PIP investigating tax-free status

Partners in Prevention, a community-wide committee overseeing a federal Drug Free Community Grant, is looking into becoming a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization.
Meeting in regular session Tuesday morning, July 8, at the Newton County Library, committee members received a report by program director Bailey Taylor. She said the program currently has $11,363 in indirect funds from the first year of grant funding that must be drawn down and housed in a secure account. The problem is, the new group doesn't have tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service and its unsecured funds would be subject to taxes if placed in an undesignated bank account. The Jasper School District is the organization's fiduciary, but once funds are released they cannot be returned.
Bailey proposed the formation of a committee to explore making application for the 501(c)(3) designation. Taylor noted that Community Matters, a coalition of non-profit and faith based organizations providing services to the people of Newton County, recently secured the IRS designation, and might advise PIP how to successfully navigate the process. Some PIP committee members are also members of Community Matters and agreed to help get an application and start the process.
Last August, PIP was approved the DFC grant of $125,000 a year for five years. Taylor said after accounting for projected upcoming expenses it is estimated there will be an uncommitted balance of approximately $9,801.72 remaining between now and the grant end date of Sept. 30, 2025. "We did not anticipate having this much remaining in the budget. Originally, I invited coalition members to attend CADCA Mid-Year conference in Nashville next week, but due to scheduling conflicts, no one was available to attend."
The board did approve two coalition representatives to attend the National Prevention Network Conference in Washington, D.C., Aug. 11-13. Additional monies will be appropriated for promotion/education/marketing materials and tokens for events scheduled later this year and the start of next year.
Taylor reviewed PIP activities conducted since last month's meeting.
Jasper High School Principal Todd Parker and Taylor completed facilitator training for the INDEPTH Program (Intervention for Nicotine Dependence, Education, Prevention, Tobacco and Health). The program is an alternative-to-suspension disciplinary option that will be introduced at the beginning of the school year.

Students participated in a prevention commercial that is being aired on television and streaming platforms. It was produced at the KY3 TV studio in Springfield, Missouri.
Bailey Taylor and Lisa Taylor attended the Arkansas Prevention Summit June 24-25 where they explored effective school and community-based prevention strategies. Highlights included a session on youth mental health in Arkansas. Findings emphasized there is a rise in self-harm, depression, anxiety and feelings of alienation and hopelessness. There exists a distrust in adults. Youths expressed their feeling that adults have let them down, there are no safe spaces in their communities and they need better parenting so future generations don't struggle.
The two local youth coalitions have been functioning during summer vacation. A school restroom mural project at Jasper School is in the process of completion.
Taylor also made a presentation to members of the Mt. Judea Area Alliance. Data was presented on local youth substance misuse trends and shared community survey findings. PIP received an invitation to participate in the group's Heritage Days festival held in October. PIP may present a Hidden in Plain Sight event, hold a corn hole tournament hold an education session or a sunflower-themed health analogy for youth engagement.
Taylor said she and Lisa assisted with food preparation and transport for the Kiwanis 4th of July event held at Deer, and there was a PIP presence in the Sparks in the Park Event July 5 at Bradley Park in Jasper.
Up next is the Next Generation Conference at Benton. Bailey and Lisa Taylor and three Jasper youth will be attending this leadership and prevention-focused conference this week.