Kelli Richardson Lawson - Handling Child Addiction Challenges Through Her "Sonrise Project"

Kelli Richardson Lawson - Handling Child Addiction Challenges Through Her "Sonrise Project"

Kelli Richardson Lawson is a name you might recognize from her Emmy Award-winning work and her leadership at JOY Collective, a Black and woman-owned marketing agency. But behind the accolades and business success lies a deeply personal and challenging journey. When her eldest son, a promising student and athlete, was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, Kelli and her husband were thrown into a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties.

Things took a darker turn when they discovered their son was experimenting with marijuana, sparking a desperate search for solutions and support. In this episode of 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return', Kelli opens up about her family's struggle with her son's addiction and how it led to the creation of The Sunrise Project. This non-profit organization aims to support families dealing with mental health and addiction issues.

Kelli candidly discusses the stigma surrounding addiction in the Black community, the parental challenges they faced, and the critical role of community support. She emphasizes that getting someone into recovery often starts with getting them to agree to treatment—a hurdle many parents know all too well. Listeners will also get a glimpse into Kelli's professional life and the success of JOY Collective, which has been recognized for its impactful campaigns like Dove's The CROWN Act.

But more importantly, they'll hear about the mission and services of The Sunrise Project, which provides a lifeline for families in crisis. Kelli's story is one of resilience, hope, and the unyielding love of a mother fighting for her child's future.