Service Corps increases math scores

Jul 19, 2016

Through Operation UNITE’s “Too Good for Drugs” program, test scores increased 43 percent for drug prevention knowledge and 30 percent in math for students in third through fifth grades.

The curricula served 1,573 students in 42 schools within 13 school districts this past year through the UNITE Service Corps (AmeriCorps) initiative.

“One of the strongest drug prevention tools we have is education – not only educating children about the dangers substance abuse, but also helping them achieve their full potential in the classroom,” UNITE President/CEO Nancy Hale said. “Our Service Corps members provide tutoring and mentoring that are achieving strong results and have been showcased as a national model for other rural communities.”

Each month, Operation UNITE provides an update on its efforts to combat substance abuse in its 32-county service area. Highlights from the monthly report include:

Investigations:

  • 66 tipline calls were received with 21,583 calls received since inception.

Drug Courts:

  • During June, there are 509 active participants in drug courts. Of those, 372 were employed and 133 were pursuing education.
  • The courts collected more than $10,600 in fines, restitution and court costs, along with more than $3,700 in child support in June. Since inception those totals are $1.34 million and $893,525, respectively.
  • There were 6,418 hours of community service completed in June.

Treatment:

  • Fourteen people entered treatment in June using a UNITE Treatment Voucher.
  • Since inception, 4,036 have entered treatment.

Education/UNITE Coalitions:
UNITE and its coalitions held a total of 115 activities in June. These activities included:

  • More than 484 youth participated in five Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camps led by former University of Kentucky star Jeff Sheppard. Former UK player Jarrod Polson also helped with three of the camps. In addition, 228 parents/guardians participated in drug education training.
  • Summer archery programs were held in Carter, Clay, Lee, Lincoln, McCreary and Menifee counties. Total attendance was more than 275 for the multi-week programs.
  • More than 375 people are attending faith-based recovery groups, which are held weekly in 10 counties.