Our mission is to honor Liz’s memory by providing support to individuals living in drug and alcohol recovery. On Mother’s Day weekend 2017 we made our first group of donations to 3 sober house locations in Delray Beach (the place Elizabeth loved and called home for so many years) serving close to 125 people. In 12 months that number has grown to 20 houses and close to 425 men and women. We have expanded to West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Stuart and Port St. Lucie. We are always networking to find reputable sober houses that we can add to our outreach.
With this substantial growth we recognized the need for input and support. We are thrilled that MaryBeth Lidington of Hull, MA and Singer Island, FL has joined as a Director. We welcome her experience as a successful business woman and long-time volunteer and board member for numerous non-profits. MaryBeth will be a true asset to us and those we serve.
Our journey has afforded us the opportunity to become involved with local grassroots groups working to both educate about, and fight the disease of, Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Their knowledge and passion has proven very beneficial to our cause. The Southeast Florida Recovery Advocates (SEFRA) and the Treasure Coast Substance Awareness Coalition (TCSAC) are working tirelessly to improve the quality of care, advocacy and availability of services for this group of extremely vulnerable individuals. FINALLY, the outrage has been heard. Laws are being enacted and violators are going to prison! It is alarming how many unscrupulous corporations and people there are preying on this population. CHANGE MUST HAPPEN!
We dedicate each day to our incredible daughter Elizabeth. We continue to miss her infectious smile, warm hugs, soft kisses and caring manner. We grieve for her daily. She still appears to us as a butterfly. That usually brings us comfort, but sometimes we cry. There is an English Proverb we love. “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.”
Our prayer is that this year the opioid crisis will come to an end before devastating more families like ours. May those struggling with this disease find recovery and healing. May those who love them remain hopeful. May those who serve them remain strong.
For all of you who have donated thank you so very much! We are making a difference.
Your generosity has allowed us to help hundreds of men and women who need understanding, love, support and a hand-up! Len and I are deeply touched by your kindness. To honor Elizabeth’s memory, anyone can donate via the web site or send a check. No matter how small your contribution will have an impact. And remember, we match every dollar received so your gift is doubled!
We are so incredibly humbled to have been designated as the “In Lieu of Flowers” Charity for:
Lauren Bellomo; Delray Beach, FL; a friend of Liz’s LIVING IN RECOVERY celebrated another anniversary in March and hopes to start a trend with those celebrating their sobriety to do the same. What an amazing woman!
August 31st is Overdose Awareness Day. This nationwide effort calls attention to the numerous issues surrounding the Opioid Epidemic. There are regional meetings and marches intended to educate us about the disease of Substance Use Disorder. Please get involved. Please consider helping spread awareness. We will once again be sponsoring and participating in memory of Elizabeth.
—Mariann