Valley View Teacher Launches Drug Addiction Support Group at Bolingbrook High School

Submitted by Valley View School District:

After she attended a Romeoville community forum designed to educate local residents on what has become a nationwide drug abuse crisis, Pioneer Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Kimberly Hanahan knew she needed to do something to help families dealing with the issue.

On Wednesday, Sept. 24, her passion will become a reality when the area’s first HERO (Heroin Epidemic Relief Organization) Support Group will meet at Bolingbrook High School.

“There is such a need for a group like this,” she said. “A lot of people are dealing with family drug addiction issues. They’re hurting. They try to keep it behind closed doors. They deal with it at home and that’s it. I want to reach those people so they’re not in such pain.”

HERO was founded by two fathers who lost their sons to heroin addictions. HERO’s mission is to stop the fast-growing heroin epidemic sweeping the nation while providing comfort and support to those who have lost a loved one to heroin or are trying to help a loved one who is currently struggling with an addiction.

In Will County, HERO and Will County HELPS (Heroin Education Leads to Preventative Solutions) have combined efforts in an attempt to create a dialogue among families, public officials, law enforcement, health care providers and other community members.

Hanahan gathered ideas for the new group by attending a similar HERO support group in New Lenox.

“It was originally intended for heroin addiction support but it has developed into more because there are many needs and there isn’t any other avenue out there to help,” the 12-year VVSD veteran teacher said.

In the beginning, the new support group will include a mix of speakers and sessions where group and individual conversations take place.

“It’s for any family member who has dealt with addiction. It can be a sister, a brother, a mother, father, grandparents,” Hanahan said.

The group will include a certified alcohol and drug addiction counselor and a licensed psychologist provided by HERO. For those who are looking for information, rather than support, the group will also be working closely with Stepping Stones in Joliet.

Meetings will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Bolingbrook High School.

“It’s reassuring to be able to support each other,” Hanahan said. “Family members need to know it’s not their fault. They’re not doing anything wrong.”

Hanahan can be reached by e-mailing Kahanahan@comcast.net.