Our Story

Jordan Arakelian struggled with the disease of addiction for nearly nine years. The picture above was taken in February 2018. The disease ultimately took his life just four months later, in the early morning hours of June 30, 2018, at the age of 24. His two younger brothers, 18 and 20, found his body inside the family minivan in the driveway of our home early that afternoon. It was Jordan's hope that he could heal from addiction and help others fighting the disease. That day, as I sobbed and hugged my beautiful boy for the last time on our front lawn, I made a promise to him that I would keep fighting to save other individuals and families from this horrible disease that is robbing us of so many beautiful people with so many talents to offer the world. Less than a month later, on July 26, 2018, the first meeting of A Promise to Jordan was held and our organization was born.

When I'm missing my son, it's so comforting to know that he is watching everything we've done and is so proud of the progress we've made in his name. He couldn't help others in life, but, through our organization, he is helping them after his death. And, every time an addict or family member thanks me for the work we're doing and tells me what a difference it's made in their life, it is so gratifying and reminds me why we must continue doing this important work.

  • Lisa Gray, Jordan’s Mom and Founder of A Promise to Jordan

 

“….I’m regaining the love, trust, and faith of my mother, family, and friends.  I’m gaining a chance to escape my mental health issues forever, instead of just for a few hours like with you.  And, most importantly, I’m regaining myself and who I used to be.  I’m remembering who I am, how great I am, and finally becoming the man I always wanted to be.  I can’t have you in my life anymore, and I wish I could say I was sorry, I wish I could say we can still hang out on occasions, but I’m glad you’re gone and I don’t ever want to see you again.  For the first time in 10 years, I love myself and who I am.  If I don’t get rid of you, I know I will lose everything.  I will lose my family and my friends until you’re my only friend.  You will cause me to never reach my full potential and I will never be the man I want to if you don’t leave.  I know you may stay with me forever, but that forever would not be very long, maybe only a few months.  Eventually you will take my life, all my money and possessions along with everyone I care about, so that forever would be a real lonely one. So, unfortunately for you, this is the end of our relationship because a relationship with you leads to only 3 things:  jail, institutions, and death.  But, for me, it only leads to one…death.  The way I was living for two years was no way anyone should ever have to live.  And, to be honest, a life with you is no life at all.  And I’m going to make sure as many people as possible know they don’t have to live in your grasp anymore.  All it takes to change is asking for help, and helping others get rid of you will be my revenge for everything you’ve done to me.””

— Excerpt from Jordan Arakelian’s “Goodbye Letter to my Addiction”, March 6, 2018

“Substance use disorder is a family disease and it hit my family HARD. The stigma and struggle to find quality care when we were reaching out for help became all too real. Every door of hope we tried to walk through closed in our faces. We were losing hope and being sucked into the darkness of addiction fast. [An officer from] Simsbury PD came to our door and put us in contact with Lisa Gray and the A Promise to Jordan foundation. Our hope was restored, they went into action immediately and got us the help we were so desperately asking for. A Promise to Jordan was our light, our miracle. I never thought our help was right here in our home town. I am forever grateful for the help and guidance we have and continue to receive. Always have hope because recovery IS possible. Thank you for coming into our lives and continuing to be with us. Everything happens for a reason and we were meant to be a part of this. Our lives are forever changed for the better!”

— Kara M., Family Member