A Better Life-Brianna's Hope
A Recovery Movement
If you can relate to these sentiments, you might be interested in what we have to offer:
"I was in rehab before I was old enough to buy alcohol."
"The drug kept me from dealing with my own emotions."
"My addiction took the place of my reasoning."
"At the age of 12, it was marijuana and by the age of 14 it was cocaine. At 16, I dropped out of school and I spent my 18th birthday in jail."
"When you chase recovery as hard as you chased the drug, you have a chance."
"As a 16 year old she told her father, "I can't let you be a part of my life if you are just going to keep walking out of it."
"Watching a loved one struggle with addiction is like watching them fall down a hole without being able to save them."
We believe and we want you to believe with us!
We want to be the other choice. An opportunity for "a better life". It is our goal to help you win the battle against your addiction. Our approach is participant-driven, faith-based and compassion-filled. We offer a judgment-free safe zone where you can be as honest and transparent as you choose, and not be condemned for doing so.
Understand that the others who attend can relate to where you are, and how hard it is to climb out of the hole you've found yourself in. These fellow strugglers will soon become your friends and family.
Our door is always open - you need only take the first step and walk through it. Whether we're your first choice or your last hope, we believe we can make a difference in your life.
Team Hope offers a chance to those who thought there were none left. We believe that the improbable can be done immediately, though the impossible may take a little while longer. Together, with Christ, we are changing lives.
We encourage transparency, honesty, vulnerability and
boldness. We provide a space for you to have your own opinion.
In pure Jesus style, we will show you that we care more about the addict than the addiction; the struggler than the struggle; and more about your today than your yesterday.
Because of the effort being made by so many, we are seeing an incredible ripple effect. We are witnessing lives being transformed, families coming together, parents getting their children back; certain legal charges being dropped or delayed; employment being found; children improving in school; and communities are undergoing positive change.
Our proven method of addiction recovery:
1. We accept you as you are- raw, real, & sloppy.
2. We offer positive connection.
3. We encourage.
4. We see your potential above your problems.
5. We offer resources & rehab.
6. We work with you, not on you or for you.
7. We believe in you, even if you don't yet.
8. Follow up & continued relationship.
9. Opportunities for growth & payback.
10. Offer Jesus.
This group happened because of one young woman, and her struggles with addiction. Brianna DiBattiste was much like most other young women her age. She grew up in a small town. She was a cheerleader, played softball, loved spending time with family and hanging out with her friends. She usually made friends easily and would give a stranger the coat off her back if they were cold. She showed an unconditional love and concern for those around her. But, like you and me, she was far from perfect. Unfortunately, she made a bad choice and experimented with drugs at a very young age. It was then that heroin began to take control of her life. She tried rehab several times in an attempt to beat her addiction, but the temptation was too much for her. She felt she had no other choice but to continue using.
One evening in June 2014, Brianna left her home to meet a "friend". But she didn't come home that night. Calls and texts to her phone went unanswered. Sadly that was the last time anyone in her family would see her again. After several months of hoping and searching, her body was found in a somewhat secluded and wooded area in Jay County. Although it wasn't the outcome her family had hoped for...finally, she was home.
During the time she was missing, Brianna's mother had found a note that Brianna had written. It was a prayer to God.
In the note, she begged the Lord to help her find a better life for her and her family. It was this prayer that would plant the seed for "A Better Life" to grow.
After leading the memorial service, Pastor Randy Davis approached Brianna's family about the idea of establishing a faith-based addiction support group in her memory. A few months later, on November 5, 2014, "A Better Life - Brianna's Hope" was formed. What began as a small neighborhood group meeting in a quiet rural town with 22 in attendance, has grown to a full-fledged non-profit organization with 45 chapters 26 counties throughout most of Indiana and 8 chapters in 4 Ohio counties. Brianna's Hope has been blessed with the opportunity to assist more than 1,225 people with finding and receiving detox and/or rehabilitation services that they otherwise would not have been able to afford.
Yet none of this would be possible without the support of the countless volunteers, neighbors, and friends, as well as the many organizations we continue to partner with in our communities. It is people like you who can help us save lives so that no one has to become a victim of their addiction. Believe with us, that together we can help others find a better life.
Brianna's Story
Board of Directors
Randy Davis, Executive Director
I am Randy Davis, the founder and the Executive Director of ABLBH. Early on in life, I recognized a desire to help those who might be struggling. I have been blessed with experiences that have fed my hunger. I believe in encouraging others before they believe in themselves. Thus, ABLBH believes in you.
It was June of 2014 when God first burdened my heart with the needs of those battling addiction. God used Brianna's experiences, story, and life to touch me in a way unlike He ever has. Then, He began opening doors and creating opportunities that showed me together we would make a difference. So here we are changing lives and saving lives. For certain God gets the glory but without so many feet and hands moving for Him we would not have the impact that we have!
