jake Moss (director of Jackson County Ministries), Tammy Spurlock (Jackson County Sun office manager), and Neal Broadus (Jackson County Schools district substance abuse counselor). Judge-Executive William O. Smith will also serve on the board in a non-voting capacity.
Operation UNITE coalition volunteers and students from across the Fifth Congressional District were honored Friday, November 9, 2007, for outstanding efforts during the past year. More than 800 people attended the program, held at the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.
Jackson County Middle and High Schools began a program designed to educate students and the community about the dangers of drugs during the 2006-07 school year. Called STAND (Student Thespians Against Narcotic Drugs) Drama Team, the program is supported by the Perfect Vision Coalition, Operation UNITE, JCHS Drama Club and JCHS UNITE Club.
