About Us

Marisa's Purpose Faith , Hope and Love is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 located in Monticello, Illinois. The charity was created in 2016 by Marisa’s family after she succumbed to an accidental drug overdose.

I never thought any of my children would feel the need to experiment with drugs.  I’ve always talked to them about  substance abuse, and constantly let them know they could talk to me  about anything.  It’s easy to think something like this will never happen  to us, and if it does, we end up trying to deny the situation or become  embarrassed of the circumstances.  The truth is, the drugs that are available these days are extremely dangerous and easily accessible.  Once addicted it leaves one feeling dependent on the drug, and feeling helpless.

Marisa  once told me she felt her purpose in life was to help people, and while I  didn’t quite comprehend what she meant at the time, I now know she  couldn’t have been more right.  Marisa may not be here on earth, but her  memory will forever be eternal, and I’m hoping to live out her purpose  through the Marisa's Purpose: Faith, Hope and Love Charity.  My hope in  creating this charity is that we can educate and help as many people as possible  struggling with drug or alcohol misuse in our local and surrounding communities

Each year in the Fall we host a 5k race and an 11.5-mile bike race at Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello Illinois, to raise awareness and to raise money. We use the funds to educate our youth and communities about the dangers and misconceptions about drugs, vaping, and alcohol abuse. To sign up or to learn more about the races, and what we do visit us at: marisaspurpose.org or Facebook 

Once a year, we host a speaker to talk to middle and high school students throughout Piatt, and the surrounding counties. The speaker tells their story, their struggle, and their road to recovery. They also make themselves available to talk to students, and staff after the presentation if there is a need.

We also host a Narcan (Naloxone) training and give free Narcan to anyone who is in need. Naloxone, known by common brand name Narcan, is a medication designed to reverse the harmful effects of Opioid overdose. Opioids include heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone and others.                    If not treated immediately, an opioid overdose can be extremely dangerous to a person's health.

While we try to focus on education for youth and communities, and multiple times throughout the year we do have those in need reach out for help. We do our best to give individuals the resources to find help and recovery.

In 2021, our family decided to create The Marisa’s Purpose Faith, Hope and Love - Addiction Awareness scholarships. The scholarship was awarded to two students who demonstrate a passion for raising awareness of drug and alcohol addiction with $1000 scholarships for college.

Our mission is to remove the stigma, start the conversation, and educate anyone who will listen.

My goal is to raise enough money to help pay for speakers and continue education for students, families, and communities.  I  truly believe that education and knowledge will help families and I'm hopeful it will decrease substance abuse  activity in our area.  We need to give parents and kids HOPE!

I would  appreciate any help I can get in reaching this goal, whether it’s a  monetary donation, help with activities,  or ideas on how to improve what we are already doing.  

Thank you in advance for your time and generosity.

Donations can also be made to Marisa's Purpose Charity through First  State Bank in Monticello.

I hope you’ll join me in my crusade  educating future generations and bringing hope to our community. 

Knowledge Is A Powerful Tool Against Drug And Alcohol Abuse!

May Marisa’s memory be eternal!

With love,
Connie Gyorr and family