Two determined moms come together to address youth substance use with the CLOSE Community

Two determined moms come together to address youth substance use with the CLOSE Community

Healing Voices Project: Sharing Stories of Addiction, Grief, Recovery and Courage.

Two determined moms come together to address youth substance use with the CLOSE Community. Amy Higgins and Chris Rich, from two completely different backgrounds, find a common cause that led to a close friendship, and their work with the CLOSE Community organization.

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28:4515 Sept 2023

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United for Change: Two Moms Tackle Youth Substance Use

Episode Overview

  • Amy and Chris, two determined moms, share their personal journeys and involvement in the CLOSE Community
  • The CLOSE Community, aiming to reduce youth substance use, leads impactful initiatives and periodic meetings
  • Amy's 31 years of sobriety and Chris's commitment to being a role model without alcohol showcase the tangible impact of their involvement
  • Their combined experiences as a life coach, podcaster, and professional in employee well-being equip them to bring valuable insights to the CLOSE Community
  • Their commitment to the cause reflects their strength, resilience, and compassion, making them inspiring figures in the fight against substance abuse
I think of a coach as someone, it's kind of like an extra set of eyes. So we get in our problems, all of us, and we just see what's right in front of us. And a coach can help you kind of look at things from a different perspective, not to say, you should do this or you should say this.

What happens when two moms from completely different backgrounds come together for a common cause? You get Amy Higgins and Chris Rich, who have joined forces to address youth substance use through the CLOSE Community. Amy, the Director of Employee Well-Being at MassMutual, has a deeply personal connection to this mission, having been a 'sober student' herself and dealing with alcoholism in her family.

Chris, on the other hand, brings a unique perspective as a certified life coach and podcast host who grew up in the Church of Latter-day Saints and experienced culture shock upon moving to Western Mass. Despite their different upbringings, these two women have found common ground and formed a close friendship, united by their passion for reducing youth substance use.

Through the CLOSE Community, they meet quarterly to brainstorm and implement strategies aimed at raising awareness and preventing substance abuse among young people. Their work is not just about meetings and plans; it's about making a real difference in their community. Amy's 31 years of sobriety and Chris's dedication to being a role model without relying on alcohol show the tangible impact of their efforts.

They bring a wealth of experience from their professional lives—Amy in employee well-being and Chris in life coaching—which enriches their approach to tackling this critical issue. If you're looking for a story of strength, resilience, and genuine commitment to a cause, this episode of the Healing Voices Project is a must-listen. You'll hear how Amy and Chris are turning their personal experiences into powerful advocacy, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people in their community.

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