‘Tis the season to be giving – Giving Tuesday makes a difference

While the Holidays are such a special time of the year, the stretch from Thanksgiving to the new year can be difficult for families of a loved one suffering from a substance use disorder. News and social media outlets often inundate us with holiday stories that portray addiction and its negative consequences. What the news fails to tell us is that people with substance use disorders do recover. Those formerly addicted to drugs and alcohol are finding their way with increasing regularity, and some of those formerly ‘lost’ loved ones are rejoining their families this holiday season.

What about those still struggling?

A survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that as many as 90 percent of people who most need drug rehab do not receive it. While many have broken free from the chains of alcohol and drug addiction, so many more are just waiting to find their path, and begin their journey to reclaiming their lives.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 has been designated globally as Giving Tuesday. This day, the beginning of the charitable season, offers an opportunity to contribute funds that will help exponentially facilitate the continued progress of those battling addiction.

USARA is hosting a Giving Tuesday Open House at our recovery community center in Salt Lake City from 9 AM to 6 PM. We’d love to see some of our year-long supporters that day as we raise money to expand USARA’s recovery support services across Utah. As an added bonus, Facebook and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be matching up to $2 million of funds raised on Facebook for US nonprofits.

Giving Tuesday more than a fundraising opportunity

While Tuesday, November 28, 2017 has been designated globally as Giving Tuesday, USARA reminds our many friends and supporters that ‘OUR’ Giving Tuesday is a day to share it forward that people do recover and that multiple pathways to recovery exist. USARA cordially invites the Utah recovery community to visit our facility (2100 South 180 East, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84115) from 9 AM to 6 PM for our Giving Tuesday Open House.

While Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to raise funds to continue USARA’s recovery support services across the state, it’s also an opportunity to share the recovery message in a fun and positive manner through various social media platforms.

Here are some things you can do to help support USARA’s Giving Tuesday Open House prior to the event:

• Share our Facebook event, denote your interest, and invite your friends
• Take a selfie with our #GvingTuesday sign
• Add our #GivingTuesday frame to your Facebook profile picture to show your support

Here’s how you can help make our Open House a success on Giving Tuesday, November 28:

• Come to our #GivingTuesday Open House between 9 AM and 6 PM
• Make a donation to USARA through Facebook
• Create your own USARA fundraiser on Facebook

DOUBLE your DONATION: Facebook and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be matching up to $2 million of funds raised on Facebook for US nonprofits. Facebook is also waiving all fees for donations made to nonprofits on Facebook that day.

While USARA’s year has been filled with so many stories of courage and success we know that so many more are in need of assistance. A survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that as many as 90 percent of people who most need drug rehab do not receive it.

They deserve our support!

We’d love to see some of our many supporters throughout the day as we raise money for USARA’s recovery support services across the state!

Happy Holiday from the USARA team.