Often, when a community group forms, there is an initial flurry of interest, and then participation wanes.

That has not happened with the anti-drug coalition known as ERASE.

The Rev. Geraldine Williams, president of Endorse Resistance of All Substance Abuse Everywhere, said meetings consistently attract about 30 people, and the target group ERASE is hoping reach, residents of the northwest section of Farrell, have become more involved by attending meetings, offering to volunteer and joining in the neighborhood association.

"We are as strong today as when we first started," said Rev. Williams, pastor of Ruth African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Sharon. "It has not died. It has not receded. We are not a flash in the pan."

ERASE started in October 1999 to build community pride and offer young people something to do beyond hanging out on street corners.

It sponsors community cleanups, sometimes bringing in outside help, offers flowers for people to plant, maintains a tool lending library for people who can't afford lawn mowers or yard tools to keep up their properties, and holds block parties.

ERASE helped form the Beginning Neighborhood Association, which has set its own agenda for community improvement with ERASE support.

Sure, there was some hesitancy by residents initially, some wary of the myriad of programs that have been designed to change their neighborhood, but petered out.

Rev. Williams said ERASE works systematically toward its goals.

"We're not trying to conquer the world in one day," she said. "As people see the work being done, they'll become more interested."

ERASE members include Shenango Valley communities, service agencies, police and fire departments, schools, Pennsylvania State University, state agencies and businesses.

While it seeks to include all the entities that could improve the target area, ERASE isn't afraid to put elected officials on the hot seat, and was instrumental in bringing Farrell and Sharon together to apply for a state Weed and Seed grant, which, if awarded, would boost law enforcement efforts and community building activities.

Started with a $10,000 grant from Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission, ERASE has sought other funding. It's hasn't always succeeded.

ERASE, teaming with other agencies, applied to two foundations for $75,000 to fight substance and child abuse. The applications were denied.

However, ERASE received a federal Drug-Free Communities grant that enabled it to hire coalition coordinator Yolanda Cooper. One of Ms. Cooper's most noticeable accomplishments was expanding programs for young people.

ERASE now has a drill team, a choir and a youth coalition where young people's ideas are brought to fruition, and recently completed a summer camp.

ERASE sent three teens to a July 10-13 leadership camp at Fort Indiantown Gap, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard training center.

About 20 Mercer County teens attended the camp, which was organized by Behavioral Health.

The camp sought to show the teens that they can work together with people they have never met before and to teach them skills to make a message out of their anti-drug beliefs.

"We learned to get along with one another," said Passionette Bunn, 14, of Farrell. "That was the biggest challenge."

There was somewhat of a military boot camp atmosphere with the 6:45 a.m. wake-up calls and push ups as punishment amid the surroundings of military equipment.

But there also was plenty of time for fun, including a day spent at Hershey Park.

"I learned how to control my mouth when you talk to an adult," said Nicole Kennedy, 14, of Farrell. "Sometimes you have to shut up because they know better."

But even with peers, it's best to control your temper, Passionette said. "I learned to deal with other attitudes," she said.

The camp also preached the value of hard work.

"I learned to get what you want you have to work hard," Passionette said.

One of the ERASE groups that has worked hard is the drill team, which spreads the anti-drug message and teaches self-discipline through stomping, an ages-old exercise of rhythmic shouting, foot stomping and hand clapping.

"It's fun and it's a positive thing to do," said team captain Danielle Howard, 13, of Farrell. "It's about what you can do that's better than doing drugs."

The team marched at Juneteenth and in the Farrell Centennial Celebration, and is readying for the Southwest Gardens Economic Development Corp.'s Community Reunion Days in the Park and Buhl Day.

The drill team and the choir will participate in Tuesday's march against crime and substance abuse through Farrell as part of the National Night Out. The march starts at 7 p.m. at the ERASE office, 901 Union St., and will cover Fruit Avenue, George Street and Wallis Avenue before ending up at Spearman Avenue and Idaho Street, where Greater Mt. Zion Church of God in Christ will be holding the "Healing Many Nations" tent revival.

The 30-minute march is sponsored by ERASE, clergy, community leaders and law enforcement officials, all of whom are expected to be represented.

The ERASE summer camp, called the Youth Summer Program, attracted around 25 children a day.

While ERASE has a full slate of activities and volunteers ready to help, the one thing the resident participants can't provide is money.

ERASE has scheduled its first fund-raiser to support its programs and services.

The fund-raiser, a silent auction with entertainment, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Radisson Hotel, Shenango Township.

"It's going to be quite laid back," said Rev. Williams, with casual dress, food and music by ERASE's Youth Community Choir.

The theme will be "Tropical Nights." Items to be auctioned will include golf packages, trips, and tickets to concerts and sporting events.

Information: (724) 981-3856.