The Derrick Stanley Memorial Scholarship exists to honor the memory of a man who left this world far too early. Today is the third anniversary of Derrick’s passing on August 28, 2019. I post each year on the anniversary of his loss to offer an annual glimpse into what has taken place quietly in his name. I hope this update will offer some solace in the storm of grief from Derrick’s loss, and help in some small way to ease the pain of those who loved him.
The Derrick Stanley Memorial Scholarship was created to enable Just Love More to better help individuals in substance abuse crisis who were ready for assistance in defining and achieving recovery on their own terms. Often, the only obstacle bigger than admitting someone needs help is figuring out how to get it.
Since 2019, the scholarship has provided that support to 13 individuals. All recipients have received medical, mental health, and addiction screenings and have maintained regular counseling check-ins with me. We flesh out individualized treatment plans and set goals for 30 and 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year. Part of this process involves defining what recovery means to them, because Just Love More does not believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach. That means reaching many others with one-on-one counseling and harm reduction support.
13 people to date have been given the opportunity and support they needed to step into recovery. I am proud to report a few achievements and milestones over the past three years:
1. 11 scholarship recipients have met their individual 30 and 90-day goals.
2. 6 recipients completed 90 days or more in an inpatient treatment facility.
3. 2 recipients have met their 1 year goals.
4. 1 recipient is now a Certified Peer Specialist.
5. 3 recipients have reunited with their family after extensive estrangement.
6. 2 recipients have been awarded their GED.
7. 1 recipient is working to complete a degree in social work and will graduate in 2023.
8. Purchased & distributed 3,000 fentanyl test strips & taught hundreds of people to use them to reduce potential harm from fentanyl overdoses.
Donation in any amount may be made to the Derrick Stanley Memorial Scholarship through the Support JLM page. A portion of every dollar donated to Just Love More is set aside for the scholarship.
NOTE: Your donation may qualify as charitable deductions for federal income tax purposes. Consult your tax advisor for details.