Photo courtesy of Lisa Bright.
Will Bright Foundation
Lisa Bright started the Will Bright Foundation in honor of her son, who died of a drug overdose at 25. The foundation is working to create a home for addicts to learn job skills and break their addictions.
Lisa Bright’s story hasn’t gone like she thought it would.
“Our story is that our son, Will, died of a heroin overdose at 25,” she said. “He battled addiction on and off for about eight years. He would always do well at places like the Foundry. But then when he got out, there was never a situation that was a good next step.”
And her desire is for others to never find themselves in that same spot.
So these days her story and Will’s legacy — the Will Bright Foundation — are working to provide a home where those completing rehab can find purpose and a fresh start at normal life.
“Our foundation is trying to provide that next step — a house that will be safe but a little more freedom than the bubble that presents itself when you’re in a rehab situation,” Bright said.
“Since we started the foundation, we have been able to provide scholarships for more than 75 people to get into the Foundry. But we want to keep growing and create a place for people who need somewhere to go next.”
Nothing about the Will Bright House will be a “halfway house” but rather a place where people can hone life skills and get a fresh start.
“It will give them one more little extra chance to get it right when they start again,” she said. “We just want to give back, because this is something near and dear to our hearts.”
Right now the foundation is working on securing the right house in the Birmingham area, one that can house three people and a mentor.
“We are starting with that — starting small — but our plan is to be even bigger than that with time,” Bright said.
And in order to raise funds for the Will Bright House, the foundation is holding the Breaking All Barriers breakfast Nov. 3, 7-9 a.m. at Vestavia Country Club with featured speaker Mike Royer, a longtime local Emmy Award-winning broadcaster.
Addiction is “such an epidemic around the whole town,” said Amy Royer, who serves on the foundation’s board of directors and whose husband, Mike is the featured speaker at the benefit breakfast.
“It’s all walks of life from every part of town. It’s not just over the mountain — it’s everywhere. It’s horrible,” Amy Royer said.
Many people are touched by addiction, but many are also embarrassed to talk about it, she said.
“But talking about it is the only way people are going to get help.”
The Will Bright Foundation wants to help inform the conversation and help people get back on their feet.
All are welcome at the benefit breakfast for the Will Bright House, but reservations are requested. For more information or to make reservations, visit willbrightfoundation.com/breaking-all-barriers-breakfast.
Breaking All Barriers breakfast
benefiting the Will Bright Foundation
- Nov. 3, 7-9 a.m.
- Vestavia Country Club
- willbrightfoundation.com/breaking-all-barriers-breakfast
