Light of Hope, Inc

PROJECT PURPOSE

Light of Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry assisting in recovery & prevention of substance abuse & addiction. Recovery: Individuals & families are provided opportunities of support through LOH support groups, classes, workplace readiness, helpful resources, and encouragement for the future. Prevention: Light of Hope L.E.A.D. School & Community Drug Education Program, focuses on educating our children & communities. LOH is exclusively partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) in this education mission. Our services are free to the community. We provide guidance for resource assistance, encouragement support groups, monthly speaker panels, quarterly seminars, community education, and a LEAD school drug education program. We provide a confidential, non-judgmental, loving environment, which will bring encouragement and hope to families and individuals learning how to cope with the rollercoaster of addiction & life difficulties. We are a support system grounded on faith in God, bridging the gap: Helping people see the HOPE.

EVIDENCE

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, within a few months of the pandemic's onset last year, 13% of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use as a way of coping with new stressors. Like many Midwestern states, Oklahoma has seen a marked increase in substance abuse among its residents. Nearly 10,000 people entered a facility for treatment in 2020. This past year, there was a 30% increase in overdose deaths in Oklahoma. As the Founder and CEO of Light of Hope, I intimately understand the struggle to overcome addiction, losing my daughter to the disorder in 2013. Today, Light of Hope's mission is to offer resources and hope to individuals and their families battling substance use disorders and addiction. The organization accomplishes this through various programs to help people create a new, addiction-free life of hope and possibility within a supportive environment. Additionally, LOH LEAD program impacts students in the 2021-22 School Year. Light of Hope LEAD School Prevention Drug Education Program has served 5,800 students within the NE Oklahoma schools 2021-2022 school year.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The need for resources and a community to help with the challenges associated with addiction has never been greater. Mental health challenges have risen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety, depression, loneliness, financial insecurity, and stress from isolation are leading many to turn to drug and alcohol use to cope. Rural communities suffer from unique challenges such as smaller health care infrastructures, labor market stressors, and unique community and family factors. Community and family relationships are often the fabric of small-town support systems. These networks operate on trust, and are often built on reciprocity, and cooperation. When these are violated, people suffering from addiction in rural communities can be left with no place to turn. Located in Claremore, the seat of Rogers County in northeast Oklahoma, Light of Hope understands the unique aspects of the rural community. The organization offers a third place, separate from an individual?s family home or workplace, that accepts individuals, listens without judgement, and helps people engage with community members and programs to create a new addiction-free life filled with possibilities. ?For people battling addiction, a sense of community isn't a nicety, it is a necessity for recovery.? Layla Freeman, Light of Hope Founder. In 2019, Light of Hope started a partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.). It is the first organization in Oklahoma to bring a D.E.A. approved drug education and prevention curriculum to elementary, middle school and high school ages, at no cost to the schools. The program is an exclusive partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration that is unique in the State of Oklahoma. Light of Hope educates more than 7,600 students annually through assemblies and in-classroom instruction. Our goal is to take this program statewide.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Light of Hope collects data pre and post tests for each classrom receiving our LEAD school drug education program. Additionally, LOH tracks the recovery journey of each individual that is involved in our recovery programs. Intake, consultation, and follow through are all documented. Confidentiality is used in this process.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma