Ready to do something about addiction? Meet Mission YP.

It feels like addiction is everywhere. Many of us have family members or friends who have struggled with addiction, and sadly, some of us know people who have lost their lives to addiction. In North Carolina in particular, we’ve seen fatal drug overdoses hit record levels over the past few years. In 2014, the rate of overdoses in North Carolina was as high as 16 deaths per 100,000 residents.

These devastating addiction statistics call for action. That’s where Charlotte Rescue Mission comes in.

Charlotte Rescue Mission is a local nonprofit transforming the lives of men and women struggling with addiction, poverty, and hopelessness—all with the goal of returning them to society as productive, self-sufficient citizens.

“Charlotte Rescue Mission provides access to services that are often reserved for those with money or insurance,” said Brittany Jenkins, Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Charlotte Rescue Mission. “I can see the direct impact of the work every morning when I walk through the door.”

After noticing more people under the age of 40 engaging with this mission (through volunteering, attending events, donating and even coming to the doors asking for help with addictions), the organization realized that it was time to develop a community for these young professionals.

And thus, Mission YP was born.

Mission YP is a group for young professionals who have been touched by—or want to help individuals affected by—addiction, poverty and homelessness.

Through Mission YP, young professionals connect to Charlotte Rescue Mission’s goal of helping people struggling with addiction achieve long-term sobriety, find employment and stable housing, and restore and build healthy relationships.

“We hope to show the multi-faceted reality of addiction while destigmatizing and humanizing the disease and offering a tangible way for young professionals to help,” said Rachel Adams, Communication and Events Specialist at Charlotte Rescue Mission.

By joining Mission YP, you’ll also be able to meet other young professionals that are leaving a lasting impression on the Queen City.

Charlotte Rescue Mission is celebrating the launch of Mission YP with a mixer on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.—particularly timely, given that October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. Attendees will get to learn more about what Charlotte Rescue Mission does, check out one of the organization’s rehabilitation facilities, meet other young professionals, and enjoy some free food.

If you’re interested in learning more about Charlotte Rescue Mission or about Mission YP, you can check out the organization’s website at http://charlotterescuemission.org.

Photos: Alicia Thomas

This story was originally published October 3, 2017 at 10:23 PM with the headline "Ready to do something about addiction? Meet Mission YP.."