Local nonprofit group, NFL players help tackle drug addiction recovery

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — With more people struggling with addiction, COVID, and the economy, stress is taking a toll on many families.

Channel 2′s Dave Huddleston spoke with a nonprofit group that’s finding ways to help others.

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The Zone of the Davis Direction Foundation is a place where people recovering from addiction can come and get support.

The 21,000-square-foot complex provides support to people, many in Cobb County with economic troubles or who are recovering from drug addiction.

For eight years, Missy Owen, co-founder of the Davis Direction Foundation, has been guiding the way.

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She told Huddleston more people are struggling with drugs and economic inflation.

“People who are really struggling on a fixed income are showing up more and more frequently,” Owen said.

The pandemic hasn’t helped either. Before COVID, Owen would see 3,000 people a month; now it’s 5,000 monthly. But she’s not turning anyone away.

“We serve three meals a day. Our doors are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and they are coming in for all of our services,” Owen said.

On Saturday, June 25 at 10 a.m., the foundation is holding a fundraiser called Beyond The endZONE at Mount Paran Christian School in Kennesaw.

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NFL greats Brandon Mitchell and Darren Waller with the Las Vegas Raiders will be at the event to share their stories of addiction and recovery.

“They’re not paid to come to this event. They want to share their stories and tell people how important it is to begin to have conversations with your children so they know what drugs can do, and how they can destroy lives,” Owen said.

For more details about the event, click here.

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