A Coleman graduate has returned to his high school to share the need for awareness of drug abuse.
Jeff VanVonderen, a graduate of the class of 1970, is a motivational speaker and interventionist.
He tells Fox 11, what is going on today with drug abuse is bad.
“I know that in this area where I grew up, the statistics are so bad for opioids and other things too, just like the rest of the country,” VanVonderen said. “I mean it’s really an epidemic right now and people are dying so I’m really glad to be able to do this and hope it helps.”
Jeff is also an author, a former pastor and has been seen on the A&E show “Intervention”, a show that helps families effected by addiction.
His message also has made a difference for Coleman Senior Autumn Washuleski, who wants to follow in his footsteps.
“After high school, I’m kind of going into the same thing he is: social work ,specializing in substance abuse and I watched one of his shows and it just changed my life.”
VanVonderen says the Coleman area is quite high in opioid abuse statistics and continues to travel to share the message of the nationwide problem.
