On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomed Lauren Metzler, founder of Tevin’s Tribe, and Jordan Keene to discuss the organization’s mission, upcoming community events, and the importance of treating those affected by substance use disorder with dignity and compassion.
Metzler shared that her passion for advocacy stems from personal tragedy after losing both her younger brother and her mother to fentanyl poisoning. Those losses inspired her to establish Tevin’s Tribe in 2022 as a nonprofit dedicated to honoring loved ones, educating the community, and challenging the misconceptions surrounding addiction.
Throughout the conversation, both Metzler and Keene emphasized that substance use disorder is a disease rather than a moral failing. They encouraged the community to look beyond addiction and remember that every person struggling with substance use is someone’s child, sibling, parent, friend or neighbor. They stressed that compassion and understanding can make a significant difference for individuals seeking recovery and for families coping with loss.
The pair also highlighted the many resources available locally for individuals and families affected by addiction. During the International Overdose Awareness Day event, community organizations, counseling providers and recovery services will be available to connect attendees with information and support.
The community gathering will take place on Sunday, Aug. 31, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at RB&W Park in downtown Rock Falls. The event will feature food trucks, vendors, live music by Bobby White and a unique community activity where attendees can write messages or the names of loved ones on a donated vehicle that will later be crushed as a symbolic way to fight stigma surrounding addiction.
Tevan’s Tribe will also host its Fourth Annual Blind Draw Sand Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Emerson’s. Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a moment of silence at approximately 9 a.m. before tournament play begins. The event welcomes participants of every skill level and offers family activities, silent auction items, and fundraising opportunities that support the organization’s mission. This year’s tournament carries special meaning as it coincides with what would have been Metzler’s brother’s 35th birthday.
Keene described the powerful impact Tevin’s Tribe has already made in the region, including a recent outreach event where a family seeking immediate help for a loved one in crisis connected with the organization. The experience reinforced the importance of public awareness and being visible in the community, creating opportunities for people to find assistance when they need it most.
Another major focus of the discussion centered on naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan. Metzler and Keene encouraged everyone—not just those with loved ones struggling with addiction—to carry the medication. They explained that accidental opioid overdoses can happen in a variety of situations. They emphasized that naloxone is safe, easy to administer, and widely available at no cost through community partners. They also discussed local OneBox installations that provide both naloxone and step-by-step instructions for emergency use.
The conversation concluded with a message of hope. Tevin’s Tribe continues to honor those who have been lost while creating a supportive community for families, individuals in recovery, and anyone searching for help. The organization encourages those who have lost loved ones to connect with Tevan’s Tribe to preserve their memory and reminds anyone facing addiction or supporting someone who is that they do not have to face those challenges alone.
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