A mission to help families recover

A San Antonio man is recovering from the longest stretch of his life. Kenneth Anderlitch headed to DC and ran to San Antonio touring multiple city capitols and national parks along the way to spread an important message for parents struggling with addiction; They can beat it.

Anderlitch walked 1,800 miles to spread the message, in collaboration with the non-profit organization, Refuge for hope. The organization provides San Antonio families with another resource to make this possible, empowering parents to care for their children as they continue to heal from addiction. It’s called Families in recovery. The program first receives referrals from childcare or a specialist court, then they are screened and a plan is developed for their needs. There are housing plans and direct care for families, and ongoing recovery support throughout the program.

“Why not offer that opportunity to some people who really need to make sure they’re with their whole family,” he said. “Because that’s all we have, right?”

The mission itself lasted 42 days. Anderlitch traveled with a team of people through extreme conditions and even witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

“I think Kentucky got hit pretty hard, Tennessee got hit pretty hard. I saw a couple of FEMA trucks moving around,” he said.

However, Anderlitch said the journey was all worth it after meeting families who shared a similar path.

“That was the rewarding part,” he said. “Not just meeting runners, but people who were actively engaged in recovery and parenting and closing the deal.”

Anderlitch has fought his own personal battle with addiction and advises: It’s not a battle people should have to fight alone.

“It wasn’t until I became completely vulnerable that I realized: I can’t do this alone, and I have a problem,” he said. “That pure honesty I had with myself allowed me to be helped.”

So far, the run has raised almost $50,000. If you would like to help Haven for Hope’s new program, click here.