Join us and believe with us!
Randy Davis
Dave Carver, Chairman of the Board
David Carver, a distinguished professional with an extensive background in law enforcement, military service, and community leadership, is celebrated for his outstanding contributions to public safety and volunteerism.With a career marked by a commitment to excellence, Carver has seamlessly blended his diverse experiences in law enforcement and the military, creating a unique foundation for his leadership in community initiatives. Beyond the call of duty, he has emerged as a stalwart advocate for public safety and an influential figure in community development.However, it is not only his professional accomplishments that define David Carver. His passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others has driven him to actively participate in various volunteer organizations. Carver's altruistic spirit and dedication to community service have garnered admiration and respect.David Carver's leadership and commitment to community well-being have earned him notable accolades. The Best of Hancock County recognized his exceptional contributions in both 2021 and 2022, showcasing his unwavering support for the community. Additionally, the prestigious Bert Curry Healthy Community Award from the Hancock Regional Hospital Health Foundation underscored his tireless efforts in promoting community well-being as a volunteer.In every aspect of his life, David Carver embodies the values of service, leadership, and community betterment, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he serves.
Lee Funkhouser, Vice Chair of the Board
"Lee Funkhouser is from the streets of Redkey, Indiana. Lee is a Therapist at Avenues Recovery Fort Wayne. Brianna was a friend of Lee's and he was at the very first meeting. God and Brianna's Hope have saved his life! Brianna's Hope loved him until he was able to love myself. God has given him the opportunity to take 30 years of his life and turn it into a positive. He has an education no one would pay to have. Lee has gone from dope dealer to hope dealer. He brings his unique raw uncut style of recovery to the streets of Avenues. The therapeutic value of one addict helping another addict is without parallel, and it is his wish to be of help to you. Lee is also a graduate of Anderson University, he has a bachelor’s in business, an associate’s in human services and addiction studies, and his CADAC II. He is now studying to receive his master’s in social work. Outside of Avenues Lee runs several recovery meetings, Brianna's Hope, AA, and NA, and he is an active member in the recovery community. When he is not working, going to school, or volunteering, Lee enjoys his family, friends, playing guitar, and art.
Meet Our Office Staff
Gina Raines
Hi! My name is Gina Raines. I am the office manager and the executive board treasurer for ABLBH. I am very passionate about my work with A Better Life-Brianna’s Hope. I have witnessed firsthand how addiction can destroy lives and families. My family has fought this deadly disease for many years. I am forever grateful for the treatment and support provided to our family through ABLBH.
I have been a foster parent for 13 years. All the children who have come to us have lived through addiction. I have seen how addiction affects the lives of these children and how their innocence is lost. I want to be able to help these parents learn the necessary skills to regain custody of their children. I have graduated with a degree in Human Services and Addiction Studies. I have always felt the need to help others and am blessed to be a part of this organization.
Kandi Sapp
Hello! My name is Kandi Sapp. I am the secretary for the ABLBH office in Portland, IN. I am a Jay County native and I have always known I wanted my career to involve helping others. I graduated with my Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2019. I am married, have kids, and love music.
I have witnessed how fast obstacles can dim our light when we feel there is no hope and we're alone. I also have seen just how fast that spark can be reignited with support and resources best fit for the individual. I am honored to help bring hope to those who feel they have been left in the dark.
I have also experienced personally how addiction can affect every part of your life. I want to be able to help those struggling find the skills and resources they need to let their true potential shine. . I am very proud to join the ABLBH team in the battle against substance use disorder.
Stats as of 4/1/2024
Chapters: 40 Indiana 4 Ohio
Counties: 23 Indiana 3 Ohio
Attendance: 900+
Assisted into treatment: 1,750+
Current ABLBH Members that are/have been employed in the Recovery field: 80
Commitments/Recommitments to Christ disclosed: 800
K-12 Students/staff spoken to: 28,750+
Denominations involved by leadership &/or location: 17
We also have meetings located in county jails, community buildings, libraries, rehabs, youth centers, 3 outposts, & 1 Strengthening Indiana Family Resource Center.
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Faith In Your Recovery Podcast
Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, SoundCloud, & most other favorite podcast listening apps. A new episode airs each Friday.
RADIO STATIONS:
Sundays at 5:30am on MIX105INDY.com; click here to tune in now.
Sundays at 7:45am, find us on WPGW FM Radio 100.9; click here to tune in now.
This is an interview format sharing all things recovery. Guests are medical and health care professionals, those that have struggled with addiction, family members of strugglers, law enforcement, community leaders, members of multiple recovery groups and others. Tune in and subscribe. Please contact us with questions, comments, or even possible guest suggestions by emailing podcast@ablbh.org. We now have 50,000+ listeners!
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Upcoming Events:
ABLBH publishes our 2nd book! "Recovery Conversations" Vol2 Copies available NOW from our office, website, and Amazon!
