GRATIOT COUNTY - Support - Face Addiction Now

GRATIOT COUNTY

Welcome

Gratiot County is a wonderful place to live, but like many areas across the country, it faces challenges with substance use. This issue has a significant impact on individuals and families. While the rural nature of Gratiot County is appreciated by many, it also means that resources, services, and funding are more limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. The reduction in in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic only worsened this shortage. Support for families affected by substance use is scarce, and the close-knit nature of the community makes it even more difficult for individuals and families to seek help. Overcoming the stigma surrounding substance use remains a major barrier to accessing necessary resources and support.

Information

The goal of the Gratiot FAN chapter is to support individuals and families impacted by substance use, offering the reassurance that they are not alone. The chapter seeks to provide help, save lives, and reduce the barriers that prevent people from accessing support.

The local response from law enforcement, mental health professionals, the judiciary, and business leaders has been exceptional. The speed at which the program has developed since the initial discussions has been remarkable. In the spring of 2023, Alan Gatlin, recently retired from Alma College, began seeking ways to contribute to the community he has called home for over 20 years. Alan connected with Chief Overla from the Alma Police Department, Kalin Greene, the Director of Problem-Solving Courts, and Prosecutor Laura Bever. All three responded quickly, motivated by their firsthand experiences with the effects of addiction, and a shared understanding of how challenging it can be to find help due to the stigma associated with substance use.

The working group quickly grew to include Judge Barkman, Undersheriff Sopocy (now Gratiot County Commissioner Sopocy), and other professionals from law enforcement, mental health, and business sectors. The group evolved into an 11-member board of directors, with over a dozen volunteers joining the advisory group. In November 2023, Gratiot County launched Hope Not Handcuffs, and in the spring of 2024, will begin sponsoring monthly Family Forums.

The group has been supported and inspired by the directors of FAN and Hope Not Handcuffs, as well as Phil Pavona from Ingham County-Okemos FAN.

FORUMS

In-Person

GRATIOT COUNTY

In-Person Monthly Meeting

3rd Monday of the Month 6:30 pm

Meeting Address

St. Louis City Hall 300 N. Mill St. St. Louis, MI 48880

All are welcome to attend
(Children 10 and older please)

DIRECTIONS

St. Louis City Hall 300 N. Mill St. St. Louis, MI 48880

gratiot@faceaddictionnow.org

EXECUTIVE BOARD

HON. CORI E. BARKMAN

President

The Hon. Cori Barkman has served as a Circuit Court judge in the 29th Circuit Court since April 2021. Previously, she worked as a trial attorney for the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Now, she focuses on managing the felony drug treatment court and supporting families impacted by substance use.

ALAN GATLIN

Vice President

Alan Gatlin played a pivotal role in bringing FAN and Hope Not Handcuffs to Gratiot County. A retired Senior VP and COO of Alma College, Alan brings over 30 years of executive experience and is deeply passionate about supporting those facing addiction challenges.

EMILY RAYBURN

Secretary

Emily Rayburn is the Program Director at the Child Advocacy for Gratiot County Substance and Suicide Prevention Program. A graduate of Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), Emily joined the Gratiot FAN board to support individuals and families navigating challenging circumstances.

CURTIS DANCER

Treasurer

Curtis Dancer is the Finance Director and Treasurer for Alma. He is a strong supporter of FAN, particularly the Hope Not Handcuffs initiative. A lifelong Gratiot County resident, Curtis is actively involved in various community organizations and sees FAN as a crucial resource for supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.

BOARD MEMBERS

CHIEF KENDRA OVERLA

Treasurer

Kendra Overla serves as Chief of Police for Alma. A Gratiot County native and graduate of Delta College and Central Michigan University, Kendra joined the Gratiot FAN board to promote community well-being and recovery. She values FAN’s collaborative approach and is committed to helping provide meaningful support for those in need.

OFFICER CASEY MUELLER

Treasurer

Casey Mueller has served as a law enforcement officer with Alma since 2003, specializing in community service.

SHAUN DAVENPORT

Director

Shaun Davenport, representative for Avalon and Tahoe, joined Gratiot County FAN after being inspired by its mission, particularly the Hope Not Handcuffs program.

JOE YOURCHOCK, LPC, CCHP

Director

Joe Yourchock is the jail and court services counselor at Gratiot Integrated Health Network and also coordinates the Gratiot County Critical Incident Response Team. A certified correctional health professional, Joe holds degrees from Alma College and Central Michigan University.

LAURA BEVER, JD

Director

Laura Bever, Gratiot County’s prosecuting attorney, returned to her hometown to raise her children. A former private attorney and family law referee, Laura is deeply involved in local community organizations.

STEVE SOPOCY

Director

Steve Sopocy, a lifelong Gratiot County resident, currently serves as a county commissioner. With 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including roles as undersheriff and lieutenant, Steve is dedicated to helping address substance use challenges within the community.

KALIN GREENE

Director

Kalin Greene is a project director at the 65B District Court, where he oversees the operations of Sobriety, Mental Health, and Felony Drug Courts. A criminal justice graduate from Ferris State University, Kalin played a key role in launching the Gratiot FAN chapter and the Hope Not Handcuffs program.