The mission of helping families recover – hassteveclarkresignedyet

A San Antonio man is recovering from the longest run of his life. Kenneth Underlitch went to DC and ran to San Antonio, visiting several capitol cities and national parks to spread an important message to parents struggling with addiction; They can beat it.

Anderlich ran 1800 miles disseminate information in partnership with a non-profit organization, A refuge for hope. The organization gives San Antonio families another resource to help make this happen and allows parents to care for their children while they continue to recover from addiction. It is called Families in the recovery period. The program will first receive a referral from child welfare services or a specialist court, then they will be screened and a plan created for their needs. There are residential plans and direct care for families, as well as continued recovery support throughout the program.

“Why not have that opportunity for some people who really just need to make sure they’re with their family as a whole,” he said. “Because that’s all we’ve got, right?”

The mission itself lasted 42 days. Anderlitch traveled with a team of people in extreme conditions and even witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Helen.

“I think Kentucky got hit pretty hard, Tennessee got it pretty hard. I saw several FEMA trucks,” he said.

However, Anderlitch said the trip was worth it after meeting families who shared a similar path.

“It was a reward,” he said. “Not only meeting runners, but also people who were actively involved in rehabilitation and raising children, and fulfill the agreement.”

Anderlitch has dealt with his own personal battle with addiction and advises that people should not struggle alone.

“It wasn’t until I became completely vulnerable that I realized I couldn’t do it alone and I had a problem,” he said. “That sheer honesty I had with myself put me in a place to get help.”

So far, the run has raised nearly $50,000. If you would like to help the new Haven for Hope program, click here here.