This innovative prevention program focuses on identifying and harnessing the positive attributes, skills, talents and contributions of individuals, associations, and institutions of the Greater Bridgeport Region.

assets is a partnership between the Regional Youth/Adult Substance Abuse Project (RYASAP) and Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition (BCAC). assets is funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP).

Prior models for the prevention of substance abuse, crime and violence have tended to focus on the nagatives, or deficits, of a community - drugs ad alcohol abuse, poverty, school dropouts, gang activity, family violence, and adolescent pregnancy. The assets Project seeks out and develops the positive qualities, capacities and skills within the community.

Neighborhoods and communities are being mapped to identify, link and mobilize individuals, associations and institutions for positive community change.

One of the best examples of asset mapping is the work being done by the Shiloh Baptist Community Development Corporation. Through the assets project, Shiloh CDC has mapped and harnessed the skills and talents of over 350 individuals and institutions in the South End of Bridgeport. Together with these "assets," they are helping to strengthen this neighborhood and develop new services for area residents.

Capacity building and reinforcing of the skills and knowledge of youth and adults is the primary focus of assets' comprehensive and diverse training program.

Trainings include:

• Asset Mapping
• Cultural Diversity Training
• Community Resource Bank Training

Block By Block is a program that provides seed money to promote, encourage, and support community-based projects designed and implemented by area residents to enhance the quality of life for young people and their families.

To date, approximately $80,000.00 of Block By Block awards have been given to projects in the Greater Bridgeport region.