Pictured is Georgene Steffan at the Walmart in Lakewood.

On April 20, the Cope Foundation 19 held an event at the Lakewood Walmart. The event allowed the organization to get the word out to the South County about the devastating impact of addictions and on our children.

“Our time there was emotional and eventful,” organizers said.

“We met several families with horrific stories which they have experienced individually. We also met so many beautiful people who choose to volunteer with Cope for the cause. Our greatest experience was when a man spoke of the recent statistics of fatality in the south county. The numbers have decreased slightly and that only means one thing, progress is working in our favor.

“This is a fight that will never stop. Cope Foundation began reaching out to local organizations in the south county for support and partnerships. Currently we have begun serving a couple of families in Jamestown. With the support of local businesses and families, we will direct out attention in the south county as well as North county. We are always accepting financial support along with physical support.”

Bill Matteson, founder, shared this story.

“On a cold Friday evening at 11:30 p.m., I received a call from my son Justin. It was Jan. 4, 2019. Justin wanted to tell me how much he loved and respected me and that he wants to be like me. Those words are not unusual. He would say this often.

“He vented about not being able to see his son who just turned 10 years old that day. His ex-girlfriend refused to allow Justin to speak with his Son. Justin loves his children so much. Not realizing these would be the last words I will ever hear from my little boy again. When the sun arose, I got the worst call ever. I was notified that Justin is dead.

“In disbelief, I got in the car and drove to his home. There were several Police officers and medics. After pacing the ground, I was approached by the officers and the local Police Chief. I was asked if I would like to go inside and see my son? They warned me that this is not going to be easy. It never truly hit me until I saw my baby boy lying lifeless on the floor. He had a gentle smile and a warm face.

” At this exact moment, I screamed hysterically and fell onto my sons still body. I begged him to wake up. I pounded on his chest and screamed. I then cried an ocean of tears releasing a wave of emotions unlike any that I have ever experienced. Now realizing my son is gone. Forever!

“The sadness and mourning of my child is and was horrendously painful. But I realized the grandchildren have no father now. They knew and saw their father often. The children have been separated from any contact with me, the grandfather. I refused to allow this, so I filed and was granted Grandparents rights. I will always keep their daddy’s memory alive.

“So now we have the C.O.P.E. Foundation To help all children struggling with all of the emotions of grief, mourning and family separation.

“A special thanks to our children, clients, families and parents who volunteered through this horribly windy freezing day.”