Celebrating 125 Years!

Celebrating 125 Years

WHERE FAMILIES HEAL, GROW, AND THRIVE

GREETINGS, NEIGHBORS! A t Florence Crittenton, we believe in the power of family, healing, and hope. For over a century, we’ve walked alongside young families…offering care, compassion, and the tools to build brighter futures. Almost four years ago, we embarked on our most transformative journey yet—Project Sunshine, the creation of a new, unified campus where all of our family-centered services would come together in one beautiful and peaceful location.

Imagine a place where families can access housing, education, childcare, mental health, substance use, and parenting support—all in one nurturing environment. A place designed to uplift, empower, and inspire. That’s the heart of Project Sunshine.

But we have not done it alone. This dream is becoming a reality because of the support of our incredible community. Your generosity, your belief in our mission and this project, and your commitment to the well-being of families are what is making this possible. Together, we can build more than just a campus—we can build a legacy of love and opportunity for generations to come.

Join us in bringing sunshine to every corner of our community.

With gratitude and hope, Carrie Krepps

125 years of supporting young families

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Florence Crittenton Family Services: Transforming Lives in Helena

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n June 12th 2025, Florence Crittenton Family Services, celebrates 125 years of unwavering commitment to supporting young families from across the state of Montana. Established in 1900, the organization has profoundly impacted countless lives, building healthier families and strengthening the community.

A Legacy Rooted in Compassion The origins of Florence Crittenton trace back to 1883 Evolving to Meet Community Needs when Charles Crittenton, a Over the decades, Florwealthy New York merchant, ence Crittenton in Helena founded the first Florence has adapted its services to Night Mission in memory of address the changing needs his daughter, Florence, who of women, children, and died at the age of four from scarlet fever. His mission was families in society. From its to provide sanctuary to “lost early days as a refuge for young mothers, the organizaand fallen women,” offering tion has expanded to offer a them hope and a path to recomprehensive range of prohabilitation. Inspired by this grams, including therapeutic vision and with the help of $500 from Charles Crittenton residential care, transitional housing programs, home vishimself, the Helena branch iting, parenting classes, and opened its doors in 1896 and early childhood education. officially incorporated in 1900, becoming part of a na- These initiatives aim to emtionwide movement dedicated power young families, ensuring they have the tools and to aiding vulnerable women support necessary to thrive. and children.

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1986

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A Lasting Impact on Generations The influence of Florence Crittenton extends beyond the individuals directly served. By modeling and teaching healthy family dynamics and providing essential resources, the organization contributes to breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma.

Children raised in supportive environments are more likely to become contributing members of society, leading to a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. Over its 125-year history, Florence Crittenton has been instrumental in transforming lives, of over 20,000 families.

Looking to the Future As Florence Crittenton embarks on its next century , the organization remains dedicated to evolving in response to community needs, always with the goal of helping make families stronger, With initiatives like Project Sunshine, aimed at expanding and enhancing facilities, Florence Crittenton is poised to continue its legacy of compassionate service for generations to come.

In celebrating this milestone, Florence Crittenton Family Services reaffirms its commitment to empowering young women, nurturing children, and strengthening families—a testament to 125 years of enduring impact in Helena.

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Florence Crittenton’s Residential Programs: Building Stronger Families, Shaping Brighter Futures

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t the heart of Florence Crittenton’s Residential Programs is the belief that healing and stability within families create lasting change for an entire community.

Through three residential programs—the Youth Maternity Home, Recovery Home, and Transitional Living Program—Florence Crittenton offers safety, healing, support, and hope to young women and their children during some of the most critical moments in their lives.

More Residential, PAGE N6 IFLYBIGSKY

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Residential continued from Page N5

The Youth Maternity Home provides a nurturing and structured environment for pregnant and parenting youth ages 12–21. Here, young mothers receive not only a safe home, but also education, life skills training, mental health support, and parenting guidance. They are surrounded by compassionate staff who help them build the confidence and resilience needed to parent with love and stability.

These young women are not just preparing to raise healthy tial programs. With continued children—they’re rewriting support in a semi-structured, their own stories and building yet empowering environment, a foundation for success. participants learn to manage The Recovery Home offinances, find employment, fers residential treatment for navigate housing, and conwomen recovering from subtinue building strong parentstance use disorders, while aling and life skills. lowing mothers to remain with Together, these programs their young children throughdo more than stabilize lives out their recovery journey.

This family-centered approach in the present—they change the future. When families are is rooted in the understanding that when a mother heals, supported and empowered, her child heals, too. The ripple children grow up in homes filled with love, consistency, effect of breaking the cycle and opportunity. Generational of addiction extends far beyond the walls of the home—it cycles of trauma and instability are replaced with health, resilshapes a future where both parent and child are emotion- ience, and hope. ally secure, physically safe, and And the impact doesn’t stop there. Thriving families deeply connected.

The Transitional Living Pro- strengthen schools, workgram provides the next step for places, and neighborhoods. women who are ready to move They contribute to a healthier, more compassionate commutoward independence post graduation from our residen- nity for all of us!

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Florence Crittenton’s Family Healing Center: Supporting Families Every Step of the Way

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arenting can be both joyful and challenging—especially during the early years. At Florence Crittenton’s Family Healing Center, families with children ages 0–5 can find the support they need to build strong, healthy connections through a variety of communitybased programs. Whether you’re looking for parenting guidance, support with challenging circumstances like parent separation, or simply a little extra help, these services are here for you.

questions, learn new strategies, and get non-judgmental support from someone who cares.

Parenting Classes No parent has all the answers—but together, we can grow. Florence Crittenton’s Home Visiting Services parenting classes offer helpful The Family Healing Center tools for managing big feeloffers free, in-home supings (yours and your child’s), port for families, meeting you setting boundaries, encourwhere you are—literally and aging positive behavior, and emotionally. Trained parent building strong, respectful educators and family support relationships. Classes are inspecialists visit your home (or teractive and engaging, with at our campus, a coffee shop, topics that reflect real-life Experienced staff are present or park!) to provide personparenting struggles and trito ensure visits are safe, realized guidance, encourageumphs. spectful, and focused on the ment, and education based child’s well-being. The goal on your family’s needs and Supervised Visitation goals. Home Visitors work For families working through is to strengthen family bonds and support reunification with you on everything from challenging transitions, suwhenever possible. child development and safety, pervised visitation services to stress management and provide a safe, supportive Group Connections navigating life’s challenges environment where parents while keeping a focus on your can maintain meaningful con- Parenting is easier when children. It’s a chance to ask nections with their children. you don’t have to do it alone.

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Group Connections offer families a chance to build community through fun, free, family-friendly activities, workshops, and gatherings.

These events create opportunities for parents to connect with others, share experiences, and learn from one another while their children play and grow.

Group Connection Events Free for families with children under 6!

June 19th School’s Out: Bubble Party 5:30 - 6:30 PM

July 17th h

October 31st Trick or Treat!

Downtown Walking Mall 5.30 - 6.30 PM

November 20th

Water Games, Sensory ensory Play, & Summer Photos 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Thanksgiving Craft: Turkey Hands 5.30 - 6.30 PM

August 21st

December 18th

Back to School: Books & Bears 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Special Appearance: Meet Santa!

5.30 - 6.30 PM

September 18th Nature Walk & Scavenger Hunt 5:30 - 6:30 PM

To find out more or register for an event contact: Florence Crittenton Community Services Director Jen Burckhard: 406-413-7043 jenb@florencecrittenton.org SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025 | N9

4VNNFS 4FTTJPO Thursdays June 12 - August 7 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Classes run continuously 'BMM 4FTTJPO throughout Thursdays the 11year.

September - October 30 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Connected Parenting is an engaging and insightful course designed to empower parents through the principles of secure attachment and emotional resilience. Grounded in the expertise of leading figures in child development, this class offers practical, hands-on activities and weekly lessons that deepen participants’ understanding of their role in nurturing healthy parent-child relationships. $MBTT 'FF $75/individual $100/couple

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Meet our Teacher

Stacey joined Florence Crittenton in 2023 after over 25 years teaching in both private and public schools in Helena. As well as her dedication to her student’s academic success, Stacey is also passionate about relationship building, trauma healing and life coaching for individuals and families.

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All parenting classes take place at Helena College and are available on a sliding fee scale.

4VNNFS 4FTTJPO Wednesdays June 11 - August 6 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Classes run continuously 'BMM 4FTTJPO throughout Wednesdays the year.

September 10 - October 9 5:00 - 7:30 PM

At times all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened. $MBTT 'FF $75/individual $100/couple

Meet our Teacher

David finished his B.A. in both Psychology and Sociology at Carroll College while continuing his military career part-time in the Air National Guard. He is a father of five, and he is dedicated to the mission of Florence Crittenton in providing a continuum of services to support those in need.

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All parenting classes take place at Helena College and are available on a sliding fee scale.

