Hey everyone! I’m Jacy Werner, a 20 year old college student, born and raised in Elberta, AL. I am the Founder of the Benjamin Thomas Werner Foundation. On The Morning of September 11th, 2022, my life, and my family’s life changed forever. That morning, that started out like any other, came to a halt when we received the news that we had lost my brother, my best friend, from a drug overdose. Life as we knew it, in that moment ceased to exist. In the following days, I couldn’t help but to think of all the people in our lives that we lost to the same demon, addiction. I knew that I couldn’t let my Bennie’s life be lost in vain; That I had to do something to try and prevent other families from feeling the pain my family was and still feels.

 In the midst of all the chaos, The Benjamin Thomas Werner Foundation was born. I knew what I had to do, and I went to work putting my idea in motion. I did research, made phone calls, had meetings, filled out all the forms, and filed for my 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Once that was all established, and after much thought and prayers, I went to work handpicking my board of directors and members, coming together with people who I know are as passionate about recovery and second chances as I am.

As the founder of the BTW Foundation, I handle the day to day operations; I personally answer and respond to all calls and emails, as well as facilitate placement of your loved ones into one of the many residential long term treatment centers that have partnered with us. Aside from facilitating treatment, I also know the importance of community outreach in the prevention of drug use. I speak at local middle and high schools, sit in on small groups at local treatment centers, and meet with other local organizations to discuss the current problems facing our teen and at-risk youth today.

I would like to personally thank everyone that has supported me on this journey and I can’t wait to see how many lives we can change in honor of my brother Ben.