Although he’s been in recovery longer than the young people served by Youth Eastside Services have been alive, Christopher Kennedy Lawford vividly recalls how he was once in their shoes. His first experiment with LSD at 13 led to 17 years of substance abuse, overdoses and arrests. Today, he’s been sober for more than 26 years.

Kennedy Lawford will be the keynote speaker at Invest in Youth, Youth Eastside Services’ annual fundraising breakfast, on Tuesday, March 19 at Meydenbauer Center. He’ll share his journey from existing as an addict and substance abuser to thriving as an author, advocate and actor.

Kennedy Lawford’s message that recovery is possible is at the core of YES’s work with youth and their families.

“Addiction can affect a family who has everything just as easily as a family who has nothing,” he says.

Youth Eastside Services helps kids and families coping with challenges such as emotional distress, substance abuse and violence.

Proceeds from Invest in Youth ensure that local children get the help they need regardless of their family’s ability to pay for services, and support underfunded programs and services.

More information is available at 425-583-2326.