Several years ago, I awoke in a hospital in South Carolina to find my mother standing over me, crying. I had once again over-dosed on drugs and was barely alive. She told me she would not watch me die, and asked what I was going to do. I said I didn’t know, but I did know that I could not continue to hurt her this way, and for the first time in my life, I made a decision to to truly become the person she knew I could be. I knew a better life was available, if I just got to work.

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Through all the years of my struggle with addiction, my mother never gave up on me, even when I had given up on myself. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have that kind of person in their life, but I did.

 

Thanks to the love and support I found with my friends and in the community, my mother finally did get to see me get drug free. and stay that way. She also got to see me help others do the same. Thanks to the tools I was given in the recovery community, my mother did not have to watch me die. I was gifted with the ability to be fully sober and present for her when she left this world from cancer on December 14th, 2013. I was given the opportunity to be present for her during one of the most important events in a person’s life, and to be present for my family as well. There is no more beautiful gift I have received, of the many in, other  than that.

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In honor of my beautiful loving mother, The LaVare Leith Foundation has been established.

 

The LaVare Leith Foundation is dedicated to helping those who are elderly and have no support system, who are LGBTQ and /or on their path to recovery from addiction, are homeless, or starting on a new path to financial independence by providing scholarships for food, a safe housing environment or for basic needs of the elderly like errands, appointments or just someone to sit and be of company for an hour or so. We also offer assistance to individuals wanting to begin a new career or start their own businesses well as donations to other charities who share our mission.. Qualified individuals have a willingness to be proactive in their own success and/or be in geriatric need of assistance, or other non-profits.

 

A registered 501c3 non-profit, the LaVare Leith Foundation is specific to the LGBT Community but not exclusive. Our mission is to assist all individuals who share a commitment to recovery from addiction and/or personal success and well being.

 

If you or someone you know needs help, if you would like more information on our programs, or if you would like to support us in our cause, please contact us by email at: dwilson@llfnc.org.

 

Everyone deserves the chance to live a life that is happy, joyous and free.

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*The LaVare Leith Foundation is a community charity. The Executive Director and the board of directors receive no compensation.