A Mississippi non-profit is helping family members affected by substance abuse

Pre-registration opened for End It For Good’s training program on Sept. 22 to help families affected by substance abuse disorders. The program features 12 online training modules for families, with 3 launching in mid-November and the others in early 2027.  

The program will offer a fully online, fully in-person or hybrid style course to meet different families’ needs. In-person support groups will be held in the Jackson metro area, coastal communities, and other affected areas.  

Training courses will surround topics such as reinforcing healthy behaviors, reducing substance use behaviors, communication skills and family wellbeing. Each module will be created based on Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), which utilizes behavioral science studies and results.  

Founder of the Molly Angel Project Christy Berrong-Barber said that having virtual options is important for rural states like Mississippi. 

“People aren't always able to get to Jackson. You're dealing with impoverished communities who don't have the resources available,” Barber said. “So, this can still come to them where they are and meet them where they are, and give them sort of a ladder, a rope, to learn and get their feet under them so that they can stand on their own and know what that support looks like for their family member.” 

Barber also explained that the stigmas surrounding substance abuse disorders can leave individuals or families less likely to seek support. Allowing people to access resources anonymously online can encourage them to utilize tools to get the help they need. 

“You're dealing with something that is a very personal issue for many and there is a lot of embarrassment, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding it,” Barber said. “Having this available so that people don't have to have that sense of isolation and a sense of wrongness... to be able to go online when they need the support in that moment to find the resources to answer those questions and to learn what support can look like for them is critical for so many people.” 

Michelle Grawe, Director of Family Support Services, said having a model of guidance for families rather than just one individual also helps spark conversations about addiction and how family members can help one another. 

“It also teaches families to really learn to understand why their loved is engaging in this behavior,” Grawe said. “With the communication tools and the connection tools that this program offers, it will help them to take a step back and take care of themselves and learn some emotional regulation and strategies to really listen and understand and have a fruitful conversation with their loved ones.” 

Steve Casteel is a retired pastor with experience in community development and recovery. He said that he hopes this program will draw in church communities to help those struggling with substance abuse disorders and eliminate stigma rather than reinforce it. 

“I realized that this movement has the opportunity not only to bring families tools that help them navigate, but to invite the whole community into this conversation to say, ‘we’re partners with you in this’,” Casteel said. “You’re not shunned, you’re not pushed aside; but rather, how can we embrace you?”  

End It For Good aims to reach 200 family members across 10 support groups in the program’s first year. Families, individuals or facilitators interested in the program can register at End It For Good’s website.