The Mecca-Mann Mission Inc. delivered 14 “New Beginnings” backpacks to Maple Manor, an in-patient therapy and treatment facility located in Custer City.
The Mecca-Mann Mission is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization in Elk County that focuses on helping those who struggle with substance use disorder and those who love them, among other priorities.
The New Beginnings Backpacks are part of The Mecca-Mann Mission’s “Save One Today” project. Each backpack contains essential hygiene products, comfort items, and helpful resources for people leaving treatment facilities.
The project is extremely close to the hearts of President DeAnna Brooks and Vice President Lynell Rusciolelli, who co-founded the Mecca-Mann Mission in 2019. Both women know the heartache of loving children through the horrific struggles of addiction, then losing their children, Kaysie Mann and Andy Mecca, to substance use disorder and/or fentanyl poisoning.
Brooks and Rusciolelli’s shared vision is to encourage and to help those who struggle so they can find hope in their new beginnings. They believe recovery is possible and beautiful.
The organization’s mission is not only to provide necessities, comfort, and resources to recipients, but also to provide a measure of hope and positivity as recipients start their new beginnings; a simple gesture can serve as a reminder of their self-worth.
The backpacks were made possible with donations received from members of the community, local churches, and others who know how important it is to create positive change.
The Mecca Mann Mission has received a donation specifically for the children’s project and is expecting to assemble approximately 30 to 40 children’s backpacks, which will contain age-appropriate essential and comfort items (and a few surprises) for children whose lives are adversely affected by SUD.
For more information, to make a donation, or to participate in the New Beginnings backpack project, contact Brooks at (814) 512-3316, Rusciolelli at (814) 335-3883, email The Mecca-Mann Mission at themmmission@gmail.com or connect with the group on Facebook.
