Three years ago, Kim Peters started a tradition to honor the lives of those we have lost to addiction and overdose. With August being Addiction and Overdose Awareness Month, we take time to reflect, remember, and acknowledge the impact addiction has had on so many lives. During class time at Rising Above Kim shares the song Somebody’s Someone by Daphne Willis with our participants, then she asks them to add photos to the wall of their somebody’s someone. These pictures are of siblings, cousins, parents, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends that are no longer with us because of addiction.
As I listen to Somebody's Someone, I'm reminded of the struggles faced by those battling addiction, and the impact it has not only on them but also on their families. People dealing with addiction often carry a heavy stigma, which can make them feel isolated or judged. This song serves as a powerful reminder that they are, somebody's someone — they are loved, cared for, and deeply missed by their family and friends.
I feel both honored and humbled to serve in a ministry that plays a role in making a real difference in the lives of those fighting this battle. Every day, as participants walk through our doors, my prayer is that they experience a sense of belonging and warmth — that they feel loved, welcomed, and supported as they begin their journey toward recovery.
I started at Rising Above 6 months ago. This ministry holds a special place in my heart, as I have lost two cousins to addiction. Both struggled for years in and out of treatment and would get clean then start using again. I was closer to the second cousin, Shawna, I stood at her wedding just a couple years prior. She was doing very well, had been clean for a few years, she had four beautiful children, and was going to church regularly. Shawna was going through a tough custody battle with her ex regarding her oldest son. I knew she was hurting and broken by the situation. When it first happened, I was numb! I couldn’t believe she was gone. I kept thinking what if she had just reached out, could I have talked her down from making the choice that took her. I cried, and prayed, peace came when I realized God has a plan and she is with Him where she is free and not hurting anymore. I still miss her, her laugh, her smile, her big personality. She is my somebody’s someone.
Love from,
Your cousin.
Allison Wiseman
Communications & Front-End Coordinator
Rising Above