As many homes are impacted by substance abuse and addiction we never truly understand until it hits our own. As a mom, I know I was not perfect, but I also know I did my best to raise my son with an understanding of the impact drugs or alcohol use could make on his life. He was just a typical boy who loved nature, animals, his momma and so much more. I never would have imagined a 19-year journey of watching his struggle and the impact it would make on our lives. My goal in starting this non-profit business is to share my story with credibility in hopes to help other families. Many times, during this journey others saw David or described him as just another drunk, lazy, weak or even an outcast. From the police departments to the health care community, he was judged counted out as a lost cause, but this was not the case. He was dearly loved, grew up just like many other young boys and he had a name. He had a momma who would cross the ends of the earth for him and lived a life of faith and belief that one day he would no longer struggle. Now I will have to wait until it’s my time to hold him again. My mission now is to bring my personal story to schools, police agencies, hospitals, churches and even recovery centers to offer hope, education and resources, and most importantly remind all that there is a name to each face for those who struggle. My prayer is that my story will allow others to see themselves as worthy and give them hope to continue to fight and to know their addiction does not define them and most of all that they matter. Who was David Unruh? He was a man of many talents. A Lake Central Graduate and a member of their winning Swim Team. David excelled in the Arts. He could draw, create stained glass, and make anyone feel welcome. David loved animals and attempting to rescue them, he loved to sing and enjoyed playing soccer. His sense of humor will forever touch the lives of those who knew him. Bicycle rides and long walks with his family allowed him to embrace his fascination of nature. Traveling, drinking coffee, eating dark chocolate, collecting books, discussing politics, making memories, and understanding those who struggled around him was who he was. His effervescence for life, showed through with his own struggles. He was loving, compassionate and lived to serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Recently, he was furthering his education in Biblical Theological Studies with Lee University. A message from the family is to never give up! No matter how dark the struggle, there are resources and help for those who struggle. One of those is Celebrate Recovery, a Christ centered program for those who have hurts, habits and hang ups, as we all do. This is a program that says you are only a first attender one time but after that you are forever family. So always move forward and put one foot in front of the other. It takes one step towards grace and another step to continue that momentum. Lean into your community, lean into your family and friends, but most importantly lean on Jesus, the one who loves you the most. His family and close friends will never forget the story about how he purchased a man a pair of boots, who was in need of them. This true act of service is what can describe David Harvey Unruh as a whole.