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Money problems force SODA cuts Anti-drug agency gets $60,000 less than it thought By Jonel Aleccia Southern Oregon Drug Awareness has eliminated one position and trimmed drug use prevention services for area children in the wake of funding cuts. The agency, which provides anti-drug and alcohol education in area schools and communities, will receive about $60,000 less than anticipated next fiscal year, said director Stephanie Soares Pump. This year�s budget is about $329,000. The cuts have come in part from Asante Community Grants, which did not renew a $25,000 gift, and the Providence Medford Medical Center Foundation, which reduced the amount of a grant to $10,000 from $15,000. The agency also received less money from federal and county sources and from the United Way of Jackson County, Pump said. "We�ve had to reduce our commitments to our contractors on projects,�� said Pump, noting that has meant declines in funding for several agencies including Project Dove violence prevention and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Jackson County. Pump also trimmed one administrative assistant position from her four-member staff. "Despite the fact that theoretically we have a healthy economy, it�s not true in social services and prevention has never had a stable funding base,�� Pump said. Grantors face funding pressures as well, noted Leslie Deschweinitz, communications director for Asante Health Systems. The $25,000 Asante Community Grant was first awarded in 1998 for a project to help make local teens more resilient in the face of family and cultural ills. "It was meant to be seed money and as with all seed money, we have many more projects than we can possibly fund,�� Deschweinitz said. Asante continues to provide a $50,000 annual operational grant and free rent for SODA at the Central Point complex that houses the Genesis Recovery Center. The cut does not represent dissatisfaction with SODA or its services, she noted. "SODA is a vital and necessary partner in youth prevention services,�� she said. "We remain committed.�� Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA