A Letter from our Founder
It's 2024.... FriendsMATTer has had many challenges, most stemming from first the post-covid reboot, then the loss of one of our board members.
FriendsMATTer along with all charitable organizations had our share of challenges. From board meetings to fundraising events, we struggle with gaining momentum in the wake of the COVID pandemic. We are making an effort to regroup, and relaunch for the organization to continue its very important work. Opioid abuse is as prevalent as ever, rising numbers that are beat only by COVID.
FriendsMATTer needs your support to maintain just the basics of the organization. We are 100% voluntary, so your funds go straight to administrative requirements, outreach fundraising and educational programs .
Please be aware that all in the recovery community are feeling the pressure from the limited interaction resulting from the COVID pandemic. Note when I reference recovery community, it is all encompassing. It includes the patient, their family and friends, to their professional support network of therapists, physicians and clinics. Finding support is now more challenging, and in virtual interface, it can seem less relational. Many patients and their families talk about this on FriendsMATTer and other online support networks.
Now it's ever-important to maintain contact with our network in order to support the day-to-day abilities to deal with these life challenges.
We need to reach out more often to:
The words of my grandmother who lived to be an astounding 106 years old are so relevant in the road to recovery. She lived through many challenges in her time, including SUD within her family of eight children. When questioned about her steadfastness toward life's challenges, she would say, "I place one foot in front of the other." It's simple, but it's so true in navigating life's deep challenges. One step, every step, forward is its own success. Many steps become a journey taking us to new adventures, opportunities and solutions. Because the one thing in life is that you can always count on is, change. So, keep stepping forward, focusing only to that next step, your next hour, day, week, month, year. Meet tomorrow with a chin lifted up, a smile and meet it in good health.
Sincere Regards,
Merrilee Scott, FriendsMATTer
Founder and President
It's 2024.... FriendsMATTer has had many challenges, most stemming from first the post-covid reboot, then the loss of one of our board members.
FriendsMATTer along with all charitable organizations had our share of challenges. From board meetings to fundraising events, we struggle with gaining momentum in the wake of the COVID pandemic. We are making an effort to regroup, and relaunch for the organization to continue its very important work. Opioid abuse is as prevalent as ever, rising numbers that are beat only by COVID.
FriendsMATTer needs your support to maintain just the basics of the organization. We are 100% voluntary, so your funds go straight to administrative requirements, outreach fundraising and educational programs .
Please be aware that all in the recovery community are feeling the pressure from the limited interaction resulting from the COVID pandemic. Note when I reference recovery community, it is all encompassing. It includes the patient, their family and friends, to their professional support network of therapists, physicians and clinics. Finding support is now more challenging, and in virtual interface, it can seem less relational. Many patients and their families talk about this on FriendsMATTer and other online support networks.
Now it's ever-important to maintain contact with our network in order to support the day-to-day abilities to deal with these life challenges.
We need to reach out more often to:
- spend more time with our contacts.
- be more available online or by phone.
- be more empathetic to the feelings of those in turmoil or doubt.
The words of my grandmother who lived to be an astounding 106 years old are so relevant in the road to recovery. She lived through many challenges in her time, including SUD within her family of eight children. When questioned about her steadfastness toward life's challenges, she would say, "I place one foot in front of the other." It's simple, but it's so true in navigating life's deep challenges. One step, every step, forward is its own success. Many steps become a journey taking us to new adventures, opportunities and solutions. Because the one thing in life is that you can always count on is, change. So, keep stepping forward, focusing only to that next step, your next hour, day, week, month, year. Meet tomorrow with a chin lifted up, a smile and meet it in good health.
Sincere Regards,
Merrilee Scott, FriendsMATTer
Founder and President
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About Matthew R. Daniels II:
Matthew loved, LOVED his family and friends. He considered his closest friends an extension to his family, as they in turn thought of him. He was so very proud of all of us, especially his little brother Max, who he revered and protected with a vengeance. Matthew had a deep emotional connection to others. If you hurt, Matthew hurt. If you needed help, he would try to present a solution. If you fell, Matthew fell faster so he could hold you up. That was a great deal of what Matthew was all about. He wanted to be the guy who had solutions and could help. He was always there with a hug, a smile, his time, money, or whatever was needed to improve the situation. On August 8, 2016, we lost our beloved Matthew to a Fentanyl overdose, He relapsed in the first two of the five year recovery process. Matthew’s generous spirit and beautiful soul will forever serve as the inspiration for the work of FriendsMATTer. Today, and for many years to come, we will honor Matthew by being strong, bold, facing down addiction, stigma, and strengthening the lines of communication and support for those seeking long-term recovery, as well as their family and friends. We will keep Matthew in front of us, all along the way…carrying forward as how he would want us to be...inspired by that BIG hug and smile. ~Merrilee Scott, Founder, Friends MATTer |
