Mission for Marcus

A Message From Our Founders:

At “Mission for Marcus”, we believe that we need to change the way we treat substance use disorder, addiction and the underlying mental health issues that fuel this epidemic.  Through education and awareness, directed at understanding that this is a chronic, treatable disease and not a moral failing, we can stomp out the stigma that keeps so many people and their families who struggle from seeking the help they deserve. 

We target our programing and events to young people with a heavy emphasis on High School and Middle School.  We are hopeful that this generation can be the change agents to build a future where those touched by this disease don’t experience any shame or stigma!  

~Mark & Teresa Kaplan, Co-founders of Mission for Marcus

Where The Funds Go

Proceeds from the funds raised have gone to support:

1. Two $1000 Scholarships per year to graduating seniors at Bethlehem Central High School pursuing a career in addiction care or mental health.
2. Annual support for “Day of Awareness” Events at local High Schools. Breaking the cycle of Stigma in conjunction with a talk by a nationally recognized motivational speaker who candidly shared their story of addiction and their subsequent resilience & recovery
   • Also provided a community/family program in the evening after the high school event
3. We’ve completed Middle School Awareness programs featuring a national speaker who addresses the larger group followed by individual breakouts to provide a more intimate discussion for 8^th grade students.
   • These events are followed by an evening parent/community program.
   • Additionally, we’ve conducted age-appropriate wellness programs in Elementary as well as the, Middle & High School to effectively reach all levels of the communities school district. “An Apple A Day” Program is a nationally acclaimed provide in collaboration with the Addiction Care Center of Albany (ACCA)
4. Support for Addiction Care Center of Albany Addiction and Family Support Program
   • ACCA’s Addiction and Recovery Family Support Navigators guide, educate and support individuals and families in Albany County struggling with addiction issues by assisting them in communicating their loved one’s history and current needs appropriately and guiding them through the addiction treatment and recovery process. 
5. Supported, financially, activities by students focused on Awareness, and Stigma through the BCHS Student Senate. (S.A.D.D. & newly formed Herren Club)
6. Coordinated 1^st of many Narcan Training for Bethlehem Community (11/14 at the Bethlehem Public Library)
7. Support ACCA:
   • Annual Scholarship for CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor)
   • “Families on The Path To Recovery” Event for families and those in recovery.
8. Supported Capital District Recovery Center (CDRC):
   • Woman In Recovery Workshop– Addressing Women with Trama and the associated Stigmas affecting them.

We continue to look for opportunities to educate and create awareness
in our community to break the Stigma related to
substance use disorders & underlying Mental Health issues.