The Sterling Scholarship Fund
The Sterling Scholarship Fund provides an opportunity for a new beginning to those suffering from addiction. Recipients receive the first month stay at the Endorphin Power Company, one of Albuquerque’s most respected and effective nonprofit drug rehabilitation facilities.
We each have the opportunity to affect change in the lives of a stranger. Sometimes it’s with a smile, other times a meal, and sometimes it’s through our deaths.
One of America's hidden epidemics, and now the number one cause of accidental death, more than 50,000 people in the US die annually from a drug overdose, with that number rising rapidly. In 2013 Sterling Grant III died at age 46 of an accidental pharmaceutical drug overdose, after suffering a nearly fatal motorcycle accident and being prescribed opioids to help manage his pain.
New Mexico has one of the highest rates of “accidental overdose”. Men aged 40-50 make up the greatest percentage of these deaths. They often go to their doctor’s office complaining of lower back pain, are prescribed opioids and end up dead in their homes within 3 years...for Sterling it was 2.5 years.
Each person who dies is more than just a statistic. Sterling was survived by a beautiful son, wife, parents, siblings and a deep community of friends and colleagues. His legacy continues through those of us who loved him and as in his life, in his death it is possible to create great transformation.
Why Endorphin Power Company and the First Month?
The first month at EPC is particularly important because it gives an often marginalized/homeless, newly sober, individual a head start and opportunity to get on their feet. The cost of the first month’s stay at EPC is $670.
Since 2003, hundreds of volunteers have spent thousands of hours working to create Endorphin Power Company. (www.endorphinpower.org). Since the campus was built in 2007, several hundred people have called EPC their home (the average length of stay is approximately 178 days). While at EPC residents receive intensive case management (including stable work and/or school, healthcare, finances, support services, etc.) so that they’re prepared to move forward when they exit the program. EPC also remains an available option for support once the residents leave the program.
EPC offers a very unique program that provides each resident the opportunity to find recovery in the way that works for them. This might include 12 Step, Religion, SMART Recovery, Buddhism, counseling, etc. giving the client as many options as possible to explore. While at EPC each resident participates in their Four Pillar program of exercise, education, community and service. The goal is to create a holistic sense of wellness that addresses mind, body and soul. EPC also offers multiple opportunities for non-resident community members and serves as a resource hub for the greater Albuquerque area.
Qualifications for the Scholarship
Recipients would be chosen through EPC’s regular screening process allowing them to accept someone who might not otherwise have the funds to enter the program.
Our Goals
2017 $10,000 (including $5000 matching grant from The Sterling Foundation)
2018 $12,000 (endowment that will earn enough interest to provide one scholarship per year in perpetuity)
2019 $ 20,000 (with additional matching partners)