The Nuevo Amanecer (New Dawn) program is Mattie Rhodes Center’s bilingual and bicultural substance abuse program. The primary, but not exclusive population is Spanish-speaking, Latino individuals who will benefit from a substance abuse program sensitive to their culture and language. Through our substance abuse prevention/treatment program, 80 individuals will be served with over 650 units of service. The youth and adults targeted by this program have been exposed to high rates of poverty, trauma, violence and crime. Many are already involved in/or at high-risk for involvement with the justice system (Truancy Court, Department of Corrections). Additionally, due to factors stemming from poverty, immigration status, community violence, trauma and others, many of those served by this program have co-occurring disorders and treatment needs.

Nuevo Amanecer uses the evidence-based Outcomes Rating Scale (ORS), the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and
pre/post knowledge surveys. Program outcomes include:

Outcome 1 - 75% of participants served will report a decrease in illicit substance and alcohol use and abuse.

Outcome 2 - 75% of participants served will report an improvement individually, interpersonally, socially, and overall.

Outcome 3 - 50% of group participants will report an increase in knowledge of the effects of substance use and addiction.

Outcome 4 - 75% of group participants will develop their own recovery plan.

The Nuevo Amanacer program works to prevent drug-related crime, usage, and abuse through a specialized bilingual and bicultural substance abuse program. The holistic continuum of care integrates violence prevention into its treatment methodology. This aligns with COMBAT’s goal to assure effective treatment and rehabilitation for adult and juvenile substance abusers.

COMBAT Funding: $70,620.00