Akron UMADAOP
665 West Market Street
Akron, OH 44303
About Akron UMADAOP
The Akron Urban Minority Alcoholism Drug Abuse Outreach Program of Ohio was founded in 1980 by state legislation. The program centers on African Americans and Hispanic Americans seeking support using a holistic approach. They’re a youth prevention program that promotes a lifestyle free of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. The program assists in developing your sense of responsibility for the community while you connect with peers and expand your personal growth and development.
They utilize several avenues for prevention and education, including public speaking, cultural competency, business skills, and political awareness. They believe that addiction is a primary, chronic, and potentially fatal illness that can't be cured but it can be arrested. Since it’s a condition of the whole person, including psychological, physiological, and sociocultural components, the prevention and treatment should utilize a holistic approach.
Youth led sessions occur on Mondays and Wednesdays. They offer gender-specific groups to address the unique challenges that young men and women face. The Distinguished Gents program promotes a positive attitude, respect, integrity, and honesty with the goal of decreasing disciplinary issues in the home and at school. The group gives young men the tools they need to prevent drug use and abuse and the confidence to become productive leaders.
The Young Ladies of Distinction program helps promote an increase in self-awareness and self acceptance, promoting a healthy body image while remaining free of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Young women learn effective communication skills to support healthier relationships with their friends and family. Both groups are open to individuals aged 7 to 17.
Ultimately, they promote the opportunity for students to reach self-sufficiency in a drug free living experience, contributing to a brighter future, stronger communities, and better schools.