Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter Mario Barrett, better known as “Mario,” established the Mario Do Right Foundation in 2007 to mentor and educate kids impacted by drugs in their homes and communities. The 26-year-old Baltimore native says that his own experiences of growing up with a drug-addicted mother, and losing family members and friends to addiction, inspired him to work with kids in similar situations. “I saw the detrimental effect that drugs had on my family and peers, mentally, physically and spiritually,” he tells The Fix. “I saw a lot of family members pass away from overdoses and long term drug use.” Through his foundation, he started “Live Right Do Right”—a 16-week after-school program to educate kids about avoiding drug problems, while encouraging them to share about their personal experiences and their home life. Live Right Do Right’s motto is “Act out of choice rather than habit,” and its aim is to equip kids to deal with peer pressure and make their own decisions about drugs and alcohol. The program also offers family counseling as well as education for teachers and school staff on how to support students with addicted family members. “A lot of these kids feel alienated because they live in crazy situations where they’re up late at night doing adult duties like taking care of their family,” says Barrett. “This program gives the school the opportunity to learn who their students are. I believe that teachers have the responsibility of being parents in terms of the social and mental health of the kids.” (Read More…)