App-ropos or App de jour? –
Mar. 9, 2019 – “I hope we can build 600,000 beds for addicts by 2020,” said Bessom, a former St. John’s Prep defensive tackle on the powerhouse 2002 team who grew up in Lynn and now lives in Newburyport. “It began with my desire to find a bed for my father, a Vietnam vet who has struggled with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and alcoholism for years.” Bessom hopes his app will be a game changer and has thoroughly researched the subject. He has sought input from social workers, recovery coaches, healthcare professionals, non-profit organizations, law enforcement and community service professionals. “I want to create a new way to find sober beds to empower the right people and hold them accountable,” he said. “My father had been sober, but suffered a relapse three years ago. It became apparent to me very quickly how much need there is for something like Strong Wings to help families like mine who have been affected by addiction.
