The Portsmouth Prevention Coalition is so excited to be able to have a full-time coordinator to help us reach our goals.”

Marianne Raymo, Portsmouth Prevention Coalition

PORTSMOUTH — For the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition, the fifth time is apparently the charm.

After four unsuccessful attempts to secure a federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant that’s awarded annually to substance abuse coalitions around the nation, the Coalition recently learned that it finally hit the jackpot. It's one of three Rhode Island communities this year — the others being Warren and Cranston — to receive the coveted $625,000 grant.

“We’re really excited,” said Marianne Raymo, chairwoman of the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition. “It’s a five-year grant — $125,000 annually for five years.”

Ms. Raymo thanked Rebecca Elwell, director of the Newport County Regional Prevention Coalition (NCPC), for volunteering to write and submit the grant this year. In previous years, Ms. Elwell applied for the grant along with Ray Davis, who recently stepped down as the Portsmouth Coalition’s coordinator. Mr. Davis is now assistant director of NCPC.

Although he was not involved in the most recent grant application, Mr. Davis said he was still thrilled to hear about the award. “It also gives them the ability to apply for another five years at the same amount,” Mr. Davis said. “That’s what Tiverton has, that’s what Middletown has. That’s a big deal for Portsmouth.”

As for the four frustrating attempts to win the federal grant, Mr. Davis joked, “Let me tell you, no wonder men don’t give birth, because that’s what it felt like.” 

The Portsmouth Coalition hired a new coordinator, Corey Silvia, as a part-time employee over the summer. The grant, however, means his job will turn into a full-time position. 

“The Portsmouth Prevention Coalition is so excited to be able to have a full-time coordinator to help us reach our goals,” Ms. Raymo said.

“I’m so thankful for the work everyone has done, and I look forward with enthusiasm and excitement toward all the opportunities there are around the Coalition,” said Mr. Silvia, who plans on graduating with a master’s degree in public administration from Suffolk University in December. He has worked as a health studies research assistant, been a member of AmeriCorps, and as a strategic consultant for the Boys and Girls Club of Boston.

Ms. Raymo said the grant focuses on “capacity-building” and reducing youth substance abuse in the community. 

“Our focus will be on reducing alcohol and marijuana use among youths age 12 to 17. Alcohol is the number-one substance used by youth in Portsmouth, followed by marijuana,” she said. “This grant will allow us to strengthen collaboration among various sectors of the community so we can all work together to reduce youth substance use.” 

The Coalition, she said, will work with the schools and the community to bring “evidence-based prevention strategies, programs, and planning techniques to Portsmouth that support our DFC grant goals.”

The group also plans on hiring a part-time youth program coordinator to work more closely with local students. “There is much excitement around the incoming resources to help bring a needed change to the community,” she said.

Thank you, Ray

Ms. Raymo made a special point of thanking Mr. Davis, who left the Portsmouth Coalition in June.

“He really helped to move our Coalition forward and make the community aware of substance abuse issues and brought those issues forward to local decision-makers,” she said. “We appreciate his support and know that he will continue to advocate for the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition as the assistant director of NCPC, and in all his future endeavors. His efforts, and those of the Coalition’s members, has allowed the Coalition to be in a position to be able to implement this grant.”