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Who We Are
 
We are parents, family members and others working together to improve drug treatment, education, legislation, policy, prevention and recovery. In order to effect positive change in the substance abuse treatment system, we must speak up, speak out, and get involved to change the outcomes for our youth and young adults who face substance abuse issues. We need a voice at the "policy tables" and in decision-making tables regarding our children's treatment and recovery as well as that of the parents and loved ones of those impacted by substance use disorders. 
MOMSTELL envisions a time when substance abuse family involvement is embedded into the treatment plans of individuals, communities, counties, states, tribes and territories as well as within the federal government. We want to see the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction drastically reduced and ultimately eliminated.  Recovery must be within the grasp of every individual who seeks it.  
 
How We Began
 
MOMSTELL  was founded after the tragic death of Sharon Smith LeGore’s daughter Angela to a heroin overdose.  Sharon felt alone in her grief and began to look for other parents who had experienced the death of a child to a drug overdose.  After locating a small group of moms in Pennsylvania, discussions began regarding the needs of families when trying to locate treatment for their child.  The decision was made to create an organization to support and educate other family members like themselves, who had been impacted by the disease of addiction.  It has been a long journey full of learning, caring, sharing and expanding.
 
What We Do
 
MOMSTELL collaborates and partners with other organizations to develop  programs from community programs, to educational webinars and educational programs.
  • Workshops
  • Presentations
  • Educational Programs 
  • The Pastoral Recovery Education Program (PREP).  
  • The Pennsylvania Parent Advisory Council for Substance Abuse Model

Sharon's Thoughts

Our heart and passion for the work of MOMSTELL is to see families helped, lives changed and the hope of recovery become a reality for all who choose it.  This work is a tribute not only to my daughter but to the sons and daughters of all those who were, are, or will be touched by the disease of addiction.
 
In order to effect positive change in the substance abuse treatment system, we must speak up, speak out, and get involved to change the outcomes for our youth and young adults who face substance abuse issues. Our hope is that through MOMSTELL those who need support and education will receive that help. We also hope that others will obtain the tools they need to feel confident enough to get involved in grass roots advocacy for drug and alcohol issues and policies. We need a voice at the "policy tables" and in decision-making tables regarding our children's treatment and recovery as well as that of the parents and loved ones of those impacted by addiction. 
 
Learn about drug addiction, educate yourself on treatment facilities, pick up a pen to write a letter, make a phone call to your local policy makers or call or write to your local Representative or Senator.  Educating your policy makers and legislators about what is happening in their local districts regarding addiction is critical.  We can make an impact on treatment, recovery, education, policy-making and legislation by just getting involved at whatever level we can!