Open House Offers Parents in Washington County Tools to Prevent Substance Use and Addiction

A Mother's Mission to Prevent Addiction Through Family Connection

Pam Lanhart has experienced the heartbreak of addiction in the most painful way possible. Her son, Jake, died from a fentanyl overdose at the age of 24. His journey with substance use began years before his death, and for a decade, he struggled with addiction, experiencing periods of recovery. He had been clean for four years when he relapsed, a decision that ultimately cost him his life.

Jake was known for his energetic and fun personality. However, those same traits—his love for taking risks and pushing boundaries—eventually led him down a dangerous path. Lanhart recalls how his adventurous spirit made him more susceptible to experimenting with substances. “He was a risk taker, always pushing the buttons,” she said.

This personal tragedy inspired Lanhart to take action. In 2016, she founded Thrive Family Recovery Resources, an organization dedicated to helping families navigate the challenges of addiction and prevent it from taking root in their homes. “If parents knew how to connect and communicate more effectively with their children, they might be able to spare them from falling into addiction,” she explained.

Lanhart refers to her approach as “loving well.” She emphasizes that traditional methods like tough love often create cycles of conflict and trauma within families. Instead, she advocates for emotional maturity and open communication. “We teach families how to handle this with emotional maturity. We want to equip families and help them live differently,” she said.

The organization focuses on addressing the root causes of substance use by highlighting both risk factors and protective factors. While much attention is given to the dangers of drug use, Lanhart believes there’s a need to focus more on prevention. “We hear about the overdose deaths but we don’t talk enough about protective factors and how we make sure they don’t start using in the first place,” she said.

On August 20, the community will have a chance to learn more about Thrive Family Recovery Resources during an open house at their new resource hub in Eagan. The event will include food, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a group training session on the lifesaving use of naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses.

Families attending the open house will also have the opportunity to sign up for upcoming workshops in Washington County later in the fall. These free sessions are designed to strengthen family bonds and create a safe, supportive environment for youth.

“We are doing something in Washington County and the East Metro that gives parents and kids actionable tools, skills, and activities to help them come together,” Lanhart said. “That creates a family ecosystem that interrupts how families deal with generational trauma, anxiety, depression, and other challenges that youth face.”

The workshops will be divided into three groups: one for parents, another for children aged 7 to 12, and a third for teenagers. Each group will be led by trained facilitators who will guide participants through lessons on collaborative communication, emotional regulation, and building strong family connections.

“Parents will learn collaborative communication, while kids will learn what that looks like at their age,” Lanhart explained. “Then everyone is on the same page. Everyone learns how to be wise-minded, how to manage anger, and how to affirm and validate their loved ones.”

Thrive Family Recovery Resources offers a range of services, including one-on-one family support, group meetings, and educational programs. Their mission is to empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to foster resilience and prevent addiction.

Open House Details

When: August 20, 2025
Where: At the new Family Resource Hub, 440 Duckwood Drive, Suite 100, Eagan, MN
Event Schedule:
- 5 pm: Doors open, food served
- 6 pm: Ribbon cutting
- 7 pm: Naloxone training

This event is a valuable opportunity for families to learn more about Thrive Family Recovery Resources and the support available to them. It’s a step toward building stronger, healthier families and preventing the pain of addiction from affecting more lives.