Nonprofit receives funding from FirstEnergy

The Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Ocean, Inc. (ADACO) recently received $5,000 from the FirstEnergy Foundation to provide additional community prevention programs on alcohol and medication related issues for senior citizens in Ocean County.

Many Ocean County seniors have relocated from areas where they have left behind family support systems, friends, and the familiarity of their old neighborhoods. For some, this leads to feelings of isolation, disengagement, loss, and late on-set alcoholism.

ADACO currently provides programs to the senior population through its WISE (Wellness Initiative with Senior Educators) program, which brings trained, volunteer senior peer educators into retirement communities and other gatherings to inform residents of the dangers related to medication and alcohol misuse, and also through its Project SMART program, which provides trained senior mentors to seniors who are experiencing problems with either alcohol, medication misuse, or both.

ADACO is a private, non-profit organization whose primary mission is to reduce the incidence and prevalence of alcoholism, other drug addiction and related problems. The council also provides assessment and referral services, advocacy, and serves as a resource center for the county. It is funded through private donations, government grants, and proceeds from fund-raising efforts. For more information on its programs and services, contact ADACO at (732) 367-5515.