The Bulloch Alcohol and Drug Council, founded in 1974 by Dr. John Mooney of Willingway Hospital, has been a cornerstone of education and prevention in Bulloch County. Dedicated to addressing drug and alcohol abuse, the council connects individuals to resources while fostering a supportive, informed community.
Central to its legacy is Joyce Stubbs, whose tireless dedication has transformed the organization.
Joyce, a Navy wife for 27 years, became involved with the council after returning to Statesboro. Initially taking on a part-time administrative assistant role, she soon found herself deeply immersed in the mission.
“I had no idea what it entailed,” Joyce recalls. “It started as four hours a day and grew to 60-80 hours a week. I take my work very seriously.”
Under her leadership, the council has grown exponentially. Starting with limited resources, Joyce led efforts to secure critical federal, state, and local grants, including those addressing opioid prevention and criminal justice. Additionally, the council benefits from funding through alcohol sales tax from both Bulloch County and the City of Statesboro.
A Community-Centered Mission
The council’s work primarily focuses on prevention, offering classes and resources that empower individuals to make informed decisions.
“I enjoy seeing and helping people,” Joyce says. “A lot of them are first-time offenders who don’t know what they’re doing or what to look for. We help them understand the system.”
Education is at the heart of the council’s efforts. They host classes twice a year for high school and middle school students, as well as monthly TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) classes for local alcohol license holders at no cost. These three-hour sessions help ensure responsible alcohol service across Bulloch County.
Joyce finds great joy in watching individuals learn from their mistakes and make wiser decisions. “It’s fulfilling to see people grow and improve,” she says.
Evolving with the Times
Since the 1980s, when Joyce helped write the council’s first grant, its reach has expanded significantly. They now manage grants serving communities in Bulloch, McIntosh, Bryan, and Evans counties.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be a visionary and see where things are headed,” Joyce shares.
The council also maintains a strong tradition of community engagement, hosting Red Ribbon events, Sober Saturday, and monthly public meetings. These meetings, held on the first Thursday of every month (except July) at 8:30 a.m., are hybrid, with Zoom links available upon request.
A Lifelong Dedication
Joyce’s path to the council is a testament to life’s unexpected turns. A graduate of Georgia Southern University with a degree in early childhood education, she only taught briefly before finding her true calling.
“You never know where life is going to take you,” she says.
The Bulloch Alcohol and Drug Council continues to thrive under this visionary leadership, bridging gaps in drug prevention and treatment. With a commitment to education, community connection, and resource accessibility, the council remains a vital resource for the region.
For more information or to join a meeting, individuals can contact the council for details.