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Some people look around and say that something should be done and some people roll up their sleeves and get it done.

Jason Ijames and his SAFE family are people who get it done.

When Jason’s life-long friend died in June 2016 due to drug addiction, Ijames decided to do something to honor his friend and help others to overcome the struggle of substance abuse. The Substance Abuse Family Education program was born.

A skilled team practically fell out of the sky (like superheroes), assembled their strengths, and held their first meeting in February of 2017.

Addiction to substances and/or behavioral afflictions can affect any individual, from any walk of life. Even family and neighbors in this small community can be ravished by the darkness, he said. The struggles know no financial or social boundaries.

The SAFE program seeks to provide support to members of the community who are afflicted and/or affected by substance abuse, behavior afflictions, and/or domestic violence issues and is offering light and hope to anyone who comes their way.

SAFE is based on the SMART Recovery system and is a life tools approach that focuses on recognizing, facing, and coping with the daily struggles of life. The tools are helpful to anyone who is looking for a positive approach to overcoming the stressors of life and provides a course of action to overcome and succeed. SAFE members become part of a supporting, loving family that are willing to encourage everyone to become a superhero, Ijames said. “All are welcome at SAFE.”

Ijames and his team are planning to open a SAFE house that will provide many additional services to the community. They want to provide counseling, classrooms, job application assistance, life skills assistance, spiritual support, and more to the community.

Help make this dream a reality.

SAFE will hold a Superhero Gala on Saturday, May 11 at 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center in Mocksville to raise money, provide education, and celebrate member graduation.

For information on how to help, contact Ijames at 336-970-8571.

“Don’t just talk about it. Be a superhero and make it happen,” Ijames said.