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Florence Crittenton’s Child Enrichment Center: Where Meaningful Meets Purposeful Play

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lorence Crittenton’s Child Enrichment Center (CEC), offers a warm, nurturing environment where children from birth to five years old can grow, explore, and thrive. As part of Florence Crittenton Family Services, the CEC is rooted in the belief that early childhood is a cru- as they learn and grow with cial period for development, their parents. The mission as well as supporting families is to provide high-quality,

trauma-informed early education that supports not only the child, but also the entire family.

The CEC offers care and education for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, using a play-based curriculum that fosters creativity, independence, and problemsolving. Classrooms are led by experienced early child-

hood educators who engage children through purposeful play and guided exploration.

Teachers are intentional in their approach, supporting social-emotional learning while preparing children for kindergarten and beyond.

The CEC is licensed by the State of Montana and follows rigorous health and safety More CEC, PAGE N14

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journey. Support services are also available to help families continued from Page N13 navigate parenting challenges, access community resources, standards. Our new facility is and build strong relationships designed with young learners at home, including access to in mind—safe, clean, and full all of Florence Crittenton’s of opportunities for discovery. community-based services.

Each classroom is thoughtThe Child Enrichment Cenfully arranged to encourage ter is open to all families in the movement, interaction, and Helena area, with tuition rates hands-on learning, while out- that reflect the high-quality door areas are created for dis- care and education provided. covery and gross motor skill Financial assistance is availdevelopment. able through the Best BeginOne of the CEC’s defining nings Scholarship Program features is its emphasis on and Florence Crittenton’s family engagement. Parents Scholarship Program. and caregivers are seen as vital With a growing reputation partners in a child’s develop- for excellence, Florence Critment. The CEC provides reg- tenton’s Child Enrichment ular communication between Center is making a lasting imteachers and families, access pact on the lives of Florence to a Family Resource Center, Crittenton’s littlest clients, and opportunities to partici- building a foundation for lifelong learning and success. pate in their child’s learning

CEC

Congratulations!

Community Impact

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That said, we are e’re often asked about the longpleased to report the term statistics of following statistics for our graduates. However, financial year 2024: a truly successful disNumbers Served: charge isn’t measured by Residential Pronumbers—it’s defined by grams – 20 families (avseamless reintegration. erage stay 12-18 months) While tracking individual Family Healing Cenprogress can provide in- ter – 171 families sight, the ultimate goal is Child Enrichment for graduates to transition Center – 33 children effortlessly into society, 100% of our clients no longer a statistic but a discharged from our fully engaged member of residential program with their community. Their their child in their care success is seen not in re- after reunification ports or data points, but 100% of children in in the lives they build, the our Pre-School were asopportunities they seize, sessed and are on track and the contributions for development they make. When they 100% of our clients become the fabric of their discharge sober and to a community, thriving be- safe home yond the need for oversight, that is the clearest More Impact, PAGE N16 indicator of success.

high-quality staff, yet funding constraints make this increascontinued from Page N15 ingly difficult. The Child Enrichment Center consistently has a waitlist, while client Challenges needs continue to grow in all We are proud that in our 125 programs. Inflation further years of service, we’ve never strains resources, with federal, closed our doors. Through state, and local contracts and two world wars, two global service fees are unable to keep pandemics, a catastrophic up, making additional funding earthquake, and ever- increas- critical to sustain these essening funding challenges, Flortial services. ence Crittenton has remained As it always has, it will take a steadfast in its commitment combination of innovative serto young families. Currently, vice delivery, partnership, and will equate to up to $200,000 operational savings annually, we’re facing increasing finan- support from all areas of our cial challenges, with annual communities to continue to do creating new and innovative services, continuing to work fundraising demands growthis life-changing work that with our federal, state, and loing from $800,000 five years impacts us all. For Florence cal partners for sustainable ago to $1.2 million in 2025.

Crittenton, this means the contracts, and the support of Competitive salaries and ben- completion of our new camthe faith communities, busipus (Project Sunshine) that efits are essential to attract

Impact

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nesses, individuals and foundations that have ensured we are here for the last over century. It takes a village to raise a family, and our community is certainly that village for Florence Crittenton and the families we serve.

Florence Crittenton Training Institute

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he Training Institute is Florence Crittenton’s newest program. The Training Institute’s mission is to empower professionals in helping fields with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage and mitigate secondary trauma, improving staff retention and healthier work environments and communities.

