Our FY 2024 Annual Report is Here!
At Herren Project, we believe in the transformative power of connection, community, and compassion. This year, your support has made a remarkable difference in the lives of individuals and families facing addiction. We are thrilled to share our FY 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the incredible strides we’ve made together to build a stronger, addiction-free future.
A Message from Our Executive Director
“As we reflect on the accomplishments of this past year, I am reminded that the heart of our mission lies in the people we serve and the supporters who make this work possible. Together, we’ve offered hope, healing, and a sense of belonging to countless individuals and families. This report is a testament to the power of community and the belief that no one walks this journey alone.” — Bonnie Sawyer, Executive Director
The Power of Community
At the heart of our work lies the belief that no one faces addiction alone. Our community of ambassadors, partners, and supporters is the driving force behind the waves of change we create.
Youth and Adult Ambassadors: Leading with Purpose
- 12 Youth Ambassadors in grades 9-12 served as positive role models, promoting substance-free lifestyles and creating ripples of change in their communities. Led by Brady, a former Youth Ambassador and our Youth Engagement Specialist, this program inspires a new generation of leaders.
- 26 Adult Ambassadors engaged in transformative efforts, from running with Team Herren Project to championing Wellness Week with Herren and creating impactful initiatives in their local areas. They also raised over $40,000 as a group.
Nelson B., Adult Ambassador: “It is an honor to be a Herren Project Ambassador as it provides me the opportunity to share resources and stories that can open the door for someone seeking recovery. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to start them on their journey.”
Wellness Week with Herren: Uniting Communities Nationwide
This March, we celebrated our 5th annual Wellness Week with Herren, bringing together over 26,000 people and 115 partners across 30 states. Schools, businesses, and families participated in activities promoting well-being, connection, and substance misuse prevention.
Team Herren Project: A Decade of Impact
Our Team Herren Project community marked 10 years of raising awareness and breaking the stigma. Over the past decade, more than 1,300 teammates have raised $5 million, helping to expand recovery and prevention services. In FY 2024 alone, 227 teammates raised $746,736, contributing to life-changing opportunities for individuals and families.
Erin M., 2024 Boston Marathon Teammate: “I run with Herren Project because recovery saved my life, and I want to give back. Everyone deserves treatment, stable housing, and family support. Herren Project believes in community and connection, and together, we’re stronger in this fight.”
Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Recovery & Prevention
Addiction impacts all demographics, yet access to care is not always equitable. At Herren Project, we are committed to addressing these disparities by making our services inclusive, accessible, and culturally sensitive.
- Breaking Barriers: All our programs and services are provided free of charge, removing financial barriers to recovery.
- Understanding Needs: Since April 2022, we’ve collected optional, anonymous demographic data to better understand and serve our diverse communities.
- Living Our Values: We continuously assess our work through the lens of equity and inclusion, ensuring our resources are safe, welcoming, and relevant to individuals from all backgrounds.
Your Support in Action: Program Highlights
- 569 individuals received treatment options tailored to their needs.
- 197 scholarships provided access to recovery housing and coaching.
- 90% success rate: Participants reached their 90-day sobriety milestone.
Kendall T.: “Being in a house surrounded by other women makes me want to work harder, so that one day I can help other women in recovery.”
- 1,100 family members joined support groups.
- 3,503 active members found solace in connection and shared experiences.
- 28 online family support groups, including grief and recovery support.
Angie H.: “Losing a loved one to addiction is a different kind of loss. Herren Project’s grief groups helped me navigate the darkest times in my life. I am forever grateful for their support.”
- 3,108 students participated in Herren Project Clubs across 259 schools in 39 states.
- 93% of members reported opportunities to make a positive impact in their community.
- 7 Youth and teen Mental Health First Aid courses were facilitated, certifying 43 adults and 26 teens.
John Hinton, Club Advisor: “Herren Project Club has created a space where students learn the value of communication and coping skills. The message of ‘being true to oneself’ has resonated with the entire student body.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we celebrate these milestones, we know there is more work to be done, and we are more inspired than ever to continue this vital work. Your support fuels our mission, and as we plan for the year ahead, we need your help to ensure we can reach even more individuals and families in 2025.
This season of giving, please consider making an end-of-year donation to support our programs and services. Every dollar helps us extend hope, connection, and resources to those who need them most.
👉 Download the FY 2024 Annual Report
👉 Make an End-of-Year Donation
Together, we are creating a legacy of resilience and recovery. Thank you for believing in this mission and standing with us every step of the way.
