Our Projects
The Mayor of Maple Avenue Podcast
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.
Listen on
Black Balloon Day
Black Balloon Day is a day of remembrance to honor lives lost to overdose. Families United for Change ties black bows to lamp posts and parking meters, accompanied by cards encouraging everyone to carry naloxone, a life-saving opioid antagonist.
The event originated in Peabody, Massachusetts, in memory of a loved one lost to overdose on March 6, 2015. The cards read:
“BLACK BALLOON DAY/ March 6th is a day of remembrance. On this day, families and loved ones remember and celebrate the lives lost to overdose./ Save a life./ Carry naloxone./ Families United for Change.”
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Circle of Hope at Tuckahoe Park
The Circle of Hope at Tuckahoe Park is a place of reflection and healing for those affected by substance use disorder (SUD). Created through a collaboration of family members, friends, and an artist in long-term recovery, it represents the shared struggles and resilience of a community united in the fight against addiction. This monument serves as a reminder of the lives touched by SUD and the importance of raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding it.
The space offers visitors a peaceful environment to honor loved ones, find comfort, and draw strength. For those in recovery, it symbolizes the possibility of hope and renewal, while for families and friends, it stands as a testament to the enduring love and support that can emerge from even the most difficult circumstances. The Circle of Hope is a powerful example of how community and creativity can come together to inspire healing and resilience.
Into Light
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
CC Boutique
Started in honor of a woman named Christie who lost her battle with SUD in 2022, CC Boutique provides free professional clothing for job interviews, court dates, and more.
We hold this event twice every year, and it is open to any woman who is working toward recovery from substance use disorder.
"Soup-er" Sunday
Every year, we invite soup donations from many individuals to fundraise for our awareness campaigns. Soups sell out VERY quickly, and are usually 100% sold by early afternoon. We raffle baskets and display a slideshow of those who have been recently lost to substance use disorder (SUD) in our community.
Awareness Campaigns
Funds raised from our projects go into marketing and publicizing our awareness campaigns. We also advertise online, submit press releases, and do other things that help bring awareness to SUD.
Christmas Memory Tree
This tree travels every holiday year in recognition during the Christmas season to bring awareness to those that lost their lives to substance use disorder.