ADRIAN — Face Addiction Now, a Michigan nonprofit organization founded in 2007, is teaming up with law enforcement in Lenawee County to bring hope to people who struggle with substance use and want to find recovery.

Since launching in February 2017, FAN’s “Hope Not Handcuffs” program has compassionately connected nearly 13,000 people statewide with the resources necessary to find recovery from addiction.

The Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office and Adrian Police Department have now joined forces with FAN to bring “Hope Not Handcuffs” to Lenawee County.

The idea is that anyone struggling with addiction can walk into either the sheriff’s office or the Adrian Police Department and ask for help without fearing arrest.  They will be greeted with support, compassion, and respect, and one of FAN’s trained “Angels” will provide them with support and resources.

“We can’t keep doing the things that we’re doing and expect a different result,” Lenawee County Sheriff Troy Bevier said at a July 10 event launching the program in Lenawee County.

“If somebody has an addiction problem and they need help, I don’t want them in my jail if all they have is an addiction problem,” he added.

The program is currently seeking volunteer “Angels” in Lenawee County.

“By volunteering as an Angel, people can assist fellow community members who are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction find recovery and get a fresh start on life,” program director Kim Baffo stated.

The program is offered at no cost to the participating law enforcement agencies.

For information about how to train as a volunteer, click here.