The COPE Foundation 19 has a garden on Church Street in Fredonia.
Earlier this month, clients, members and friends of COPE Foundation 19 volunteered to host an awareness event at the local Fredonia Walmart.
“We met so many caring and compassionate friends. We had the opportunity to educate C.O.P.E. works and benefits the children impacted from losing a parent to an opioid addiction,” said Bill Matteson, executive director.
The National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 106,000 persons in the U.S. died from a drug-involved overdose in 2021 alone, the increase from 2019-2021 was over a 53% increase in home deaths. There were reported 108,279 deaths in 2022.
Chautauqua County students self-report marijuana and alcohol use higher than state averages. Risk factors among our county’s youth are also worrisome: lower commitment to school, higher reported favorable parental attitudes towards drug use, and higher family conflict. In addition, vaping is a concern in our county’s schools.
The 2021-2023 per capita overdose fatality rate in Chautauqua County was more than 50% higher than in New York state and 40% higher than the U.S. rate. However, a significant decline in overdose deaths has been seen beginning in late 2023. The number of deaths in the first half of 2024 was half that of the same period in 2023.
— Fentanyl is a drug made from opioids (chemicals used to treat sudden and ongoing pain). It’s up to 100 times stronger than other opioids like morphine, heroin, or oxycodone, and is often used to adulterate heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other “street drugs.”
Overdose deaths often result from a user’s unwitting purchase and use of fentanyl when believing he or she is purchasing heroin or prescription pills.
— Just 2 to 3 milligrams of this drug — equivalent to 2 grains of salt — can lead to death.
— On an average day 3,900 people will use a prescription opioid outside of legitimate medical purposes and supervision, and 580 people will try heroin for the first time.
— Youth are much more likely to get opioids at home, from a friend, or through social media than any other source.
— COPE’s “Circle of Light” healing process focuses on the individual AND the family, providing social interaction, life coaching, physical healing, and mental health stability counseling and activities.
The organization offers social programs that provide a stable and supportive environment for children who often have little to no support. These programs include group activities, community events, and family-oriented trips, giving children the opportunity to experience normalcy and joy.
Mental health stability is crucial for children to be productive and conscious in their daily lives. P rograms aim to help children make wise choices, fostering success and well-being.
The organization provides tutoring, homework help, and educational resources to ensure that children stay on track academically despite their challenging circumstances. Support also includes life skills training, preparing children for a successful future.
• The C.O.P.E. Foundation 19 actively advocates for children and families affected by opioid addiction. It works to raise awareness about the issues these families face and strive to influence policy changes that can provide better support.
Children benefit from services in numerous ways:
— Emotional Support: Through counseling and social interaction, children gain emotional stability and resilience.
— Mental Health Stability: Addressing mental health issues early helps prevent long-term psychological problems.
— Educational Success: Our educational programs ensure children do not fall behind academically, providing a foundation for a brighter future.
— Life Skills: By teaching essential life skills, we prepare children for independence and success in adulthood.
Through the “Circle of Light” campaign, efforts to bring hope and healing to children affected by opioid addiction occur through community efforts and targeted programs to create a supportive and nurturing environment where children can thrive.
The C.O.P.E. Foundation 19 is committed to making a profound impact on the lives of children affected by opioid addiction. By providing comprehensive support and advocacy, we help them navigate their challenges and build a path toward a hopeful and resilient future.
Cope Foundation 19 is a children’s non-profit. It serves children high school age and down that have lost a parent to either death, abandonment or imprisonment. We helped them to have more resilient purposeful lives in the future where they do not have to live as their loved ones have. The program provides professional trauma counseling to each child, we then provide them with the opportunity to participate in an activity of their choice to help them feel more confident and find new friends and be around more positive atmospheres. We host several annual events with the children and their families. After the one-year enrollment, we assess the development and achievements of each child.
“I lost my son, Justin Matteson, January 2019,” Matteson said. “I saw his children alone without a dad which is what brought me to this mission. My son did not die in vain. His death has made me a stronger man.”
If you or anyone you know could use our services, please go to thewebsite at www.copefoundation19.com or call 716-281-3636.
There’s a donation link on the website to sponsor a child or to assist the organization. Volunteers are also being sought to help serve these children.