The "Bottled Pain" project, a drug abuse prevention program in 24 Lutheran congregations in southern Minnesota, is based on a social ecology paradigm designed to prevent drug abuse through the development of socially supportive relationshps and through using the environment as a natural strength within the community. According to the social ecology design, the individual and his/her well being are the central focus. The thrust of the program is to encourage individual empowerment through mutual social support (including spending time together, problem solving, physical aid, and emotional support) and interdependency (in behaviors, feelings, values, and resources). Empowerment brings a feeling of surprise in that the individual is helped while helping others. Finally, empowerment renews the individual's spirit and hope through the sharing of mutual resources and settings. Though evaluation of the prevention program also focuses on outcome and impact, process evaluation is of central importance. (BL)