Dubois County Substance Abuse Council becomes Dubois County Advocacy for Recovery & Prevention Council (ARC)

The Dubois County Substance Abuse Council announced its rebranding to the Dubois County Advocacy for Recovery & Prevention Council, or Dubois County ARC.
The nonprofit said in a press release that this change reflects its commitment to using less stigmatizing language while maintaining the core mission of supporting recovery and prevention efforts within the community.
“Our goal is to address substance misuse and all of the problems that it causes,” said board chair Jenna Bieker Jones. “A lot of people don’t recognize that they’re either directly or indirectly affected by substance use.”
She explained that the impact of substance use is multifaceted, affecting everything from the employment pool for local businesses and industry to families dealing with issues and the stress of a loved one’s addiction.
The decision to rebrand comes as part of our ongoing efforts to better represent the organization’s values and the community it serves.
April Jones, Coordinator of Dubois County ARC, said she encountered community members who misunderstood the council’s mission. “They just thought we were like an AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) Group,” she explained.
The group acts as a grantmaking body and is funded by court fees associated with substance use-related offenses.
“Our job is to take applications from organizations and entities in the community that are addressing substance misuse and fund them through grants,” Bieker explained.
The new name, Dubois County ARC, better reflects a holistic approach to addressing substance misuse. By focusing on advocacy, recovery, and prevention, the group aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals and families affected by substance misuse through grantmaking.
Alongside the new name, Dubois County ARC unveiled a fresh logo that symbolizes hope, renewal, and community solidarity. This logo will be featured across all the group’s communications and materials, representing its unwavering dedication to the well-being of Dubois County residents.
Despite the name change, the goal remains the same. Dubois County ARC will continue to provide essential grants to local organizations that support the recovery and prevention aspects of substance misuse.
Our grants empower these entities to deliver critical services, from treatment programs to educational initiatives, ensuring comprehensive support for those in need.
“Our new name and logo reflect our commitment to destigmatizing substance misuse and emphasizing recovery and prevention,” said Jones. “We believe this change will help us better connect with the community and underscore the importance of a supportive, compassionate approach to addressing substance misuse.”
The community is invited to attend Dubois County ARC’s monthly meetings on the second Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the Hickory Rooms of the Jasper Public Library.
These meetings are open to the public, and we welcome everyone to attend and participate in our ongoing efforts to create a healthier community.
For more information about Dubois County ARC, our grants, and our initiatives, please email us at dcarc@duboiscountyin.org. Our Facebook page has been updated to reflect our changes and the county website will follow.
