Creating addiction-free communities.
AARC connects people with resources to create addiction-free communities in Michiana.
We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability to earn and uphold the trust of the individuals, families, and communities we serve.
We center lived experience and treat everyone with dignity and compassion, meeting people where they are without judgment or stigma.
We partner with systems, organizations, and individuals to strengthen addiction services in the region.
We use evidence-based practices, screening tools, and outcome data to inform decisions and improve prevention and early intervention efforts.
We use innovative and adaptive approaches to respond to community needs.
The Alcohol and Addictions Resource Center (AARC) exists to help people, families, and communities prevent and respond to substance use and addiction with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based solutions.
We believe addiction prevention and early intervention work best when they are people-centered, grounded in data, and rooted in collaboration. Our role is to equip individuals, parents, workplaces, schools, and community partners with the tools they need to make informed decisions, recognize risk early, and respond effectively—before problems escalate into crises.
AARC serves as both a trusted resource and a connector. We bridge prevention, education, screening, and assessment services so that individuals don’t fall through the cracks and organizations aren’t left navigating complex systems alone. Our work is guided by integrity, creativity, and a deep respect for the people and communities we serve.
From youth prevention efforts to workplace support and community partnerships, AARC focuses on practical, actionable strategies that strengthen protective factors, reduce risk, and promote healthier outcomes for everyone.
AARC provides evidence‑based prevention and education programs designed to reduce substance use risk and strengthen protective factors across the lifespan. Our programs are tailored for schools, parents, community groups, and organizations, with a focus on early, proactive engagement. While education and prevention go hand in hand, we view evidence-based programs for individuals as our prevention services, and organization-level training or workshops as education.
Drug prevention reduces risk by equipping individuals, families, and communities with the knowledge, skills, and supports needed to make healthy choices before substance use becomes a problem. Some examples of our prevention work:
Education about drugs and substance use provides accurate, age-appropriate information that builds awareness, challenges myths, and empowers people to make informed, healthy decisions. Our education efforts include:
Please reach out to request a training session for your organization.
AARC offers substance use screenings and assessments to help individuals and organizations identify concerns early and determine appropriate next steps. Our assessments are conducted with professionalism, confidentiality, and respect, ensuring people receive accurate information and appropriate referrals.
We work closely with local treatment providers and service organizations to connect individuals to the right level of care when additional support is needed. All clinical services are offered through a partnership with Seasons Counseling of Michiana.
AARC partners with employers, nonprofits, and community organizations to address substance use concerns in the workplace in a supportive, non‑punitive way. Services may include education, consultation, screening, and connection to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources.
Our approach helps organizations promote employee well‑being, reduce risk, and respond effectively to substance‑related issues while maintaining dignity and confidentiality.
Collaboration is central to AARC’s mission. We participate in several community coalitions focused on drug prevention, mental health, and regional social services, including SJC CARES, the Partnership for Drug-Free St. Joseph County, and the Indiana Problem Gambling Awareness Program.
We work alongside schools, libraries, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations to create coordinated, community‑wide responses to substance use and addiction.
By aligning resources and sharing expertise, AARC helps communities move from reactive responses to sustainable, prevention‑focused solutions.
System of Care Director Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
Tobacco Education Coordinator Saint Joseph Health System
Executive Director United Health Services of St. Joseph County
Semi-Retired Peerless Midwest
Project Development Associate University of Notre Dame
Director South Bend Animal Resource Center
Director of Community Impact Beacon Health System
Executive Director Seasons Counseling of Michiana
Community Volunteer
Nonprofit Executive Designing & Scaling High-Impact Programs
Tobacco Education Coordinator Saint Joseph Health System
System of Care Director Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
Frank joined AARC in 2025 after several years at Notre Dame and the St. Joseph County Department of Health.
His work has focused on addressing childhood risk and protective factors for mental illness and addiction through community-driven partnerships. Frank is an ACE Interface Master Trainer, and has developed a novel data collection method to assess for positive childhood experiences in schools.
He is passionate about working across systems and professional sectors to improve quality of life in South Bend. Frank holds Master of Education, Master of Global Affairs, and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Notre Dame.
Tobacco Education Coordinator Saint Joseph Health System
Susan has served as the Office Manager at AARC since 2020.
