Empower. Imagine. Transform.
Foundations to Freedom in DeLand, Florida, is proud to announce the launch of its new 18- 24 Young Adult Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program, made possible through funding from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This initiative addresses the unique needs of young adults by providing:
These services are delivered within a supportive environment during one of the most influential periods of adulthood.
use disorder program for young adults aged 18- 24, to provide prevention, intervention, recovery support, life skills, and connections to community resources. Addressing high overdose rates in Volusia County and ongoing youth substance use trends, the program offers individualized case management, peer and recovery coaching (recovery coach), and coordinated community partnerships to promote long-term health and stability.
The initiative aims to reduce barriers, build resilience, and support sustainable recovery and independence for emerging adults within a supportive environment.
Young adulthood is a critical period for intervention in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 often experience significant transitions in education, employment, housing, and healthcare, which can increase vulnerability to substance use and create barriers to accessing support.
Foundations to Freedom’s new program is designed to close this gap by providing evidence-informed services, recovery support, and coordinated community resources that promote long-term health, stability, and self-sufficiency.
Substance use disorder remains one of the most significant public health challenges affecting Volusia County and communities across Florida. While statewide overdose deaths have shown signs of decline in recent years, opioid- and fentanyl-related overdoses continue to impact families at alarming rates. Volusia County has consistently experienced some of the highest overdose rates in the state, demonstrating the urgent need for expanded prevention, recovery support, and community-based services for young adults before addiction becomes life-threatening.
According to the 2024 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, Volusia County students reported ongoing use of alcohol, marijuana, nicotine vaping products, and marijuana vaping. These findings highlight the importance of early intervention and continued support as adolescents transition into adulthood, when many individuals lose access to school-based services yet continue to face significant behavioral health risks.
The Foundations to Freedom 18- 24 Young Adult Substance Use Disorder Program was developed to bridge this gap in care. Through:
The program empowers young adults to overcome barriers, build resilience, and pursue long-term recovery and independence.
Foundations to Freedom will oversee participant engagement, community collaboration, and program operations. Our commitment to serving young adults and fostering meaningful relationships reflects Foundations to Freedom’s mission of empowering individuals through hope, recovery, and opportunity.
“This program is about investing in young adults before a crisis defines their future,” said Katherine Russell, Founder & CEO. “We are incredibly grateful to the Florida Department of Children and Families for recognizing the need for specialized services for emerging adults. This investment allows us to meet young people where they are, provide evidence-informed support, and help them build lives rooted in recovery, resilience, and purpose.”
Foundations to Freedom in DeLand, Florida, believes recovery is possible when individuals have access to compassionate care, trusted relationships, and community support. Through collaboration with healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, schools, employers, law enforcement, and local partners, the organization is committed to reducing the impact of substance use disorders while strengthening the health and well-being of Volusia County’s young adults. This SUD program emphasizes evidence-informed relapse prevention within a supportive environment, along with case management and clinical support, guiding participants on a path to freedom.
FAQ
It’s an evidence-informed program by Foundations to Freedom designed specifically for young adults ages 18- 24. The initiative focuses on prevention, intervention, recovery support, life skills development, and connecting participants to community resources during a pivotal life stage marked by transitions in school, work, housing, and healthcare.
Volusia County has consistently faced some of the highest overdose rates in Florida, and opioid- and fentanyl-related overdoses remain a serious concern even as statewide deaths show signs of decline. Local data from the 2024 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey also shows ongoing use of substances like alcohol, marijuana, and vaping products among students. As many young people lose access to school-based services when they enter adulthood, this program fills a critical gap with early intervention and sustained support.
Participants receive individualized case management; peer support and dedicated recovery coaching; life skills training; relapse prevention skills; workforce development and educational support; clinical support; and coordinated connections to behavioral health and recovery resources—all within a supportive, evidence-informed environment aimed at long-term stability and independence.
Foundations to Freedom oversees participant engagement, community collaboration, and operations. Funded by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the effort emphasizes partnerships with healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, schools, employers, law enforcement, and local partners to strengthen recovery pathways for young adults in Volusia County.
Contact Kristy Edwards, Community Outreach Manager, at (386) 846-7102 or email info@foundationstofreedom.com . Begin your path to freedom today!
