On August 16, 2002, the Martial Artist Against Drugs (MAAD) Foundation was formed in Las Vegas, NV. The Foundation received its 501(C)(3) status and currently, has a national board with Joaquim Almeria and Osvaldo Andretta serving as Chairmen, an Advisory Board, Executive Director, Director of Operations, Director of Development, Community and School Relations Director, Business Manager and over nine Black Belt instructors. Funding permitting, the Foundation will be expanding on a continual basis.
There has been an on-going
evaluation since 2002. Through constant reevaluation of program goals and
impact, program directors have come to appreciate that MAAD has the
potential to impact the children in various ways. Not only will the program help
children resist using drugs, but the program is also contributing to the
development of conflict resolution skills and a reduction in youth violence.
*Resiliency is invulnerability to stressful situations and problems Protective factors include:
1) attachment to a caring adult