‘It’s everywhere, and it’s against everybody’: Fentanyl tragedy sparks ambition for new Abilene nonprofit
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – An Abilene family appeared before the City Council on Thursday to advocate for fentanyl awareness in the city and to announce the launch of a new nonprofit organization.
Just days before Christmas of 2023, 16-year-old Jerrin Hernandez died from a fentanyl overdose. His mother, Crystal Lewis, found Jerrin and attempted to resuscitate him.
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“I had to administer Narcan to him three times. The third time, not even knowing that he was gone,” Lewis said.
At a recent Abilene City Council meeting, Jerrin’s family stood in solidarity to bring attention to the fentanyl crisis to our city leaders.
“You don’t think it’s right here. You don’t realize it’s right here… I come, and I tell you, it is,” said Lewis, addressing the council members.
“It’s everywhere, and it’s against everybody,” said Jerrin’s Grandfather, Todd Jacoby.
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However, the purpose of the family was not only to create awareness about the fentanyl issue in Abilene but also to share that they are starting a nonprofit in honor of Jerrin.
‘Jerrin’s Hope’ is geared towards young adults ages 12 through 17 who may be struggling with addiction.
“We’re on track for starting a nonprofit, ultimately a residential treatment center. We’re going to need a lot of help,” said Todd Jacoby.
“We stand here as a family in front of y’all to ask for your help. Let’s address this matter and let’s come stronger against these drug dealers that are selling death to our children,” added Jerrin’s Grandmother, Elsa Jacoby.
The organization is in the very early stages of development but plans to build a large treatment center from the ground up. Jacoby explained that many community members, including security personnel, doctors, and counselors, have offered their services when the facility is operational.
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The concept for this new facility aimed at young adults stemmed from Jerrin’s history of struggles with drug abuse and eventual overdose. Jerrin’s family discovered his problem and tried to find help for him. However, Jerrin was under 18, so they had difficulties finding a local program suitable for someone his age.
“I’m trying to take this broken, shattered heart and fill it with God’s gold to make something beautiful for our community, our children, because they’re our future,” Lewis said.
The first outreach event for Jerrin’s Hope will take place on August 3 in the Drug Emporium parking lot at 2550 Barrow Street. The event will feature a faith-based hip-hop group, a mobile church with a baptistery, and food trucks where children aged 17 and under can eat for free.
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