Increases in drug use and strict sentencing for drug crimes has led to a swelling of the prison population in the U.S. In 1998, the prison population grew by 55,796 to a record 1,182,169 inmates in the state and federal system. In the decade between 1985 and 1995, the number of prisoners with drug offenses as the most serious crime increased from 38,900 to 224,900- an upsurge of 478 percent. There is increasing support for the notion that while incarceration is appropriate for drug traffickers, violent criminals and repeat offenders, non-violent drug users (and our communities) are better served by rehabilitation programs that get them off drugs so they can start productive lives.

The Gospel According to James Allen is a documentary about the Addicts Rehabilitation Center in Harlem. Opened in the 1950¹s by James Allen, it is one of the oldest in the state of New York. Located in Harlem, at the intersection of a heavy drug thoroughfare, the in-house program focuses on enabling drug addicts to regain productive lives and reintegrate into the community.

Beginning in the summer of 2000 and lasting approximately one year, The Gospel According to James Allen is a two-tiered outreach program designed to expose audiences to the dangers of drug addiction.

Educating youths about the dangers of drugs is essential to prevent losing another generation to drug abuse. The program will focus on prevention and target young adults in public schools, colleges and universities with the development of a curriculum guide and events organized around the film. It will also target at-risk individuals. Pending grants, the following are some of the planned programs.

- A preventive curriculum program for public high schools and colleges that uses the film to generate a dialogue about the realities of drug abuse and the challenges of rehabilitation. The curriculum will guide students through myths of drug use, the risks of addiction, the impact of addiction on family and community, drug use and the criminal justice system and available resources for prevention.

- Screenings and discussions at drug rehabilitation centers and other agencies working on drug rehabilitation

The Gospel According to James Allen educational outreach will begin in winter of 2000 and continue for approximately one year. The program will focus on states with high rates of drug addiction, including New York and California.

Speakers and experts who may participate in educational forums:

- James Allen, founder and spiritual leader of the Addicts Rehabilitation Center (ARC)

- Members of the ARC staff

- Graduates of the ARC program

- Administrators and graduates of other drug rehabilitation programs

- City, state and federal experts on drug addiction

- Experts on the impact of drug addiction on family and society

One of the most innovative aspects of ARC is their world renowned A Capela Gospel Choir. For information on how to book the group or purchase a CD, please contact:

If you are interested in these programs or can help us develop and/or fund these activities, please contact us: HERE