Lawrence FROM STRUGGLES TO HOPE ROBIN
I n the Baltimore area, many in impoverished communities are struggling with addiction, be it individually or through another family member. Harvest of Hope, helping addicts focus on their health and wellness, hopes to fix this issue. “Unfortunately here in Baltimore we are experiencing a drug epidemic,” CEO Robin Lawrence said. “People are losing their lives and families because of drug abuse.” She then explained that many addicts have an untreated mental illness, but they fear treatment due to the stereotypes surrounding behavioral health. Lawrence’s goal through Harvest of Hope is to help addicts through a holistic approach. She knows each case is unique and hopes to treat each individual with the best possible care. One method Lawrence uses is her own experiences, allowing her to empathize with the patients who come in. She draws her inspiration from her father, who she calls the Founding Father. “My dad struggled from the disease of addiction a huge portion of my life. He was what many would call a functioning addict,” she said.
A functional addict describes a person who has a substance addiction but can hold a job and a raise a family. Being functional means that for many, the addiction may not be visible. Lawrence’s father worked
as a firefighter, but fires were only a part of his battle. Eventually, he managed to achieve sobriety and help those in need by providing housing for recovering addicts. Currently, he has nine residential houses to assist those who are less fortunate. Robin stated how she sees her mom as her “Shero”. She states how she watched her mom fight to keep their family together. She now has that same fight to give hope to the community.
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