Ganging Up Against Drugs and Crime. In October 1996, there were 22 gang-related shootings in Southwest Detroit.Then rumors spread of gang riots planned to slash and burn sections of the city on Detroit's annual "Devil's Night" (this occurs each Halloween Eve, and was officially renamed "Angel's Night" by Mayor Archer). In response, a local community leader approached the city's top three gang leaders-all heavily involved in drug dealing-to negotiate an agreement.Their response: "help us get jobs, child care for our kids, and go back to school." With help from city officials, prospective employers, the Detroit Police Department and a local priest, the request was successfully fulfilled.The Gang Retirement and Continued Employment and Education (GRACE) program was created to teach gang members the importance of education and self-respect. GRACE successfully has placed ex-gang members into manufacturing jobs through negotiations with local employers. Following the agreement, Detroit's neighborhoods witnessed the lowest arson rate in ten years on Devil's Night 1996. In addition, no gang-related shootings occurred for the following two months. GRACE helped many gang members involved with drugs to recover their health and families. During a recent visit to Detroit,Vice President Al Gore cited the program as a success story; in 1997, GRACE received the Governor's Service Award for successful community work in Michigan. For more information, call (313) 554-2400.
Flushing Drugs Down the Drain. In 1990, the Downriver Area Narcotics Organization (DRANO) developed the DRANO Enhancement Team (DET) to assist with cross-jurisdictional efforts to eliminate drug abuse. Supported by funds from the federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act and DRANO forfeitures, undercover officers attack drug sales at the street level and investigate established drug dealers both within the city and elsewhere. Although DRANO is headquartered approximately 30 miles outside Detroit in Livonia, the organization is active in Detroit. Combining officers from different jurisdictions increases the effectiveness of DRANO's anti-drug efforts by reducing drug use and sales throughout Detroit and in Michigan's downriver area.The DRANO Enhancement Team recorded over 800 arrests for drug-related crimes in 1997. In 1995, DRANO collaborated with the FBI, the Michigan State Police and several municipal police agencies to form a narcotics interdiction team.The team seizes narcotics trans-ported in and out of Michigan via major roadways, hotels, air, rail and bus terminals.The narcotics team relies on DET officers to help identify targets and succeed in their interdiction efforts.To learn more, call (734) 479-1710.
Working the Street. In 1987, Alternatives for Girls (AFG) was established to help homeless, high-risk girls and young women in Southwest Detroit.The Street Outreach Program (SOP), one of four AFG programs, began in 1989 as a resource for drug-addicted prostitutes. Unlike more traditional referral programs, SOP staff approach and foster relationships with prostitutes on the streets of Detroit to inform them of SOP's services. SOP staff have made over 3,500 street contacts with prostitutes, tracking clients using a computerized identification system. Staff refer women to drug treatment programs, shelter, medical care, and mental healthcare services.They operate a needle exchange program through the Community Health Awareness Group as well as weekly sup-port groups for recovering addicts and prostitutes. SOP also led to the establishment of the Young Women's Lead Project for girls at high risk of homelessness and drug addiction. SOP's funders include the Skillman Foundation, the McGregor Foundation, the Detroit Bureau of Substance Abuse and the Michigan AIDS Fund.To learn more, call (313) 496-0938.
Touching the Heart. Women addicted to drugs often face challenges beyond substance abuse; many have no jobs, childcare or housing. Heartline, Inc. helps these women prepare for independent living. Heartline was established in the late 1960s when a group of Catholic women regularly visited Detroit women incarcerated in state prisons. Upon release, many parolees had few resources and lacked housing; they often had new legal troubles after reentering society.Their crimes were often related to sub-stance abuse. In response, Heartline opened five Christian homes for women transitioning back into mainstream society. Heartline also houses women serving federal prison time for felonies, on probation or those who are homeless. Eventually, the units were merged into one home, a renovated convent in central Detroit donated by a local church. An accredited substance abuse treatment program, Heartline provides aftercare for women who have already completed residential treatment. In addition to 12-step programs and individual counseling, Heartline offers clients a place to live, job search assistance, and GED preparation. Many Heartline women have moved back to the local community where they are employed and often regain custody of their children in foster care. Heartline can house up to 35 women at a time and is funded through the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Heartline serves approximately 100 women per year. For more details, call (313) 923-4200.
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