As the Scholarship Coordinator for The Family Restored, I have the privilege of talking with individuals who are facing financial barriers while seeking a safe place to focus on their recovery. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help, and month after month, we receive far more scholarship applications than we have funding available to cover. And I've seen firsthand how having that opportunity can help change the trajectory of someone's life.

I'm grateful we reached the fundraising goal for our 13th Annual Memorial Walk, but please know it's not too late to contribute! Every donation helps The Family Restored continue providing free programming and support for families affected by addiction, including scholarships that reduce financial barriers to treatment and recovery housing.

This year I'm walking in honor of friends I've lost whose names aren't on the memorial banner, whose passings were kept quiet and private. Grief after a substance-related death can be complicated by stigma and shame, and many families choose to grieve privately. But I carry these friends with me through the work I do every day, and they remain part of why it means so much to me.

Thank you for helping honor the people we've lost and supporting TFR's mission.