The First Step to recovery is to admit to yourself on a deep, heartfelt level, you have no power to overcome your addictions. If you had the power to solve the problem, you would have already. One must feel his/her own powerlessness over addiction, which has been ruling their life. It is only by admitting complete defeat that you are then able to access the help and motivation you need to change. The recent deaths of our youth/young adults in our community only serve to remind us that DRUG ADDICTION is still a very real and tragic problem. In 2015, I met a young man named Ali from Dearborn a Fordson graduate and a wrestling champion. Have you ever encountered a heroin/Meth and crack user or even known one? If you did you probably knew very little about what the drugs have become to them. Heroin is one of the most used “hard” drugs in society today. No addict will commit his/herself to rehab even if they hit rock bottom, but when the addict approaches you and tells you, I need help, could you please help me get into rehab? I don't wanna die that's the first step to recovery. Ali, begged not asked for help, he cried for help but rehab is expensive and we as a nonprofit do not have funds nor do we get grants nor were ever granted a grant from anyone for the past 11 years, so I did the honorable thing and reached out my COMMUNITY and created a fundraiser to send 39-year-old Ali to rehab so he can have a chance at life. Ali was an orphan, mom, and dad both passed. For 8 years I took care of him, clothed and fed him, and made sure he never missed a doctor's appointment cause I'm the one who takes him. Ali had no home, and shelters are overcrowded so I converted a tent into a tiny home, on the corner of Petersbourgh in Detroit. Ali, use to call me Imma( Mom) and I felt like his mother, I would check on him at night pick up his laundry come home to wash it, and take it back the following day. The moral of the story, this community will not hesitate to donate thousands to politicians running for office, you post photos of your lavish lifestyles, your mansions, designer bags, sports cars, and vacation homes, but some of you don't think twice before writing a 100 k check to nonprofits just so they can plaster your name and photo on social media. Shame on the community when I posted his fundraiser 3 times, it was at zero, and when I called elected officials seeking help and resources, I never got a callback. When I called people who have money, I get the cold shoulder, shame on you, when I called every Islamic Center in our community, their reply was, we are struggling financially, SHAME ON YOU. Is this post a guilt trip? No, cause some of you have no conscience, you put your conscience to sleep and sold your morals and values for a seat and a check from local scum-bags.This post nothing but putting the blame on all of you and myself because we failed him. Lastly, I even lowered myself and called local nonprofits asking for help, you know the nonprofits you all donate to but never ask where your donations go. I live in this community and lived here all my life, but I am not a part of this community nor do I want to be a part of a community that turns a blind eye and those who need help the most. FYI! Ali died of an overdose. Thank you to my street people for letting me know Ali dis. (fb)

https://www.facebook.com/571998455/posts/10159138939723456/?mibextid=UUgoR4 (fb)