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JHW Foundation and Collegiate Recovery

by Roz Watkins, Founder, JHW Foundation 

JHW Foundation was founded in memory of John Henry Watkins who died from overdoes

From Anne Moss: JHW Foundation is located in Richmond, VA and I met Roz shortly after Charles died when she asked me to lunch. That’s the first time I heard about JHW foundation. So I thought I would share the impact this organization has had on collegiate recovery.

JHW Foundation funds collegiate recovery and initiatives to help prevent overdoses and other drug-related deaths, while working to help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and by improving access to treatment.

The Foundation has made contributions to numerous schools to help with their startups for collegiate recovery-including Va Tech, UVA, WVU and North Carolina A & T. Also exciting news with Washington & Lee opening recovery space and housing this fall!

One of the happiest and most meaningful days of this past year was in May when I attended the RAMS in Recovery Graduation at VCU. I witnessed 8 young people in cap and gown receive their degrees in a special ceremony, and be recognized by their sponsors and given their recovery graduation “chip.”

It brought tears to my eyes as I thought of their families and how proud they were, and the feeling of there being HOPE in RECOVERY.

The Rams in Recovery program has grown to over 60 students in just a few years and for the first time they have been able to offer recovery housing. Seeing these young adults not only embracing recovery but moving forward with their lives and futures brings such joy to not only me but all who serve this organization.

There is hope in recovery.

Published by

Anne Moss Rogers

I am an emotionally naked mental health speaker, and author of the Book, Diary of a Broken Mind and co-author with Kim O'Brien PhD, LICSW of Emotionally Naked: A Teacher's Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk. I raised two boys, Richard and Charles, and lost my younger son, Charles to addiction and suicide on June 5, 2015. I help people foster a culture of connection to prevent suicide, reduce substance misuse and find life after loss. My motivational mental health keynotes, training and workshop topics include suicide prevention, addiction, mental illness, anxiety, coping strategies/resilience, and grief. As talented and funny as Charles was, letting other people know they matter was his greatest gift. And now the legacy I try and carry forward in my son's memory. Mental Health Speakers Website. Trained in ASIST and trainer for the evidence-based 4-hour training for everyone called safeTALK.

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