By: Kari Radjewski, director of Marketing & Communications
At first glance, Lucas looks like any other 7-year-old. His afternoons at Live Rite’s Youth Impact Program in Macomb County are filled with painting, homework help, and games. But for Lucas—whose parents are in recovery—the program is much more than after-school fun. It’s a safe, consistent space where he can connect with other children who share similar experiences.
Without realizing it, Lucas is developing the tools to handle life’s challenges with healthy coping strategies—instead of turning to substances— and learning how to navigate the complex emotions that come with having parents in recovery. At the same time, his family is gaining the support they need to rebuild trust and connection—because lasting recovery often depends on strong family relationships.
Lucas’s story is one example of how the Youth Impact Program meets the needs of young people directly affected by substance use disorder. Whether a child is struggling themselves or feeling its ripple effects at home, Live Rite’s approach centers on a core belief: that real, lasting recovery happens when the whole family is supported.
A space for healing, together
With a $25,000 grant from the Children’s Foundation, Live Rite launched the Youth Impact Program to address the growing need for youth-centered recovery services in Macomb County. The program takes a two-pronged approach: supporting youth who are in recovery or at risk of substance use, and offering family reinforcement programming to help caregivers and siblings better understand addiction and rebuild relationships.
The program aims to serve 100 young people, creating a community where youth and their families can heal together. Services include:
- Peer recovery support
- Certified peer recovery coaches—individuals with lived experience in recovery who are trained to mentor and guide others on their recovery journey
- Teen support groups
- Recovery-oriented social events
- Transportation assistance
- Tutoring, vocational education, and college prep
- Events focused on recovery and family reunification
But it’s more than a list of services. It’s a place where healing happens one conversation, one relationship, and one breakthrough at a time.
“We’re so grateful for this grant. It allows us to provide peer support to youth impacted by substance use disorder,” says Brenda Maks, president of Live Rite. “This support gives young people the tools to cope with life’s challenges and build a brighter future.”
The importance of community-based recovery
Recovery is a transformative process—one where people improve their health and wellness, embrace self-direction, and work toward reaching their full potential. Central to this journey is a sense of community—belonging and acceptance—that supports well-being and fosters a fulfilling life beyond addiction.
In Michigan, youth facing substances use disorder often lack access to specialized services, making Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) like Live Rite essential. RCOs provide education, peer support, and recovery resources that strengthen long-term outcomes.
A proactive approach to tackle substance use disorder
In Macomb County, the average age of first alcohol use is just nine years old. Programs like the Youth Impact Program are critical—not only as a response to crisis but as a proactive investment in prevention, empowerment, and long-term well-being.
Whether kids like Lucas build emotional awareness early in life or supporting young people who have already navigating substance use, Live Rite’s program works to break the cycle – and it does so by recognizing that healing rarely happens in isolation.
This grant reflects the Children’s Foundation’s commitment to supporting youth at every stage of their recovery journey —from prevention to healing—and to ensure they have access to the resources, relationships, and sense of belonging needed to thrive, and that includes strengthening families
Programs like Live Rite are exactly what the Children’s Foundation seeks to support. This grassroots, community-based solution treats substance use disorder not just as an individual issue, but as a public health concern that requires early, compassionate, and sustained intervention.
It’s a powerful reminder of how the Children’s Foundation can drive lasting change — opening doors to recovery, empowerment, and hope for young people and their families.
