Contributor Profile

Advocates for Drug Awareness

A4DA

Advocates: can create leaders
4: the help needed
Drug: use is a choice
Awareness: WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Advocates for Drug Awareness has been formed by Marilyn and Chris Spendley in memory of thier son Sean Spendley, a 19 year old from Glenwood Maryland, who desperately wanted to free himself from the pain and suffering of addiction. Sean died of a drug overdose on October 22, 2005. Sean was a smart, personable, and loving child who if he was truly aware of the pitfalls of his journey may have chosen a different path. Even more importantly, he would have helped others via his awareness and he would have been proud to do as such.

A4DA's mission is to increase awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Awareness will help someone just like Sean from making dangerous choices, from making life harder than it needs to be, and risking or ending a life before it is fulfilled.

While "we think" our experience gives us some insight into how to effectively address this issue, we are interested in partnering with young adults in this process. A4DA contemplates 4 annual scholarship awards:

** "Sean Spendley High School Award" - $4,000 of College scholarship grants awarded to 2 high school seniors ($2,000 per student) from Glenelg.
** "Sean Spendley University Award" - $6,000 of College scholarship grants awarded ($3,000 per student) to 2 college students or 2 entries (collaboration is encouraged) from selected Colleges/Universities.

Respondents will be required to submit a 4 page essay covering:

1) Describe three points that were made within the content on this site page or the links connected to this site page that connected with you?
2) What were three points that content on this site missed?
3) How can we inform young adults effectively on the facts, risks, and affects on family/friends associated with drug usage before they are faced with these choices?
4) Submit what you think would be an effective program outline and presentation to young adults regarding Drug Awareness.

The timing and deadlines for submission for the first award will be published shortly.

Date	Description	Click to view	Click to hear
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt 1) CLIPS FROM OUR FIRST EVENT Introduction Dr. Joan Ryan speaking On Nov 9 in the Hawk Rock Cafe, St. Joseph's University hosted the first Advocates For Drug Awareness event. Braddigan headlined. Testimonies by Paul Martin, Joe Davis, Chris Spendley and Brad Corrigan. Special Guest Erik Balkey performing "Forever Hold My Son". Sound by Dave Corson of Solid Rock Sound.	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt 2) Five For Rose performed by Braddigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt 3) De El (from him) performed by Braddigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt 4) Sweet Jah (Yaweh) performed by Braddigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt 5) Power Of A Name/Walls performed by Braddigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt 6) Fare Thee Well performed by Braddigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt 7) Pura Vida/Dock Of The Bay performed by Braddigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt 8) Life Doesn't Have A Rewind Button testimony by Paul Martin of Think First	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt 9) Amazing Grace testimony by Joe Davis of Think First	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt10) Lead, Love, and Learn testimony by Chris Spendley of Advocates For Drug Awareness	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt11) Forever Hold My Son Written by Erik Balkey and Chris Spendley performed by Erik Balkey and Brad Corrigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt12) What Do You Value? / Prince Of Spades performed by Brad Corrigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt13) Follow Your Dream / Illeana performed by Brad Corrigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt14) Customs (Who Are You?) performed by Braddigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt15) Past The Falls performed by Braddigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt16) Fallin performed by Braddigan	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt17) On The Mend performed by Braddigan and Jeff Wallace	hi res
11/09/2007	A4DA (pt19) "Magic" Reprise	hi res
11/08/2007	A4DA Cliff Notes 14 minute highlights of the event	hi res
11/04/2007	There Is A Flaw In Each Of Us Msgr. Stephen McHenry Ph.D. preaching	hi res	audio
11/26/2006	Lying To Myself Msgr. Stephen McHenry of St Anthony of Padua (Ambler PA) preaching	hi res
06/07/2006	Faith and Recovery: The Healing Role of Faith-Based Organizations Those who lean on their faith in difficult times may seek help for their addiction from clergy and faith-based organizations, but what help will they find? This show will explore the spectrum of services and interventions offered by faith-based organizations and discuss their unique role in helping individuals walk the Road to Recovery. (Link to SAMSHE presentation)	hi res
03/30/2006	Heroine: The Next Generation What goes around comes around � and Heroin is back! But the face of yesterday�s junkie is not the face of the junkie of today. More young people than ever before are shooting it, snorting it � even smoking it. And they�re getting more bang for their buck when buying their heroin on the streets today. One reason: The purity of this drug is the highest at the street level than it�s ever been � that means users don�t have to use needles to inject the drug into their veins. (Link to SAMHSA Presentation)	hi res
10/21/2005	Robert and Grant Shapiro on "Larry King Live" The Brent Shapiro Foundation was established to honor Brent Shapiro, who's 25-year old life was tragically cut short by alcohol and drug dependence. Alcohol and drug dependence has reached epidemic proportions. This growing problem and this disease affects everyone. BSF's mission is to increase awareness of this insidious disease, to encourage communication that brings this disease out of the shadows, and to provide opportunities for everyone affected to be heard. To learn more about the work the Brent Shapiro Foundation is doing please visit: Brent Shapiro Foundation Website	hi res
10/01/2002	If You Think Most Kids Drink -- Think Again This video featuring the voices of Maine youth was produced as part of the media campaign: "If You Think Most Kids Drink--Think Again." The "Think Again" campaign was a series of 4 television ads featuring Maine youth. The conceptual model represented by the theme "Think Most Kids Drink? Think Again!" is grounded in research that demonstrates the importance of perceived social norms in young people's decisions about alcohol use. For a variety of reasons, including a barrage of media messages that glamorize alcohol use, young people often over perceive these norms. (Link to SAMHSA presentation)	hi res

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