Page 4 - Wayne Dispatch Pages

Journey, Continued from page 4 tion. Experts and guest speakers
speak on all aspects of addiction to
about nine years ago. help the families.
“What inspired me to stay at the For more information about FAN,
nonprofit and HYPE working mainte- visit faceaddictionnow.org/support-
nance was that as I was cleaning toi- /northwest.
lets, I thought: you've never stayed For more information about
consistent. For the first time in my HYPE Athletics, visit hypeathletics-
life – at 33 years old – I'm gonna gain .org.
consistency,” said Darwiche. The Recovery Action Network of
Darwiche took care of his father Michigan (RANMI) launched its very
during his final three years before first Recovery Community Center in
passing. the heart of downtown Wayne. The
“I was disgusted changing his de- Recovery Community Center will
pends, but cleaning bathrooms no serve as a welcoming and safe envi-
longer made me disgusted. It ronment for people in recovery and
changed me. I was grateful,” said offers a variety of free resources and
Darwiche. peer-driven support services.
In active addiction Darwiche was Recovery Action Network of
mean to his mother. While working Councilman Darwiche being sworn in as a Wayne City Councilman by Ali Sayed. Michigan is located at 35112 W.
maintenance, Darwiche remembered idea of using. It’s so far distant to even harder. Support can make the Michigan Ave. For more information
how she took care of seven kids and me.” difference between giving up and about Recovery Action Network of
cleaned the bathroom every day, and Darwiche oversees all the depart- pushing though,” said Darwiche. Michigan, visit ran-mi.org, email
he gained a new respect for his ments and programs at HYPE, and “National Recovery Month is impor- info@ranmi.org, or call (248)938-
mother for cleaning the bathroom he is currently serving in the follow- tant because it brings awareness to 2134. To receive services, call or
every single day. ing organizations: Wayne City Coun- let people know that nobody is email.
This inspired him to become cil 2024, City of Wayne Planning alone.” If you need help with your recov-
even better at maintenance. Commission since 2022, Board of If you are struggling with addic- ery or addiction, do not hesitate to
“I decided I’ll become the greatest Directors at Wayne Rotary since tion or going through recovery, you reach out. “You don't have to do it
toilet scrubber,” said Darwiche. 2023, Wayne Westland Health & Wel- aren’t alone, and help is out there. alone. Reach out. Ask for help.
Darwiche gained a lot of compli- fare Advisory Board 2024, Outreach The first Monday of every month You're stronger than you think and
ments for cleanliness at HYPE. He Director for Safe Wellness Center, from 6 – 8 p.m. at HYPE (4635 Howe your life is worth fighting for,” said
started gaining values and climbing Kiwanis of Wayne-Westland Rd), FAN puts on forums to spread Darwiche.
chains. Board member 2024, and Board of information and offer a network of Congratulations to Councilman
“I gained a purpose and changed Directors at FAN Northwest Wayne support to those affected by addic- Darwiche on nine years of sobriety!
my perspective. I got that from peo- County since 2023.
ple that inspired me in recovery and FAN (Face Addiction Now) for-
volunteering in things in the commu- merly known as “Families Against
nity,” said Darwiche. Narcotics” has the mission to pro-
Darwiche has been sober for nine vide education, resources, and sup-
years and was promoted to general port to families and individuals
manager at HYPE in 2022. impacted by addiction. The North-
“Recovery isn't the end, it's just west Wayne County FAN chapter was
the beginning. It takes courage to get launched in March 2017.
in sobriety, and discipline to stay FAN seeks to change the face of
there. When cravings come, remem- addiction and end the stigma of ad-
ber how far you've come. Change is diction, while educating the commu-
real,” said Darwiche. “My first day nity, as well as those affected by
walking into rehab I couldn't com- addiction by creating positive change
prehend staying sober more than in the treatment of addiction.
one day. Now I can't comprehend the “Recovery is hard. Addiction is

4 · September 2025 · The Wayne Dispatch