Dansville teacher to pedal 3,100 miles to help youth

When school gets out June 9 for Dansville Middle School students, one science and physical education teacher will pack his bags for a 3,100-mile trip — on his bicycle.

The ride is more than a vacation for Ethan Felsing and his wife, Skye Felsing. They'll be pedaling to help young people transition from drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs back into everyday life.

The Lansing-based WAI-IAM organization, an acronym for "Who Am I? I Am Me," provides a safe place to stay and a community of support for young people just out of drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs. The Felsings have already raised over $5,000, enough to pay for a full month's stay for 14 people.

For those struggling to overcome addiction, that first month back from rehabilitation can be a tough time to avoid relapse, Ethan Felsing said.

Corey Warren, co-founder of WAI-IAM, knows what that's like all too well. Throughout his teens and early twenties, drug and alcohol addiction unraveled his life and relationships.

"For multiple years, I was in and out of drug use and chaos and misery," Warren said. Then, after three years of jail sentences and treatment centers, Warren said he finally drilled down to the root of his addiction.

"I thought, I need to find out who I am so that I can be confident in myself and not be looking for exterior things to make me feel better," Warren said. "I wrote down all the things that made me, me."

The approach worked for him. Now Warren gives "Straight Talks" in local schools and community centers to encourage kids to resist peer pressure, develop self confidence and set goals for themselves. Warren isn't afraid to talk about his experiences if it means he can help someone else.

The WAI-IAM organization operates 10 sober living transitional houses in Lansing and two clubhouses where people who are recovering from addictions can socialize and find support.

One of the clubhouses, RISE, features a pool table, gaming room and iPads for members to use. The idea is to create a welcoming space where young people can find new friendships and fun in a clean and sober environment.

"Every drug dealer in America is targeting the youth," Warren said. "We needed to do something different ... we are the future of recovery."

The effects of drug addiction have hit close to home for Ethan Felsing. His little sister struggled with heroin addiction throughout her teens. Thanks to their grandfather's love and help, she has now been sober for over four years.

That's why the scholarship the Felsings are pedaling for will support the David McLoughlin Memorial Scholarship named after his grandfather, who died of stomach cancer in 2013.

Ethan and Skye plan to begin their cross-country trip at the Puget Sound in the state of Washington and end in Washington, D.C., where McLoughlin worked for FEMA for most of his life, all before school is back in session in the fall.

Ethan Felsing said what he's looking forward to most are the new experiences he and Skye will have.

'You learn so much about one another," Ethan Felsing said. "There's going to be something new at the end of the road and around the next turn — something new to feel, to experience together."

The Felsings' ride

For more information or to donate to David McLoughlin Memorial Scholarship, visit www.razoo.com/story/Rise-Across-America.