The groundbreaking for Tyler’s Redemption Place is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 28 — the fourth anniversary of the death of Tyler Bornstein, who died of a heroin/fentanyl overdose in 2014.

His parents, Travis and Shelly Bornstein, founded Hope United.

“I believe that there is an alcohol, drug and suicide epidemic in our nation, which requires love and compassion, not judgment. Education, support and treatment are our most powerful weapons,” Travis Bornstein said in a prepared statement. “I believe with all my heart that collaborating together within our communities and with the addition of Tyler’s Redemption Place we will begin to change outcomes and have direct impact on improving lives.”

According to the release, services and programs include: peer-to-peer coaching; professional counseling; relapse prevention programs for additional recovery support; stress and pain management through health and wellness (multipurpose gym, weight and cardio rooms, sauna, salt cave, massage therapy, alternative therapies/yoga/acupuncture/art therapy/coping, community service); support groups for family and recovery; worship services; life skills training; café, community events, concerts and other sober activities.

“This endeavor will save lives,” Shapiro said in a prepared statement. “Community-driven responses such as this are what is needed to end the opioid epidemic. I am proud to honor Tyler Bornstein’s memory and others gone too soon through this collaboration.”

Peninsula Architects will serve as the project architect.

“Welty is committed to being an integral part of the community by becoming active partners with organizations that make up the fabric of the community,” said Don Taylor, president and CEO of Welty, in a prepared statement. “With the opioid crisis significantly impacting citizens of Ohio both directly and indirectly, there is no better time for Tyler’s Redemption Place to materialize and provide hope and programs to those who need it most. We couldn’t be more to be grateful to be involved with such a critical project.”

Already, Hope United has raised more than $1.4 million of its $5 million fundraising effort. In addition to the capital campaign, the organization has launched Every1United, a fundraising campaign to bring together local businesses to help build Tyler’s Redemption Place, according to the release.

By: LYDIA COUTRÉ