At 7:30 in the morning—before most of the city had stirred—something powerful was already unfolding inside the historic N.K. Hurst building. The space was transformed for the morning into the heart of the Freedom to Rise Breakfast, the air filled with kind smiles, warm coffee, and the quiet energy of over 200 people gathered with purpose. They came together not only to listen but to reflect on why the work of Overdose Lifeline is so important.
The Freedom to Rise Breakfast wasn’t just an early start. It was a rising of stories, of hope, and of a community deeply committed to one another. Every word spoken, every tear shed, and every dollar given reflected a shared commitment to honoring resilience, supporting recovery, and amplifying the impact of our substance use disorder programs.
That belief came to life through the voices of three incredible individuals, each one offering a window into what recovery, resilience, and community truly look like.
Ashna’s Journey
One of the most powerful moments of the morning came from Ashna, a former resident of Heart Rock who now serves as a Child Advocate on staff. She shared her remarkable transformation—from entering the program as a Jane Doe facing potential incarceration, to now being 22 months sober and raising her daughter with hope and purpose.
“This is where I break the cycle for my family,” she said.
Her words echoed through the room, a raw and unforgettable reminder of what’s possible when people are met with support instead of stigma—and how community can be the catalyst for a new beginning.
Kate and Aidan’s Reflections
Kate, a mentor at Camp Mariposa – Aaron’s Place, shared how the community at camp shaped not only the kids but also her own career. Today, she works to build trauma-informed healthcare systems, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of our programs.
Aiden, a two-year camper who stood with courage well beyond his years, reminded us all of the power of belonging.
“I want others to feel as welcome as I did during my first camp,” he said.
His words highlighted the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all, because as we know, substance use affects more than just the individual.
Kate, Aiden, and Ashna didn’t just share their stories—they gave us a call to action. Their words were brave, honest, and full of hope. Together, they showed us what’s possible when we invest in people, believe in their potential, and keep showing up for one another.
Celebrating 10 Years of Aaron’s Law
We were honored to have Mitch Roob, Secretary of Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, join us to mark the 10th anniversary of Aaron’s Law. His presence underscored the significance of our ongoing efforts and the progress we’ve made over the years.
$23,000 Raised for Harm Prevention and Recovery Efforts
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised $23,000 at the event! These funds will allow us to expand our reach and make an even greater difference in the lives of those we serve. Your contributions directly impact individuals on their journey to recovery, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive.
Continuing the Mission
There is still time to give, and we encourage you to share these stories of impact with others, especially those who may need to hear that they are not alone. Together, we are creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals and families affected by substance use.
Once again, we thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission.
