Thanks to a new partnership between Families Against Narcotics (FAN) and the Van Buren Township Police Department, people who are seeking treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction will now have a convenient, local option for accessing the help they need.

FAN, a Macomb County-based nonprofit that compassionately assists individuals and families affected by substance use disorder (SUD), is excited to announce its Hope Not Handcuffs initiative in Van Buren Township.

One of FAN’s most successful programs, Hope Not Handcuffs is designed to give people who are struggling with SUD a safe and easy way to access help – by visiting their local police station. The program’s concept is simple: Any person who is battling a substance use disorder can go to a participating agency and say they want help. They will be greeted with support, compassion and respect, and one of FAN’s trained volunteer “angels” will be dispatched to meet them.

The angel will then contact FAN’s call center and work with them to get the individual placed into treatment. In addition, program participants will be connected with peer support services, and their families will be offered family support services.

Since its inception in February of 2017, Hope Not Handcuffs (HNH) has been implemented at 140 law enforcement agencies and community partners across Michigan, and has connected people to addiction treatment resources more than 11,300 times.

“The Van Buren Township Police Department is always watching for innovative partnerships that further the quality of life for our residents, and Hope Not Handcuffs is a great fit,” said Chief Jason Wright. “Together we can make a difference in someone’s life. Compassion and forward thinking can pave the way to positive change.”


Volunteers needed!

The Hope Not Handcuffs initiative depends on volunteer angels to help it run smoothly, and the program needs people in the Van Buren Township area to fill that role. Program Director Kim Baffo stressed the importance of volunteering.

“Becoming a Hope Not Handcuffs angel is an effective way to assist our communities in becoming healthier and reducing drug and alcohol addiction,” she said. “Together we can help change perceptions and facilitate positive change.”

Baffo added that the schedule for volunteers is very flexible and the work is “incredibly rewarding.”

For more information on becoming a volunteer angel or to register for an upcoming training session, go to familiesagainstnarcotics.org/hopenothandcuffs-angel, email hnh@familiesagainstnarcotics.org, or call 833-202-HOPE (4673).