Drawing upon our deep expertise in working with vulnerable populations and crisis situations, Florence Crittenton’s Training Institute believes in the power of humor, heart, science, and a good story to spark connection and inspire change. Our worked for over 15 years in the training sessions combine mental health field and has evidence-based knowledge with engaging, relatable an- served as a direct care staff, ecdotes to equip profession- therapist, clinical supervials with the tools to support sor, and clinical director in programs specializing in lockthe individuals they serve down residential treatment, while maintaining care for sex offender treatment, group themselves and preventing home care, school-based serburnout . vices, and outpatient services.

Our Trainer He earned his Masters of Arts Daniel Champer in Counseling from WaynesDaniel currently serves as burg University in Pittsburgh, the Director of Clinical and Pennsylvania.

Residential Services. A farm Daniel specializes in childkid from Ohio, Daniel behood development and comlieves in hard work partnered plex trauma work throughout with care and nurture. He has the life stages. He is passionate

about digging in and comOur Trainings ing alongside the tough and Trainings are available for complicated situations that groups from 10 – 100 individso many experience. He and uals across the State of Monhis wife stay busy after work tana. chasing seven children and a The Harder Side of Helpvariety of farm animals in an ing attempt to live simply but fully. (3–4 hours) Daniel is one of a small numHelping others can take a ber of certified Infant and toll. Learn how trauma impacts Early Childhood Mental Health helpers, recognize signs of Consultants in Montana. This secondary trauma, and build a program is developed by the personalized R&R (reciprocal Center of Excellence for Infant restoration) plan to stay baland Early Childhood Mental anced and resilient.

Health and Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development.

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Training continued from Page N17

Booms, Bangs, and Body Odor (1.5 hours) Our surroundings matter.

Explore how sights, sounds, and smells affect people with trauma—and learn to turn your space into a powerful tool for healing.

What Lies Beneath (2–3 hours) All behavior has a backstory. Dive into the emotional needs driving behavior and discover how to respond with empathy and connection.

The Brain Architecture Game (1 hour) Build a brain, shape a life.

This interactive game makes the science of early brain development come alive—perfect for groups, teams, and decision-makers.

Human Development (4–6 hours) From childhood to adulthood, every stage shapes us.

Learn how trauma disrupts growth, and how to support developmentally driven behavior in real time.

Sexual Reactivity (2 hours) Sexualized behavior is often misunderstood. Get clear on healthy sexual development, why reactivity happens, and how to address it with confidence and care.

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how small shifts in language can improve connection, reduce conflict, and build trust across all relationships.

When S#! Hits the Fan* (2–3 hours) Trauma doesn’t just happen to individuals. This training explores the impact of global events like COVID, and learn tools to manage disruption and build community resilience.

Heads in the Sand (1 hour) Mental health matters, but stigma still lingers. This training opens the conversation, redefines mental wellness as a spectrum, and promotes safe, inclusive dialogue.

Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (specialized consultation for childcare centers) Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) is a collaborative, relationship-based approach that supports the socialemotional development of young children by building the capacity of caregivers and professionals in early childhood settings. Through reflective practice and tailored guidance, our consultant, Daniel Champer, can help address behavioral concerns, strengthen adult-child relationships, and promote nurturing environments for optimal development. These consultations are individualized for each center’s unique circumstances.

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Project Sunshine

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n December 2021, we acquired the historic Cooney property in Helena and embarked on a journey a century in the making. When we first set eyes on this property, we envisioned the next 125 years of Florence Crittenton where hundreds of families will come to heal, learn, and create

new dreams of their own. In 2024, we completed the Child Enrichment Center and the Residential Floor, including the North Wing which houses group spaces and two additional residential rooms. We are now poised for completion as we prepare to renovate the ground floor, which will house

our Administrative offices and the Family Healing Center community-based services, with an anticipated completion date of early Fall 2025.

We have received funding from individuals, foundations, local, state and federal More Sunshine, PAGE N20

Administrative Shared Space Clinical Services Community Services

Final Phase, estimated completion Fall 2025 SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025 | N19

hood openings from 24 to 46, meeting a crucial need in our community. DONE! continued from Page N19 Reach 90 additional families annually through Community based services. government, corporations, as well as Extend services through a new church and civic groups. Seeing the Transitional Living Program for up to 5 public and private sector coming tofamilies graduating from our residential gether in support of this project is a programs. DONE! testament to its impact on the families Create operational savings of and communities we serve. After raisnearly$200,000 annually. ing $9.2 million in just three short years, Bring staff together to provide the we are now just $3.5 million away from most comprehensive care possible for our goal of complete funding for Project families, in the Helena community, and Sunshine.

Once Complete, Project Sunshine will: across Montana.

