THE A.E.D. FOUNDATION
Lately, we’ve had some beautiful milestones to celebrate. In 2024, the AED Foundation turned 10 years old, and just this year, Alyssa’s Place Peer Recovery and Resource Center celebrated its 10th anniversary as well.
With each passing year, more people walk through our doors—bringing new stories, new beginnings, and new hope. These anniversaries gave us a chance to pause, to look back at where it all started, and to honor both the people who helped lay the foundation and the many new members who now carry the recovery community forward.
This documentary was created to tell that story: why we started, what we’ve learned, and how lives and communities have been touched along the way.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to every single person who has been part of this journey. Your courage, love, and support are what make this work possible.
WHO WE ARE
The A.E.D. Foundation, Inc. was formed in the memory of Alyssa E. Dunn who lost her life to drug addiction on May 21, 2013, at the age of 20 years old. Alyssa’s life started like any “normal” life. Raised by two loving, dedicated, intelligent parents she seemed to have it all. Who would have ever thought this beautiful, petite, passionate, intelligent, fun girl would end up on the long, desperate and dangerous road of addiction? Who knew this disease would take over her life? After all, she just started off experimenting in her teen years like many others do. What she didn’t know was that addiction is a progressive disease. A disease that once it has a hold on you it is extremely difficult to break free. Alyssa, like many addicts, fought her disease for years. However, in the end, the disease won.
WAYS WE HELP
The A.E.D. Foundation, Inc. provides assistance to people in an effort to remove barriers to long term recovery. Our foundation also helps administer the Andrew W. Ross Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for assistance through our web site at this link.
EDUCATE
The A.E.D. Foundation, Inc. provides education and outreach
in the North Central Massachusetts area by communicating
with adults and young people through community events.
DEFEAT
The A.E.D. Foundation, Inc. works tirelessly to highlight
the successes of people in recovery and their families to
bring hope to those who are still suffering.
