Baldwin is an unincorporated village on the south shore of Long Island about thirty miles from New York City.  In the summer of 1970, a group of Baldwin residents called a Town Meeting to address the growing substance abuse problem that Baldwin was experiencing. 

Hundreds of individuals and representatives from many organizations attended that meeting, after which a smaller group volunteered to structure a specific program and organization which would address drug problems in the community.  First, a program of recreational activities was organized and funds were solicited from the community to make this recreational program a permanent one. These activities were viewed as a first-step alternative to conditions that lead to substance abuse. What was still needed was a way of actively intervening in the lives of teenagers who had already begun to use drugs.

The Baldwin Council Against Drug Abuse was incorporated in November 1970. At that time BCADA received funds from community donations as well as from other agencies that had received grant money but had no programs themselves. Initially, the staff consisted of an Executive Director, a Psychological Consultant, one part-time counselor and five volunteer counselors. In addition to recreational activities, individual and group counseling were initiated at this time in an after-school program. 

In 1973, BCADA received its first direct grant from New York State through the Nassau County Department of Drug and Alcohol Addiction.Our current funding comes from NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services [OASAS] through the Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services.  We also receive a small grant from the United Way of Long Island.  In addition we rely on donations and proceeds from our various fundraising efforts. 

Over the years, our clientele has expanded to include people ranging in age from 8 to 80 and our services have become increasingly varied, sophisticated and effective. Today, our staff consists of the Executive Director, the Clinical Director, the Medical Director, a clinical psychologist, two social workers, and masters level interns from local colleges and universities.

 

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