Collegiate Recovery Community Receives Children’s Foundation Grant
August 16, 2022
East Lansing, Mich., August 16, 2022— The Children’s Foundation and the Jamie Daniels Foundation jointly awarded Michigan State University’s Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) a grant for $45,085 to improve outcomes for students navigating recovery from substance use disorder.
The Children’s Foundation President and CEO Lawrence J. Burns said the grant reflects both organizations’ dedication to improving children’s health and wellness in Michigan.
“The Children’s Foundation and the Jamie Daniels Foundation are committed to helping students recover from substance use disorder and stay in school,” said Burns. “Every student deserves a chance to experience college — to graduate, enter into a field, and begin a career they have been dreaming of for years.”
CRC Coordinator Dawn Kepler said the grant will advance engagement opportunities and resources for students in recovery and their families, in addition to funding a live-in recovery housing support specialist student position. The grant will also contribute to the development of the Jamie Daniels Memorial Scholarship endowment fund. Named after a former MSU student who lost his life to substance use disorder after graduation, the endowment will provide sustained academic and financial support for students in recovery at MSU in Jamie’s memory.
Beyond student support, the grant will also provide critical resources that increase visibility of substance use challenges, address stigma and promote recovery to families, allies, and the broader recovery community with a large-scale CRC Sober Tailgate and a CRC Friends and Family Day.
“Students in the CRC, with the critical support of organizations like The Children’s Foundation and Jamie Daniels Foundation, have overcome many obstacles to become some of the most successful students on campus,” said Kepler. “We are so proud of our students for all they have achieved so far and grateful to the many people and organizations who have given time and donations to help them along the way.”
Peer support is among the top predictors of a young person’s ability to maintain sobriety.
Anyone interested in showing their support for students in recovery are invited to attend the CRC National Recovery Walk and Celebration 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 14 at MSU’s Demonstration Hall Field (229 Dem Hall Road, East Lansing). The free event is open to students, faculty, staff and community members.
In 2018, MSU became the first university in Michigan to offer on-campus recovery housing, which features live-in peer support, 24-hour access to the Collegiate Recovery Lounge, academic resources and organized activities. The CRC also hosts sober events and peer support meetings, welcoming students in recovery and those who choose not to use alcohol or other substances.
For more information about the CRC — or to make a donation — visit healthpromotion.msu.edu/recovery.
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About the Michigan State University Collegiate Recovery Community
The Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) provides a safe and supportive campus community in which students in recovery from a substance use disorder can achieve their academic, personal and professional goals. Through recovery planning support, Recovery Housing, well-being workshops, social events, education and community service opportunities, the CRC and its services empower students to enjoy the college experience — free from alcohol and other drugs. To learn more about the CRC, visit heathpromotion.msu.edu/recovery.
About The Children’s Foundation
The Children’s Foundation is a premier foundation focused on the health and well-being of the children of Michigan and their families by working in collaboration with other organizations in the community. By listening to community needs The Foundation responds by mobilizing and enhancing resources through innovative partnerships and funding models. Since 2011, the Foundation has distributed more than 80 million dollars in grant funding to more than 160 partners throughout the state. Current initiatives of The Children’s Foundation include Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, The Jamie Daniels Foundation, First Tee - Greater Detroit and the Paul W. Smith Charities. Current areas of focus for the Foundation include mental health, nutritional wellness, abuse and neglect, oncology and cardiology research, injury prevention and youth development. Learn more at www.YourChildrensFoundation.org.
About the Jamie Daniels Foundation
In 2018, Ken Daniels and Lisa Daniels-Goldman established the Jamie Daniels Foundation in honor of their late son, Jamie, who died from an overdose at the age of 23 while receiving treatment for a Substance Use Disorder. Despite the support of his family, Jamie’s life was tragically lost due to substandard care and the predatory practices that exist in the billion-dollar substance use recovery business. Their hope is to save others’ lives by providing education, resources, guidance and support to those struggling with substance use or know someone who is. The Children’s Foundation is dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of children and families. Learn more at www.JamieDanielsFoundation.org.
Media Contact
Elizabeth Carr, Marketing & Communications Manager
Student Health and Wellness
carreli2@msu.edu