Did you know there were 150 overdose deaths in DuPage in 2022? That’s not a joyous stat to start this Christmas Tea post off with.

Thankfully there are a LOT of local organizations in the area who are determined to see this number decrease to zero.

I’m a board member for a 501(c)(3) called Eternal Buzz Community. Their mission is to obliterate addiction in DuPage County and offer resources and employment to those in recovery.

Every year, we host a Festive & Ever-So-Fancy Christmas Tea. This multipurpose event not only serves as a fundraiser, but we’re also able to employ people in recovery to serve guests at the tea. This year, we were able to employ THREE people. Not only did they wait on tables for SIX consecutive hours, but they also participated in a powerful Christmas drama written and directed by @makenzie_cherie_weatherford.

Events like the Christmas Tea and organizations like Eternal Buzz play a part in stopping the stigma.

Every person, even those in recovery or are in need of recovery, have a dream. We, as a community, get to be a part of seeing their dreams unfold and their lives flourish.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, I encourage you to reach out and ask for help. Your dreams are worth it. And if you’re in the DuPage area, I highly recommend @serenithouseil.

#YourDreamMatters
#RecoverDupage
#StoptheStigma
#MarginMakers
#HannahBillingsley
#HannahforIllinois