A new organization called FACT (Fayette And Coweta Together) has partnered with non-profits Drug Free Fayette and Coweta Force to bring former NBA star Chris Herren to present to students at all high schools in the two counties. The group is raising money to make the events a reality and they need your help.

Chris Herren was a McDonald’s All-American basketball player in high school and was pursued by every major college in the country. He began his collegiate career at Boston College but was expelled in the first semester for drug and alcohol use. Under the watchful eye of coaches, he completed college at Fresno State, playing his sport well enough to be drafted into the NBA. But his drug and alcohol use caught up with him, and he soon found himself unemployed and on the street.  Having overdosed twice and feeling he was a complete failure, Chris contemplated suicide. Instead, he got on his knees and, for the first time, prayed to God to end his obsession. That was on August 1, 2008 and he hasn’t had a drug or a drink since.

As Chris reviewed his life, he realized that his wayward ways began in high school.  Smoking blunts in the woods and drinking beer in red Solo cups in basements seemed harmless at the time but led him to lose his direction, career, and nearly his life. Herren has dedicated his sobriety to speaking to high school students, not only about the dangers of drugs and alcohol but about bullying, self-harm, and the value of a virtuous path of compassion, courage, and being a positive influence to fellow classmates.

Mike LaTella, the owner of LifeSwitch Addiction Counseling in Peachtree City, is a founding member of FACT.

“When you witness Chris Herren speaking to these teenagers, you can hear a pin drop,” Mr. LaTella said. “Chris has a way of getting past the minutiae of social media popularity and other misplaced priorities of these young adults and reaches into their hearts. It is amazing the impact he has on his audience.”

“When you witness Chris Herren speaking to these teenagers, you can hear a pin drop,” Mr. Chris has a way of getting past the minutiae of social media popularity and other misplaced priorities of these young adults and reaches into their hearts. It is amazing the impact he has on his audience.” – Mike LaTella

Hank Arnold, founder and president of Coweta Force agrees.

“In our current culture, substance use, as well as other destructive lifestyle patterns, are on the rise for students and young adults,” Mr. Arnold said. “They have greater access than ever before to dangerous, mind-altering substances. There is an endless stream of persuasive content on social media pushing the next generation in the wrong direction while businesses create marketing strategies to entice them to want their branded alcohol and nicotine products. It is time to shed some light on the topics that have historically remained in the dark. I am excited about what Chris Herren will bring to our students and communities.”

Project director Tara Hannon of Drug Free Fayette adds that there will also be two community presentations, one in Coweta and one in Fayette, for parents and others to attend.

“Research consistently shows that drug and alcohol use prevention work best with a community-based approach,” Ms. Hannon explains. “The Chris Herren events will help ensure that teenagers, parents, and the community are all equipped with the knowledge and tools for success.”

“This is a great way for local businesses, big and small, to showcase their investment in the community. We are losing too many young lives to drugs and alcohol. We have a commitment on the dates from Herren’s organization and commitment from the school systems and all eight high schools in the two counties to host the events.  But we have to have the community’s support to make it happen.”  – Mike LaTella

Individual donations for any amount can be made on the FACT website at www.FACT4Future.org. Businesses can choose from several levels of sponsorship, from $500 and up. Each level brings a broader spectrum of advertising benefits, including display ads in the over 14K programs that will be handed out to every attendee at every event and logos on banners at entrances and on stage. Top sponsors will be thanked at the beginning of each presentation. Business sponsors can donate on the website or get more details by contacting Tara at 470-651-6374 or TaraHannon@fayettefactor.org.

“This is a great way for local businesses, big and small, to showcase their investment in the community. We are losing too many young lives to drugs and alcohol,”  LaTella added.   “We have a commitment on the dates from Herren’s organization and commitment from the school systems and all eight high schools in the two counties to host the events.  But we have to have the community’s support to make it happen.”