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OtseGO COUNTY

The Otsego County chapter of Families Against Narcotics began in early 2020 through the efforts of community members wanting to address some of the problems being experienced as a result of drugs and drug overdoses in the community. After moving to Gaylord in 2018, Chris and Linda Ulewicz approached members of the Otsego County Drug-Free Coalition to discuss the possibility of starting a FAN chapter in Otsego County. Several years earlier, when they learned that their college student son was addicted to heroin, they received help and support through the Macomb FAN Chapter. Their son has been in recovery for several years, recently graduated from college, and is attending law school. The Ulewiczes wanted to offer their help to others who might find themselves in the same situation they were in just a few years earlier. Through one couple’s experience with Families Against Narcotics, and their willingness to reach out and offer help to other families faced with the struggles that accompany addiction, FAN Otsego County was born.

 

In late 2019, a public town hall meeting was held to introduce the concept of FAN to the community. A panel provided personal stories and information about addiction, recovery, and resources available in the area. The response from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive so a plan was made to move forward and establish a local FAN Chapter.

Our monthly FAN Forums raise awareness about the problem with illegal drugs in our community, provide information related to substance use disorder (SUD), and share resources available for those seeking recovery. We provide community education to reduce the stigma related to SUD, and provide support to the family members who want to help their loved one struggling with addiction. Everyone is invited to our monthly forums to experience the hope that can be found through Families Against Narcotics.

MONTHLY MEETING

4th Thursday of the Month
6:30 pm

First United Methodist Church

215 S. Center Ave.

Gaylord, MI 49735

All are welcome to attend.
(Children 10 and older please.)
 
CONTACT US:

231-261-8434

otsego@familiesagainstnarcotics.org

EXECUTIVE BOARD

EXECUTIVE BOARD

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CHRIS ULEWICZ

President

Chris has been a high school teacher at St. Mary's Cathedral in Gaylord since 2018, after spending most of his life in the metro Detroit area. While teaching at De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren, he learned about FAN through a partnership with the school that brought in speakers to talk about education and prevention. For many years Chris's family has actively supported the annual Run Drugs Out of Town fundraising event in Fraser. Chris has given many talks on the effects of addiction on families and served as a keynote speaker at the 2017 Recovery Walk in Ann Arbor. As the father of a son in long-term recovery who has directly benefited from some of the resources that FAN offers, Chris is committed to fighting the opioid epidemic through humble service.

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JOYCE FETROW

Vice President

Joyce Fetrow is a resident of Otsego County and in long-term recovery from substance use disorder. She currently works in the field of substance use disorder/recovery as a project associate for Northern Michigan Opiate Response Consortium (NMORC). Joyce dedicates her time as a volunteer in this field as an operator of a sober living home for women in Emmet County. She is also a recovery coach, advocate, and navigator serving many counties within northern Michigan.

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ROSARIA VASILE

Secretary

Rosaria Vasile lives in Gaylord and works as a clinical therapist, providing treatment to individuals with substance use disorders. Born and raised in Macomb County, Rosaria and her family relocated to beautiful northern Michigan nine years ago. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Oakland University and worked as a teacher in Detroit for 10 years. Rosaria later earned a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Michigan State University and became certified as an advanced alcohol and drug counselor. In her spare time, Rosaria enjoys many of the seasonal outdoor activities that northern Michigan has to offer. 

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LINDA ULEWICZ

Treasurer

Linda has worked at St. Mary Cathedral since 2018, after being a lifelong resident of the metro Detroit area. Familiar with FAN through a son's past addiction, she knows that this organization can change lives. Linda and her husband, Chris, facilitate the Otsego Stronger Together family and friends addiction support group. Linda feels grateful to have received the help and support when she needed it, and is passionate about helping others. 

BOARD MEMBERS

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STEPHANIE WEIZER

Director

Born and raised in New Jersey, Stephanie lived there for 23 years before moving to Michigan in 2014. Since then, she has received her associate's degree in liberal arts and her bachelor's in psychology. Substance abuse prevention is close to Stephanie's heart, as she has personal experience within her family. She is currently the prevention specialist for Catholic Human Services, covering Cheboygan and Otsego counties.

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AMBER SPEEDY

Director

Bio coming soon.

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RICHARD TREUSCH

Director

Richard has lived in Otsego County since 2015. He spent several years with the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office, during which time he served as a team member with the Otsego County Recovery Court. In 2021, Richard transitioned from the prosecutor’s office to private practice, with an emphasis on indigent defense. He has served as the president of the local bar association, a member of rotary, and is active in St. Mary’s Schools.

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LYNDA RUTKOWSKI

Director

In Lynda’s work in the substance abuse prevention field, she partners with local schools, law enforcement agencies, and health service providers to educate people of all ages on the negative outcomes that result from drug use and addiction. She advocates for policy and system changes that prevent underage drug and alcohol use and adult abuse of legal and illegal drugs. Having seen the negative impact of drugs and alcohol abuse in families, Lynda believes in the positive results that a Families Against Narcotics chapter will have in the community.

ADVISORY BOARD

Linda Ulewicz

 

Pam Morgridge

Clinical Supervisor, Catholic Human Services

Courtney Quick
Business Development Specialist, Sanford Behavioral Health

Linda Gall

Christie Pudvan

Sheriff Matt Nowicki

Rob Pallarito

Sue Winter

Executive Director, NMSAS Recovery Center

 

Lisa VanLiere

 

Judge George Mertz

 

Frank Claeys

Gaylord Chief of Police
 

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