Michelle and John Makris
Substance Use Prevention, Advocacy And Recovery Support
Local residents John and Michelle Makris, alongside nonprofit Hanley Foundation, are seeking community partners to expand efforts in preventing substance use disorders.
Following the loss of their 23-year-old son, Brice, to an accidental overdose in March 2020, John and Michelle partnered with Hanley Foundation, a nonprofit leader in prevention programming. John, a CPA and one-time lobbyist, and Michelle, a marketing executive, retired from their jobs and started the Brice Makris Endowment Fund through the Foundation.
The Boca Raton couple has dedicated their lives to honoring their son’s vow to save 100 people from substance use disorder.
“At Brice’s service we got up and pleaded with the audience to help us fulfill his legacy and we got an enthusiastic affirmation,” says John. Adds Michelle, “Because he couldn’t do it, we are.”
John serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Michelle fields phone calls from parents and other family members struggling with the pain of addiction.
“When a kid gets into trouble it’s devastating, especially when you don’t know where to turn,” she says. “My role has been helping them navigate the system. Speaking to other parents has been cathartic for me.”
Hanley Foundation serves 23 counties in Florida providing substance use prevention education, advocacy and recovery scholarships to those who cannot afford treatment. John and Michelle want others to know that substance use disorder can happen to anyone.
“We need to change stigma to empathy,” said John.
Joining forces with the Foundation’s South Palm Beach County team, they are expanding prevention programming to Boca Raton schools, creating annual fundraising and cultivation events, advocating for local policy changes and laying the groundwork for strong and successful recovery communities.
Hanley Foundation’s Boca Raton partners include Boca Chamber of Commerce, Holistic Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Scott, Delivery Dudes, Grandview Preparatory School, The Mitzvah Club, Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise and Boca Magazine.
“We hope you will get involved in this work and join the growing movement in our community,” said John.
For resources, events and to join the #HanleyEffect, visit HanleyFoundation.org.
Hanley Foundation, 700 South Dixie Highway, Ste. 103, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, 561-268-2355, hanleyfoundation.org
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