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.