Taking the wheel is realizing you can to do anything. Our CHARITY BY DESIGN partner, The Herren Project (THP), embodies this message through providing assistance in taking the first steps toward recovery and a life of sobriety, educational programs and resources to increase awareness on the signs of addiction, and bringing hope for a better tomorrow.
In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, Kate Rewwer from Harrison, Ohio shares how she works with THP to provide education around substance abuse.
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“In February 2016, our lives came to a screeching halt after learning that our 17-year-old son had routinely been using alcohol as a means to cope with anxiety and depression. We already knew Will was struggling terribly with anxiety, but we had no idea that drinking alcohol before bed each night was how he was getting to sleep. What followed were two unsuccessful and nightmarish months of therapists, outpatient adolescent substance abuse counseling, and careful monitoring.
In April, we made the painful, but lifesaving decision to withdraw Will from the school he loved and send him to an intensive wilderness therapy program in Utah, which focused on his anxiety, depression and addiction. Will was gone for nearly nine weeks. When he returned, the really hard work began of living one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time.
After seeing a documentary on Chris Herren’s story, I reached out to THP in what I would call a “long shot attempt” at bringing Chris to Will’s school for a presentation. Miraculously, this became a reality. I was gifted a beautiful ALEX AND ANI bracelet fittingly named, “Take the Wheel”, signifying new beginnings, guidance and journey, all of which encompassed our family’s new normal.
Each day is a new beginning for Will and also an opportunity for us to continue providing him with guidance and love along his journey. Wearing this bangle is a beautiful reminder of the ability each new day presents to do so.”
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Help further the mission of The Herren Project with the Take the Wheel Charm Bangle. A symbol of guidance, it inspires new beginning and endless possibilities.