Families, counselors, therapists and teachers from around the region will get an eye-opening and realistic view into the myriad of issues facing teenagers when Pavillon hosts the nationally acclaimed Legacy of Hope⪚ theatrical presentation in Hendersonville on May 5

Cutting across cultural, gender, economic, religious and age boundaries, Legacy of Hope⪚ is presented by Susie Vanderlip, a national speaker and writer on prevention, youth and family issues.

The performance will be in the auditorium of West Henderson High School from 7 to 8:30 pm. It is free, open to the public and is sponsored by Pavillon, a non-profit center for the treatment of alcoholism and other addictions located in Mill Spring.

Vanderlip is the author of the award-winning book, 52 Ways to Protect Your Teen ‐ Guiding Teens to Good Choices and Success. She has reached over one million teens, parents, counselors, therapists and teachers across 47 states and Canada.

&dquo;Through her performance she is able to truly connect with the audience with a thoughtful message of resiliency and hope in the midst of life&squo;s trials,&dquo; said Joanne Young, Director of the Children&squo;s Program at Pavillon.&bsp; The Children&squo;s Program helps children ages six-14 who have been affected by someone addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Vanderlip&squo;s guidance and encouragement is rooted in years of involvement with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, National Association of Peer Programs, PRIDE, SADD, MADD, 4-H, Youth to Youth, Friday Night Live, child abuse councils, domestic violence councils, teen pregnancy programs, community coalitions and a profound respect for 12-Step support programs.

In her presentation, Vanderlip portrays a series of characters dealing with real life teen, young adult and family issues that range from alcohol and drug abuse to teen pregnancy, irresponsible sexuality, gangs, AIDs, violence, suicide, domestic abuse, depression, self-harm and low self-esteem.

&dquo;Depending upon individual situations, so many young people are experiencing hopelessness, isolation and depression,&dquo; said Anne Vance, CEO of Pavillon. &dquo;As a community resource for families, we felt it was important to bring Ms. Vanderlip&squo;s critical message to area families and teens. Parents are encouraged to bring their pre-teens and teens to share this experience together,&dquo; she said. &bsp;

For additional information, go to www.pavillon.org or www.legacyofhope.com &bsp;

Pavillon, started in 1997 on 141 acres in Mill Spring, provides intensive residential and outpatient treatment for addiction, a 90-day Professional&squo;s Program and support for families and children. It is a non-profit organization and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.