Documenting Hope for Substance Abuse in WV

As you may know, I have been working on the "Substance Abuse Initiative" of the WV Council of Churches for the past several months. The main thrust of that work has been to facilitate formal Listening Events all across West Virginia around the issue of substance abuse. This work has been in response to the fact that West Virginia has the highest overdose rate IN THE NATION! It is a serious crisis which has touched everyone in our state.

Having talked with hundreds of people about substance abuse, a few main issues have emerged. One that has consistently surfaced is the stigma which surrounds addicts, people in recovery, and their families. The way they are viewed by their communities, churches, and society in general keeps them from finding support, care, jobs, and basic acceptance as a human being. One of the best ways to battle that stigma is to give them a voice and bring hope to the situation: to put a face on the lives of those that have been devastated by this terrible disease. One of the best ways to do this is through video documentary.

We have several video documentary projects planned for the coming months which will bring awareness and hope to this situation and hopefully help tear down the walls of stigma surrounding our loved ones, neighbors, and friends. I have the creativity and ability to put these projects together. What I don't have is the basic tool for video creation: a camera. I also lack the resources to purchase one. That is where YOU come in.

I am raising money to purchase a camera to make these projects a reality. My goal is $2500, which will go toward the purchase of a modern DSLR camera and lens. This is critical to creating professional level results. The camera will be capable of shooting still images and video, which will help tell stories in effective and creative ways. The substance abuse crisis deserves the best help we can provide.

At this point, I need to give full disclosure. The money raised in this campaign will be donated to me personally. The camera I purchase will become my personal property that will then be used on the projects described above. Due to issues of policy and legality, this seemed like the best route to take. Just thought you should know before you invest in me and this project.

I want to thank you for your support as we Document Hope for Substance Abuse in WV. Whatever you can give will be MUCH appreciated!!