Our Mission

The Mission of the Elizabeth Rose Olsen Foundation is to help individuals recovering from Substance Use Disorder. Established in 2017 by Len and Mariann O’Connor after the death of their only child, Elizabeth when she was 26 years old, they know firsthand the struggle and heartbreak of the disease of addiction.

Addiction is a disease. Addiction is not a choice. No one wakes up one morning and decides they want to be an alcoholic or drug addict. No parent wants to raise an addict. No spouse wants to be married to an addict. No child deserves a parent who is an addict. Sadly, it happens all too frequently with devastating results. The Foundation carries out their mission through the donation of bicycles, backpacks, and toiletries. The goal is to help men and women living in recovery feel better about themselves and stay focused on remaining clean and sober for ONE MORE DAY. The outreach is via small treatment facilities and sober houses in Southeast Florida who serve hundreds of individuals at any given time.

WHY WE DO IT

For someone to be successful in life they must live a relatively healthy lifestyle. Part of that means embracing sobriety. For the average person that is routine. However, if you are someone with the predisposition to alcoholism or addiction it is not routine. Neither is it a choice. It is a disease. Not a disease that is widely understood. Not a disease that is curable. Not a disease that is accepted by others as a disease. The mission of helping Individuals recovering from Substance Use Disorder has become a driving force for us since our daughter died of the disease. What most people take for granted an addict needs to fight for every minute of every day. We are committed to helping those who have been through rehab and are in recovery. They have moved from the relative safety of a treatment facility to living independently in the real world where every day can present a new challenge. Living with strangers, not having transportation or decent clothes but needing to find a job. Feeling lonely, scared, and hungry. Needing necessities like socks, underwear, and hygiene products. Wondering how they will make amends with loved ones who have disowned them because of all the mistakes they made when they were in the throes of active addiction. All while fighting the intense desire to get high, just one more time.

We know firsthand how difficult that transition can be. Staying clean and sober needs both the will and the means. This requires emotional and financial sustenance. If someone is fortunate enough to make it this far, they still need help. The items we provide save them money which can be used for rent and food. We learned the hard way over the years that giving cash to Elizabeth was enabling; but to be there physically and emotionally, to try to provide the essentials she needed during recovery, was truly helping. Receiving a gift from someone who does not know you is a form of both emotional and financial support. It is not uncommon for someone to arrive at a sober living house with little or no belongings. The feeling that someone does care about you, that you do matter can be the difference between trying or giving up. The daily hard work is up to the individual. If you know anyone who is struggling with the disease of addiction you understand.