Increasing Awareness. Educating the Public. Erasing Stigma.
About Us
Families United For Change (FUFC) launched when a mother lost her son at the hands of a faulted drug and alcohol recovery system. She discovered that the process to find help with recovery, even for family members, was overwhelming, exhausting, and disappointing. She decided to start an advocacy organization and demand meaningful change.
We welcome ideas, creativity, and involvement from anyone with a desire to help those in search of recovery, improved health, and life.
What We Do
Families United for Change is a grassroots effort focused on improving recovery systems that are desperately in need of repair. Family members who want to be involved in the recovery process should never be isolated from treatments, alternative recovery options, or resources available to their loved ones. We work collaboratively with treatment providers to improve overall care, as well as family
involvement, in the treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
FUFC also works to increase awareness of alternative treatment strategies for those suffering with SUD, such as efforts of harm reduction. Our organization is open to any person wanting to be a part of our effort to ignite change and implement effective, alternative treatment strategies being used across the nation and the globe.
Our Projects
The Mayor of Maple Avenue tells the tragic story of a beloved son, brother, and friend; Shawn Sinisi. Shawn battled mental health and addiction for most of his young life as a result of childhood trauma. In September 2018, Shawn became the first documented victim of Jerry Sandusky’s sexual abuse to die. A special “thank you” to Meadowlark Media & Advance Local for telling his story.
The Circle of Hope at Tuckahoe Park in Altoona is a space created for reflection and support for those affected by SUD. The monument was a collaborative project between family members, friends, and an artist in 12+ years of recovery.
Into Light Project
Into Light is a national art activism project that seeks to dismantle the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction and to address the misconception that people with addiction are to blame for their illness.
Through the art of portraiture and storytelling, the Into Light Project art activism exhibit: Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories, exists to offer healing and hope and create meaningful dialogue about substance use disorder.
"I entered Shawn on Into Light, it was my first real feeling that he mattered in a special way. Her mission is so inspiring bringing the person to life for others to see who they were, not how they left us." - Marianne Sinisi
Join Us
Help Our Cause
Families United for Change is a fully recognized tax exempt charitable organization by the IRS with 501(c)3 status. Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
Donate below, send a check to 3921 Maple Ave., Altoona, PA, 16601 or click here to be redirected to our paypal.