Hi everyone, it’s Michele from Barry’s Auto Body, and I’d like to draw attention to a very serious issue on Staten Island that has affected thousands of people. Within the last 4 years, I have lost many loved ones to drug overdose. My brother John’s passing was the most devastating thing to happen to me and my family and has changed my life forever. This year, John’s girlfriend Kristen, who became like a little sister to us, passed away as well. In between, I have lost family and friends. I have seen the families and the feeling of emptiness after they are gone. It has pushed me to do better in an attempt to help others avoid the pain and sorrow endured by me and my family. This is the reason I joined the YMCA Counseling Service Committee of Management. The YMCA is working to help our community in crisis. Each year, the Counseling Service serves around 2,000 people across Staten Island. And they treat not only individuals, but also families. With the Little Steps program for children coping with a family member’s addiction, prevention programs for at-risk youth and group/individual counseling for those already in active addiction, they are saving lives every day. I try my best to be a good person in all I do. I have two children who are always on my mind and my reason for being a good role model. After losing my brother, my very own son went through a very difficult time with depression and then pills. The YMCA helped me get him into a long-term program and he is doing very well right now. It has been a long road to get where I am today but I wouldn’t change a thing.
In addition, my mother, Candace Crupi has organized an event on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at 1:00PM – 5:00 at Capitol Hill, in Washington D.C to draw attention to this problem and create a solution. You can learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1341503949326135/
The opioid epidemic is growing and tearing our families apart – heroin claims around 100 lives each year on Staten Island alone. Overcoming addiction is an extremely difficult task that takes strength, and patience from everyone involved in the addict’s life. Please support this cause and make a donation to the YMCA Counseling Service. Together, we can save more lives in our community.