Please help us complete Finding Hope in America!
Click to DonateWelcome to Finding Hope in America
When we started this project, we had no idea about the structural barriers faced by Hispanic/Latino communities struggling with substance use disorder in the United States. We have lived experience with addiction and treatment, but never imagined the size and scope of the barriers faced by Hispanic community members who seek help.
The community navigates bicultural and multicultural identities, faces intergenerational and intercultural differences within households, copes with language barriers, and manages trauma and stress related to migration and discrimination (source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) - all on top of the difficulty of trying to overcome addiction. Hispanics/Latinos are less likely to enter or complete treatment than almost any other racial/ethnic groups in the United States.
Through story-telling, Finding Hope in America documents the challenges faced by the Hispanic/Latino community. We join a brave group of men and women who tell their stories and highlight the barriers they overcame to find healing. We are proud to share their voices with you and bring this issue to light.
Please support us with a tax-deductible donation to complete Finding Hope in America. We are nearing completion of production and need to raise $75,000 to recover our equipment and production costs, finalize the film and embark on distribution.
We appreciate your support.
Watch the Trailer
Our Current Progress
Our Goal
Donation Incentives
Synopsis
Production Stills
Meet The Team
DYLAN JOHNSTON, DIRECTOR
is an emerging filmmaker in the San Francisco Bay Area. He holds a BA in Film & Media from the University of California, Berkeley (anticipated Spring 2023). His student autobiographical film Empty Pockets, a documentary short, was screened at the Mixology Program Film Festival and was an official selection at the Hudson NY Shorts in 2021. A life-long passion for film, writing and photography remained a hobby until addiction, homelessness and purposelessness brought him to death’s door. Tempered by this journey into and through the 'dark night of the soul', he discovered an indomitable need to live out his dreams. After starting a non-profit to help others escape their own dark night, he decided to pursue his passion, which led to the co-founding of ShadowPower Productions.
DARLENE DEROSE, PRODUCER
is a teacher, public speaker, group facilitator, and emerging producer in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, a master’s degree from Yale University, and a master’s degree from John F. Kennedy University (now National University) where she earned her Certificate in Ecotherapy. As a certified ecotherapist, she brings nature-based activities and earth-based rituals to individuals in recovery from addiction. For over a decade, she has been a vocal advocate for the importance of working together in community and with the natural world to support personal and planetary healing. She co-founded ShadowPower Productions.
TOM ASWAD, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
is Co-Founder of Support4Recovery. A tireless advocate for the recovery community since he successfully completed residential treatment in 1991, Tom is committed to serving those who do not have a voice. He has served on committees and boards at national, state, county and local levels, addressing a broad array of issues in recovery - homelessness, adolescent treatment, needle exchanges and treatment in prison. His current focus on improving the ability of the Hispanic community to find culturally appropriate treatment follows a long history of serving as a change agent.
PABLO MARTINEZ, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
is a tireless advocate for the Spanish-speaking recovery community and for improved access to treatment. Born in Mexico, Pablo has not only lived, but overcome the structural impediments Hispanics face in seeking treatment for addiction, including personal, social and structural barriers. Pablo is a former counselor at Pueblos del Sol, the only Spanish-speaking detox facility in Contra Costa County. He now leads Support4Recovery’s effort to help bolster the movement advocating for treatment expansion in the hispanic community.
TODD BANG, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
is a retired and disabled General Contractor with 14 years of clean time. In his recovery, he has dedicated himself to ministry, focusing on the recovery and homeless communities. In his ministry, he has sponsored men in recovery, held officer positions in Narcotics Anonymous and worked with the homeless. He is the current President of Support4Recovery, a Contra Costa based non-profit celebrating the recovery movement and breaking down the stigma and discrimination associated with recovery. He is passionate about the need to support the Hispanic community overcome the barriers to seeking treatment.
Why This Film Is Important
Thank You For Your Support!
Donate via Credit Card or eCheck
How do I know that my donation was made successfully?
Do I get a receipt?
Is my donation private?