Projects and Outreach
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 & Advanced Media for telling his story.
Listen on Spotify or Itunes:
Black Balloon Day
Black Balloon Day is a day of remembrance to honor lives lost to overdose. Families United for Change hands bows accompanied by cards throughout the community with a QR code to encourage everyone to request Narcan (nalaxone, a life-saving opioid antagonist), while also bringing awareness in memory of all we lost to SUD.
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.”
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, jewelry, and various other goods for women in recovery.
"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 lost to substance use disorder (SUD) in our community.
Awareness Campaigns
Funds raised from our projects are used directly for spreading awareness of Substance Use Disorder, including billboards, events, and other methods of spreading the word on how to combat SUD.
Substance Use Awareness Tree
This season tree brings awareness about those struggling and have lost their lives to Substance Use Disorder.
Made For More
Learn more about this wonderful women's restoration home!
PRO-A Quilt Project
The PRO-A Quilt Project is a memorial quilt created for Blair County Overdose Awareness Day to honor and remember individuals who have lost their lives to Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
