Mission Makers
The mission of the Will Bright Foundation (WBF) is to fill a critical need in the fight to break the barriers of addiction specifically in in Central/West Alabama area. “There is an unfilled need in the Birmingham/West Alabama area for a place for someone fresh out of recovery to live, receive spiritual support, job readiness skills, and find meaning and purpose to live a life free from the bonds of addiction,” explains Lisa Bright who along with her husband Bill decided to lead the charge in meeting this need after their son Will died of a heroin overdose at the age of 25. The Trussville couple established the non-profit foundation in order to offer scholarships to individuals and families struggling to pay for rehabilitation and establish “next step living” for men and women who have successfully completed an initial recovery program. “Sometimes people who have completed a recovery program aren’t ready to be in the real world on their own… We are calling it ‘transitional,’” explains founder Lisa Bright, “because our residents will be transitioning to a life not dominated by addiction!” The Bright’s remember, “Will was a kind, caring friend to all, and a drug addict. He tried so hard to overcome his addiction, but when he left rehab he had nowhere to go to get a fresh start. He got into drugs at such an early age that he really had no formal training of any kind, beyond a high school education. Will did have a part time job, but that wasn’t enough. When you feel like you don’t have a purpose, drugs are an easy fix. You are always one decision away from disaster.” Forty to sixty percent of people who complete a rehab program suffer from a relapse (source: www.drugabuse.gov). This is exactly what happened to Will Bright.
This summer, on what would have been Will’s 31stbirthday, the Foundation hosted the open house of its first transitional center, Restoration Springs, which offers job readiness skills and crucial life skills to lead a successful life free from addiction. After three years of searching for a location, Restoration Springs became a reality thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Lillian Kirkley, who donated her 126-acre farm in Fayette Ala. complete with three cabins, an 18-acre lake stocked fish pond and a picnic pavilion. “It’s just incredible,” exclaims Lisa Bright who adds that the city of Fayette has also been very supportive to assist in meeting the local people and helping with job placement of Restoration Springs residents.
Friday August 24, 2018 WBF will host the first Restoration Swings Golf Tournament at Topgolf Birmingham. Proceeds will benefit the ministry and its first transitional living facility, Restoration Springs. Enjoy a great morning of true tournament style golf with the conveniences of climate-controlled bays plus a Hole in One Contest to win a new Buick Lacrosse, hot breakfast, prizes, a swag bag and a silent auction. 9 a.m. Tee Off followed by Noon Awards. The highest scoring team wins a Topgolf 3-month platinum corporate membership (unlimited golf, discounts on food, reserved parking and more). The second-place team will win a Titleist SM6 Wedge and the third-place team will win a dozen Titleist Pro V1 balls. Learn more about the Will Bright Foundation and sign up for the Topgolf Tournament at www.willbrightfoundation.com or call 205-999-5576. †
