MARQUETTE — A new community-based initiative which helps those seeking recovery from substance abuse disorders has launched in the Marquette area and will be holding its first meeting Tuesday at the Peter White Public Library Community Room.

The forum kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the entire community. The forum on Tuesday will feature Jestine Garcia, the northern Michigan regional coordinator for FAN’s Hope Not Handcuffs and COMEBACK Quick Response Team programs as the guest speaker. Forums will be held on the third Tuesday of each month.

Families Against Narcotics, a grassroots, nonprofit organization based out of Macomb County, focusing on area residents who struggle with addiction disorders, those already in recovery and the family members who support them.

The Marquette-area FAN chapter is headed up by Executive Board President Ryan Redmond, Vice President Steve Hull, Secretary Trecia Nickerson and Treasurer Courtney Brusso. It is the Upper Peninsula’s third chapter, with the others in Alger and Chippewa counties.

“I believe that FAN is bringing lifesaving programs and community-building tools to the area,” said Redmond. “FAN will help alleviate stigma and build bridges, not walls, for individuals suffering from substance dependence, and for their families, too.”

FAN was founded in 2007. Since then, more than 20 chapters have sprung up across the state, with at least 13 more planned in the future.

The group works to educate Michigan communities about addiction. It tries to “dispel the stigma associated with the disease, and compassionately support and assist those affected by it.”

All of the organization’s services are free.

“We are so pleased to be launching a new chapter in Marquette,” said Linda Davis, FAN executive director. “We had the pleasure of meeting this (Marquette area) group at our recent all-chapter conference and were so impressed with their passion and desire to grow opportunities for their community.”

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.