October 2023

As a cherished supporter of The Collaborative, you have been integral in creating a community resilient to the harms of substance misuse. In a rapidly changing world, the paradox of connectivity through technology has given rise to a silent epidemic – isolation. The Surgeon General’s warning underscores the serious consequences of isolation on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Isolation Kills.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy tells us in his report, “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.”

Today, I am thrilled to share a pivotal shift in The Collaborative’s mission, one that builds from the foundation of our historic work and aligns perfectly with the Surgeon General’s recent warning on the devastating effects of isolation on people of all ages. At The Collaborative, we understand the threat of isolation and the very real health benefits that connection brings. We are proud to announce our new logo and mission: “Empowering Healthy Youth, Families, and Communities through Acceptance, Resilience, and Engagement.”

Our commitment to tackling isolation is not new; we have always worked from the premise that the opposite of addiction is indeed connection. We believe that by fostering connections and relationships, we can create a shield of protection against the dangers of isolation, ultimately preventing substance misuse and its cascading effects.

Here’s how we’re turning our mission into impactful action:
Acceptance: We bring to life the power of embracing one another, celebrating our differences, and creating a safe space where every individual feels valued and understood through RTU, the newly renamed program Resilience Through Understanding, and our student empowerment groups.

Resilience: Through our mentorship programs and RTU initiatives, we equip our youth with the tools to navigate life’s challenges. By promoting healthy skills and instilling a sense of inner strength, we empower them to face adversity head-on and resist the allure of substance misuse.

Engagement: Community events and outreach, afterschool and summer camp programs and interactive workshops bring diverse groups of people together. By fostering genuine connections, we provide individuals and families a sense of belonging and camaraderie that serves as a powerful deterrent to isolation and its harmful consequences.

We are excited about this new chapter and the potential for the transformational change it brings. However, we achieve our mission with your support. Your generous donations are the bedrock of our success, allowing us to create a lasting impact on countless lives.

Join us in our mission of bringing healthy youth, families, and communities to life. Your tax-deductible contribution can be the turning point in someone’s life by stemming the tide of isolation and substance misuse. Gift donations for The Collaborative can be made by check and mailed in the enclosed envelope. You can also make your gift donation online with a credit card or with Venmo by visiting our website at https://thecollaborative.us/donate-now/. Together, we can shape a brighter, healthier, more connected future for all.

Thank you for your continued support. Your generosity fuels our passion and drive to create lasting change.
Sincerely,

Maryann Morris
Executive Director