The TRACs (Together Reducing Alcohol and Drugs in our Communities) Coalition is asking local industry and/or private individuals to help fund attendance at a national conference then be reimbursed by the County; the federal funds are already in place.
TRACs’ federal grant will pay for up to eight local community members to attend the annual National Underage Drinking Leadership conference, August 8-10, in Florida. There are at least five people, including teenagers, from our local communities who have agreed to attend the conference and then work with the TRACs Coalition to implement effective intervention strategies in our communities.
However, the federal money is filtered through Rensselaer County, meaning that attendees must pay for all expenses up front then be reimbursed by the County 30-45 days later. The cost per person for registration, flight, hotel and meals, approximately $1,400, is difficult for many people to afford. If they are unable to attend because they can’t afford to pay in advance, TRACs will lose the federal money that has been designated for this conference.
TRACs is asking that local industry or private individuals help by providing the cash advance necessary for several adults and teens to attend the conference then be reimbursed by the County in September, 2011. If you or your company can cover the cost of one person’s attendance then receive reimbursement later, we would really appreciate your help.
Call TRACs at 772-0024 to offer help or receive more information.