Harvey County drug program loses grant

(NEWTON, Kan) —      The group teaches kids about saying no to drugs and alcohol. But it recently lost the majority of its funding, when it didn't get a grant it depended on.
     The students involved say they're determined to keep getting their message out.

"It will affect us, but we can still keep going." said Taylor Clark, a junior at Newton High School.

She is a member of LEGIT.

"It's like legit, like too legit to drink," explains Jeremiah Locke, another member.

The group promotes a drug and alcohol free message. One way is through events like "overtime", a place for high school kids to go after football games.

"We have games, tournaments and things to do, so it keeps their minds off drinking," Jeremiah said.

LEGIT is supported by the Harvey County Drug Free Youth Coalition. This year, it didn't get a 125-thousand dollar grant  it had depended on for the last eight years.

"Competition was tough this year," said Lynette Redington, the Coalition Coordinator. "We realize that. There were 87 grants and 450 groups that were applying."

The federal grant made up 75 percent of its budget. Already it has had to make cuts.

"We may cut hours," Redington said. "We are losing a position, and we will rely more on volunteers to step up."

The group says it is already seeing results and doesn't want to stop it's momentum.

"It makes me feel good about myself," said Montana Rasmussen, a LEGIT member. "I am contributing to the community."

She says she is determined to stay with it, with or without funding.

The group can apply for the grant again next year. They're hoping for private donations to help keep them afloat as well.