(5-27-23) So begins Brianna’s Prayer…

“Please, Lord, look after me and my family. Please help me to do the right thing and to show people that I am not a bad person inside or out…”

The prayer is recited at  meetings of “A Better Life—Brianna’s Hope (ABLBH) better known simply as Brianna’s Hope. Brianna DiBattiste disappeared on June 16, 2014. Her body was found three months later on September 1. She had overdosed. Pastor Randy Davis performed her memorial service. Having spent a considerable amount of time with Brianna’s family while they waited for news, he learned a lot about her nature. It inspired him to create Brianna’s Hope, a support and recovery group for those battling addiction.

Speakers Dean Bachelor and Bonnie Vorhees discussed this faith-based nonprofit at a recent Celina Kiwanis meeting. Team Hope members include not only clergy and volunteers but also recovering addicts. Brianna’s Hope provides many services besides support and recovery meetings. There are free meals at each meeting. To help with support, participants are encouraged to invite family or friends to these meals. They also provide speakers for schools, church organizations, and other interested groups. They provide treatment assistance and resourcing. The group has financially assisted those who’ve rejoined the work force and need work clothing or gas money. A wide array of services is needed for those ready to break with their past. The first meeting of Brianna’s Hope had 22 people. Now it has grown into a nonprofit with 45 chapters in Indiana and 8 in Ohio.

For more information about Brianna’s Hope, find them on Facebook at ABetterLifeBriannasHope or email them at info@ablbh.org