The Anti-Drug & Alcohol Crusaders, Inc. (ADAC) is a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides substance use and youth violence prevention education to youth and families in Philadelphia. Founded in 1987 by Reverend Myrtice Sermons and Margo L. Davidson, ADAC’s goal is to nurture youth and their families physically, emotionally and socially.

ADAC offers a free school-based substance misuse and violence prevention program using evidence-based curricula. Its partnership with six K-12 schools in Philadelphia provides the opportunity to engage with youth using fun activities and prevention lessons to youth. ADAC also collaborates with a local church and youth community programs to provides youth with fun alternative activities outside of school, which has been very successful in preventing them from participating in substance misuse and other high-risk behaviors.

Additionally, ADAC offers a Parent & Family Support Services program that provides resources and referrals for families who are experiencing trauma, mental illness or substance abuse disorder; in need of food, housing, or other basic needs; have youth showing signs of substance misuse, aggression and violence; or have youth involved in the foster care or criminal justice systems. The program also provides parent education using an evidence-based curriculum to help build parenting skills.

ADAC is currently building the West & Southwest Philadelphia United for Positive Changes Coalition. The mission of this coalition is to bring community stakeholders together in order to reduce substance misuse and violence by addressing the root causes before they arise. This coalition is being built using a model called “Communities that Care,” which is designed to give community members the opportunity to evaluate and identify needs while using evidence-based approaches that will yield positive results for the children, youth and families. ADAC is looking for members to join the coalition and bring their expertise and connections to the group.

From the Public Health Campus on Cedar Newsletter, April 2022.

Charmagne King-Pratt is President of the Conquerors Community Development Corporation (CCDC) at Victory Christian Center (VCC). CCDC has served West and Southwest Philadelphia since 2000 and works to revitalize communities through economic development, awareness, and growth.

Charmagne has served in her role at CCDC since 2020. “I've always loved my city, so when I was asked to run the CCDC I accepted it with open arms, as I truly have a heart for the community in which I live,” she said.

In addition to leading CCDC, Charmagne is a member of the PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar’s Community Advisory Board. “Service on the Community Advisory Board is important to me, as it allows me to hear and have input on what's going on in the community.”

Wonder Kou Guannu is a Project Coordinator for the Female Genital Cutting/ Mutilation Project at the African Cultural Alliance of North America in Philadelphia. In this role, she provides educational services on the physical, emotional, sexual, reproductive, and economic consequences of female genital cutting. She also completes domestic and international adoptions on behalf of applicants.

Additionally, Wonder is a Department of Justice (DOJ)-accredited Immigration Representative. In this capacity, she completes immigration and court documentation for applicants and petitioners. She previously worked as an advocate for maternal health education, child welfare, navigation of government benefits, assessments, and referrals.

Wonder earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Science from Penn State University in 2017. She received her master’s degree in Social Work from Marywood University in 2020. Her internships were completed at Bucks County Children & Youth Services and Abington Jefferson Health Hospital’s Behavioral Health Unit.

From the Public Health Campus on Cedar Newsletter, April 2022.

National Autism Acceptance Month is observed annually in April to promote awareness of autism and empower people living with this condition and their families to reach their highest potential. Autism Acceptance Month coincides with the Autism Society’s annual #CelebrateDifferences campaign, which focuses on sharing information and resources to help people become more aware of autism, promote acceptance, and be more inclusive in daily life.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social communication and social interaction. Symptoms are present early in a child’s development. With early diagnosis and the right support, people with autism can learn to manage their symptoms.

Read more about Autism Acceptance Month here.