Love Like Ben

The Benjamin Thomas Werner Foundation was birthed from the greatest tragedy our family has ever faced. On September 11, 2022, I lost my brother to an accidental drug overdose. He was just 35 years young. In the days that followed, I couldn’t help but think about how I never wanted another family to experience this kind of loss. In honor of his memory, our mission is to Love Like Ben—to show compassion, raise awareness, and support individuals and families affected by addiction.

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to raising addiction awareness, supporting prevention, and standing beside families impacted by substance use. Our focus has grown to center around education, prevention, and community support, especially for teens and families who are facing the effects of addiction. While we no longer fund rehabilitation programs or partner directly with treatment facilities, we continue to provide referrals to trusted rehabilitation centers and help guide individuals and families as they take the first steps toward recovery.

We understand that one of the biggest barriers to treatment is simply getting there, which is why we help provide transportation assistance to treatment facilities when individuals are ready to seek help. We also help provide hygiene items, clothing, and other basic necessities needed during treatment so individuals can focus on their recovery without worrying about essential needs.

A major part of our mission is prevention and education for teens. We actively speak in schools and youth settings to share Ben’s story, educate students about the dangers of substance use, and encourage healthy decision-making. We also host and participate in community awareness events to help break the stigma surrounding addiction and bring important conversations into our communities.

Our support does not stop with prevention or recovery we also stand beside families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a loved one to addiction. When a loved one passes away, we send care packages to families as a reminder that they are not alone in their grief. Each holiday that follows, we continue to send reminders of love and support to those families, because we believe their loved one should never be forgotten, and we will never stop saying their name.

We invite you to partner with us on this journey whether through a one-time donation, monthly giving, volunteering, or inviting us to share Ben’s story at your school, church, or business. As a non-profit organization, every donation helps us continue our mission of raising awareness, supporting prevention, helping individuals take steps toward recovery, and standing beside families who need hope.

Together, we honor Ben’s legacy by loving others well, raising awareness, supporting families, and working to ensure that fewer lives are lost to addiction.

Make a Donation!