This is Aidan.

This is Aidan.

His mother, Patty Ellison, joined the Almost Home family at the end of 2018 with a mission to remove the stigma from addiction.

Patty wanted to offer services to those struggling with addiction, as well as their loved ones. Without judgment.

And she wanted to save lives.

Patty lost Aidan to an opioid overdose on December 6th, 2017. He was just 22 years old.

Since joining Almost Home, Patty has trained and certified over 400 individuals in the use of naloxone in the event of an opioid overdose emergency.

Through her training, at least ten lives have been saved.

Still more have entered detox and rehabilitation services, moved on to sober living and have been successful.

Patty has built relationships with organizations and programs to expand our network.

The Guildhaus in Blue Island is able to provide needed items to new residents through our Loaves and Fishes closet. Clothing, shoes, towels, pillows, personal hygiene items, and so much more.

She also set up a closet for the OUD team at Christ Hospital.

Because of Patty's dedication, Almost Home is a state-certified Drug Overdose Prevention Program, or DOPP.

Patty works non-stop to secure naloxone where she can so that we can arm as many as we can with this life-saving drug. From police departments, through grants, from anyone who is willing to give.

And today, there is one shining light - progress.

Progress toward Patty's dream of stigma free services and widespread access to naloxone.

Because everyone deserves a second chance.

Even if it's their tenth second chance.

Naloxone saves lives.

And the only thing it "enables" - is breathing.