We invite you to be a part of the future Provide continuity of care and ease of access for families utilizing multiple building thriving families by donating generously today! Also, there are many services on one campus. ways to volunteer now that summer Support 60% more families in our is upon us. Please, visit our website at Residential Programs and help ensure projectsunshine.info to donate and learn the health and safety of future generamore about how you can be a part of tions. DONE! Double the number of early childFlorence Crittenton’s next 125 years!

Sunshine

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Lives Transformed “I feel like had I not gone to FC I wouldn’t have done as well as I have as a parent and would have just followed the footsteps of others in my community but because of all the tools and all that I learned and the love that was shown to me there I am so much stronger as a mother an adult and I have a respect for myself that I didn’t quite have before living there. I love the home and all the staff.”

“Our home visitor is wonderful, our whole family loves her visits. Our daughter is very attached to her and we would like her to come and visit us forever! She feels like part of the family! She has had an incredible impact on our lives. Without her I think we would have drowned a long time ago.

I’m not sure our marriage would have stood up to the pressures of parenting and living on a single income without her support and encouragement.”

“There are a lot of reasons why I needed Florence Crittenton. I was a pregnant teenager, but maybe that doesn’t tell you the whole story. I made a lot of mistakes, I had a lot of changes to make if I was going to be a healthy, loving mom to my daughter. Thank you Florence Crittenton for helping me.

I’ve never had so many true friendships in my life.”

CONGRATULATIONS FLORENCE CRITTENTON

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Lives Transformed “I know if I hadn’t come to live at Florence Crittenton I would not have the life I have today, I would not have my daughter and I would not have succeeded. I would be back using drugs and the rest of my life would have been a struggle.”

“The staff were awesome. They taught us how to be parents and basic things like how to make homemade, healthy food and how to keep a house. They taught us everything we needed to know about pregnancy and parenting which is important when you haven’t had a good childhood yourself.”

“My home visitor has been great, she has taught me about my children’s health, development, play activities, safety in my home, bedtime routines and mealtimes. The biggest help has been her advocating for me and helping me work my treatment plan in a more flexible way. I am a single dad, working full time, attending counseling and trying to be a good father so doing some of the sessions remotely was a lot easier for me. When I was feeling overwhelmed, she helped me work through things so it felt more manageable. She has been a huge advocate for me and helped with my foster review meeting which I am very grateful for. She gives me encouragement, constructive criticism, good ideas and nudges me to be a better father.”

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and taught him in a way that suited him best. He is now succeeding in kindergarten, and I attribute a lot of his progress to the early education program and their wonderful teachers.”

“We have been so impressed with everything about the Child Enrichment Center and the exceptional quality of care this team provides. One of the most valuable things is the quality of the relationships that our son has built. During his time there, the staff have all stayed the same, which enables him to develop deep, trusting relationships with staff who truly know and care about him. The academic and social emotional aspects are great and our family appreciates the delicious, healthy meals they provide too.

Every bit of support helps!”

“The staff at the Child Enrichment Center have played an instrumental role in my daughter’s development, social skills, and speech. When we arrived at Florence Crediton two years ago my daughter was very behind in her speech production, which caused a lot of issues with her social skills. The CEC welcomed us with open arms and supported her in so many ways both inside and outside of school. She has been taking speech therapy, but I really believe that the help she got from the CEC and the teachers there has made the biggest difference. The communication between the staff and I and her father has helped so much also as we navigated these issues.”

“I can’t imagine my life without Florence Crittenton. I was someone who

wanted to die when I found out I was pregnant. They taught me that no matter how bad things have been there is something coming that is so worth living for and that my baby is going to love me no matter what happened to me or who I used to be. They taught me that family is everything and it’s never too late to fix things. They gave me the courage to face more than just motherhood but every obstacle that came after because I knew I always had the support of the staff and girls I met there.”

“Florence Crittenton, its program and above all the staff truly changed my life for the better. They really prepared me for the tough reality of parenthood and helped me to become the best mother and person I could be. I couldn’t imagine how my children and my life would have been had I not lived at FC. I am now 26 years old and was 15 when I lived there and they still are involved and important to me and in my life.”

“By choosing to attend Florence Crittenton and dive in head first to healing I have seized the opportunity for me and my children to thrive together in full force. This program is a once in a lifetime opportunity, it has been truly life changing. I hope one day my children will look at me as their champion who worked to change my life and theirs.

I would also like to use my experience to help others and to advocate to help others understand that substance use disorder and alcoholism are a disease, no different from cancer. You can’t simply quit drinking or using. I tried for years.”

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