What is EMBC Foundation
EMBC believes that the earlier drug and alcohol abuse is prevented, the better chance we have as a community to flourish. It was only 30 years ago, where society began to shift their views about addiction and began to accept that there was something seriously devastating behind the use of alcohol and drugs. In fact, in 1987, campaigns launched by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America began to accept that the brain was being affected and compared it to an egg that was frying on a pan. From that point on, more and more studies have revealed that recovery from alcohol and drug abuse is one of the most challenging journeys in an individual who whishes their health to be restored.
Once addiction sets in, the journey back to health has been impossible for many individuals. Lives, families, and communities are destroyed by the effects of addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that drug and alcohol use costs society more than half a trillion dollars on health and crime-related losses and productivity. These numbers are estimated to be approximately $181 billion for illicit drugs, $168 billion for tobacco, and $185 billion for alcohol. As a result, prevention has been viewed as one of the most powerful tools to save our communities and the future of our children. The U.S. department of health and human services reported that in 2007 alone, close to one million adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 used inhalants, this does not account for the other millions that used marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes, and other illicit drugs. Therefore, if these groups can be targeted at an early age then we can prevent the deterioration of our communities.
With this in mind, EMBC was born in the hearts of long time salsa singer and Minister, Dr. Roberto "Bobby" Cruz and CEO and founders of House of Freedom Inc. Esteban and Olga Morales. After more than 30 years of dedicating their lives to the rehabilitation of individuals that were suffering from many types of addiction, House of Freedom and Mr. Cruz understood that they needed it to do much more. Being successful at providing one of the most effective and research-based treatments for the recovery from addiction was not enough. Therefore, after former CEO of House of Freedom passed away on February 23, 2005, some years of brainstorming took place, and finally on December 14, 2009 EMBC foundation became a reality.
Today, EMBC foundation's primary goal is to educate and promote the prevention of drug and alcohol use in our communities. Through several projects such as family psychoeducational groups, school campaigns, community events, recreational activities for disadvantaged children, one-on-one coaching and tutoring, EMBC hopes to target children and youth at risk of abusing drugs. EMBC's strategies are geared to diminish the use of alcohol and drugs in our community through:
Community campaigns about drug trends, drug education, and at risk children. Seminars that improve family child-rearing practices Groups that teach families and children life skills such as decision making skills, social skills, communication skills, and drug-resisting skills. Coping skills training in order to help families and children manage stress, early signs of aggressive conduct, and gain self-control Parenting skills training.
Family management practice: healthy parent-child interactions, setting limits, create expectations, and encourage good discipline. Increase academic achievement by building bonds between the educational system and the family system.
For more information about EMBC Foundation visit EMBC.com
