20 Stories of Impact

The feedback, thank you notes and pictures that the Alliance prevention team receives directly from young people who attend prevention programs is affirmation of continued impact in an area that is near and dear to MaryAnn Vergith’s heart. 

“I believe young people should feel safe, valued and empowered to make healthy life

choices, and I have been committed to advancing that in Oakland County for my entire career,” she explains. “Substance use disorder has directly impacted people I love, so being able to help prevent that in others, especially reaching young people with tools to help them make healthy choices for their lives, really inspires me.”

MaryAnn has been an integral part of the Alliance since its beginnings. She was on the committee that developed the framework for the organization and was on the founding board, serving as the secretary. Today, as Prevention Director, she provides program oversight and technical assistance to the network of coalitions for which the Alliance is the umbrella organization. Partnering with the Alliance, the coalitions are dedicated to providing prevention services at the local level.

“Together, we reach thousands of youth and adults with prevention education and recovery support services and knowing that we are impacting so many lives serves as an ongoing inspiration for me.”  

As her team shares with her the thank you notes and comments from students from every part of the county, MaryAnn is extremely proud of the work that is being done. She also sees a common thread in the messages. 

“They talk about what they have learned and how they will use some of the mindfulness strategies we have taught them,” she says. “Many children are just looking to make a connection, so when we are able to provide that to a young person, I am certain that makes a difference, even if it is just for that day.”