Dear Family and Friends,
During this season of reflection and fellowship, we are truly grateful for each of you and your sustained support of the Ben Lucas Foundation. Your generosity and kindness continue to stand in the gap not just for our loss, but also for many families and individuals still fighting through addiction.
Because of your help and partnership, we have donated over $40,000 in the past two years and have surpassed our goal of raising $50,000 by the end of 2018!
Thank you so much for your contributions, prayers, and support. We are encouraged to pursue increasingly greater goals as we strive to meet our mission of celebrating Ben’s legacy and continue his fight against addiction.
A few words of thanks from Ben’s mom, Pat, to the founders of BLF and to all of you.
“I want to personally thank you for the help you have and continue to give Will in creating and administering the Ben Lucas Foundation. I was touched by the account of the mother referenced in the most recent BLF update. From my experience, I can imagine this mother’s sincere gratitude for the financial gift from the BLF that helped her son find solid help at a great rehab center and continue on a path of recovery. The Foundation is surely making a difference in the lives of struggling young people.
As we well know, full recovery from the stronghold of addictive substances presents a complex challenge; one requiring rehabilitation of the physical effects of substance abuse, as well as the healing of healthy emotions, mind, spirit, and relationships. I did much research with what was available during the time Ben was needing help and appreciate that Tulip Hill’s holistic approach of care is one that surpasses that which was available in the recent past. This gives me hope for those struggling, and for their families that are likely feeling overwhelmed and sometimes at wits end.
For myself and my family who continue to feel sadness by the loss of a son, brother, cousin, nephew, and dear friend, it is such a comfort to know that others are being helped through the efforts of the BLF. For those who saw firsthand his struggles and suffering, there is a real sense of comfort, peace and purpose that Ben’s spirit lives on in the restoration of other young people’s lives.
Ben cared deeply for others and the Foundation is a fitting extension of his life as we can imagine it would have been, had he lived a full life and realized his dreams.
Thank you so much for all you have done and continue to do to care for the Lucas family and for others who are presently experiencing tough times, that they can more easily afford the cost of getting help and support necessary for their journey of recovery.”
We are continually honored and humbled by your contributions, support, and prayer for the Ben Lucas Foundation and those who might otherwise fight alone.
Merry Christmas, Brandon, Bynum, David, and Will
Letter from the mother of a Tulip Hill scholarship recipient you funded and was referenced in Pat’s note:
“We have nothing but positive things to say about the Tulip Hill Recovery program and staff. They literally saved his life, as this was his last chance for family support with his methamphetamine addiction.
We sent our 20-year-old son to Tulip Hill in August of 2017. He had been to at least six different rehabs in the previous year. He would either leave the facility against medical advice or relapse shortly after discharge. The staff at Tulip Hill managed to help him see the benefits of recovery, keep him in a structured as well as nurturing environment, help him get back on track with his education, and start to repair the damaged relationships in his life. They gave him hope for a drug-free and productive life. With the help of his case manager, he was able to complete two classes at the community college with A’s in both classes as well as work a part-time job.
His case manager and therapist kept us updated with weekly conference calls and were 100% invested in his recovery. They were always willing to go the extra mile and it is obvious how much they care for each client as well as the family members. They helped us set necessary boundaries and guided us through the ups and downs our son experienced during his stay.
The houses are clean and well maintained and are staffed by responsible house managers. The clients are monitored and held accountable for their actions and responsibilities within the community.
We can say without a doubt that Tulip Hill is the most ethical and dedicated rehab program we have dealt with in our journey with our son. At this time, he continues to progress as he has moved on to a less structured sober living house recommended by Tulip Hill.”
-MB, Illinois