LOWELL — On Wednesday Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) announced a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Fitchburg’s LUK Crisis Center, Inc in the amount of $300,000.
“I am thrilled LUK will receive this critical funding to advance the important work they do on behalf of our community. With so many families torn apart by substance abuse and addiction, it is clear that local organizations need additional resources in the fight to end addiction. LUK has a tremendous track record of success and should be rewarded for their commitment to serving on the frontline of this public health crisis. Their work provides hope to many families in North Central Massachusetts and I am honored we can help advance their important mission,” said Trahan.
Beth Barto, LUK’s CEO said: “LUK, Inc. is beyond thrilled to help the North Central communities’ efforts to prevent the onset of substance abuse. With our partners from the Community Health Network Area of North Central Massachusetts, we plan to utilize evidence-based curricula for parents, youth, and schools; social marketing campaigns for youth and parents; and support grassroots prevention efforts by local youth groups, including policy and practice changes.”
“This program will provide opportunities for parents to learn how to have difficult conversations with their children around the risks of substance abuse. We know that conversations with youth from caring adults make a difference as does developing programs where youth can become emerging leaders. This program will focus on both of these important strategies,” said Barto.
LUK estimates reaching 10,000 youth and parents each year, for a total of 50,000 reached throughout the five-year project.
LUK is a nonprofit social service agency located in central Massachusetts dedicated to improving the lives of youth and their families. It offer a full spectrum of programs addressing mental and behavioral health, trauma, addiction and substance abuse prevention, and homelessness.