Hi there.

The Tufts 10k will be my very first "official" running event—and I'm so proud that this run will benefit the H.A.R.T. House, a family residential substance abuse program for women and their children.

H.A.R.T. House is a phenomenal program, born out of the research that shows that women’s treatment works better when they can live with their families while in recovery from illegal drugs and alcohol. The program offers individual, family and group therapy, plus a variety of groups, including assertiveness training, relapse preventions, feelings group, parenting education and community meetings. Families have access to on-site childcare, healthcare and other community resources.Best of all, it's one of the few remarkable places where children of all ages and families of all sizes are welcome.

I know that addictions recovery, for many people, is an emotionally or politically-charged issue. It's easy to blame those who have become addicted. But consider the fact that for each dollar spent on substance abuse treatment, the state saves almost $6 in terms of arrests, incarcerations, food stamp use, child welfare costs, and more.

And even more importantly, consider the fact that very few programs (this being one of them!) offer support FOR THE FAMILY. For the children.

I am proud to support H.A.R.T House. I hope you will, too.