THE RIVER SOUL

MOVEMENT

A PATH TO RESTORATION

ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE

ALL FREE OF CHARGE.

SOURCES: 1. KFF Tracking poll (2023) | 2. cdc rePORT (2025) | 3. National institutes of health (2025) | 4. Addiction policy forum (2023)

The River Soul Movement

The River Soul Movement

The River Soul Movement is a technology driven nonprofit initiative designed to provide the loved ones of addicts with a powerful toolkit of expert-led recovery education, real-life recovery stories, and cutting-edge digital support systems

Accessible to everyone.

ALL free of charge.

THE HIDDEN VICTIMS OF ADDICTION

Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual.

It devastates families, especially parents, spouses, and siblings.

  • Homes begin to unravel

  • Relationships become strained

  • Loved ones are left to pick up the pieces without a roadmap

A GAP THAT NEEDS FILLING

Most recovery programs focus primarily on the addict.

Families are left behind, isolated, uninformed, and emotionally overwhelmed.

  • There is no centralized, vetted and consistent national resource that is trusted, scalable, and specifically built for families

  • Many are desperate for answers and have no idea where to turn

WHAT FAMILIES ACTUALLY NEED

To truly heal, families need more than hope. They need real help and a supportive community. You are not Alone.

Enhanced Understanding

A clear explanation of addiction, recovery, and how to support without enabling

Practical, curated & vetted Tools

Actionable steps to support long-term healing and healthier relationships

Transformative Impact

Guidance that leads to measurable improvements in well-being and recovery outcomes

Leading families out of codependency.

Sustainable Resources

Evergreen content that families can return to whenever they need it

Leadership Team

  • Jim Wahlberg

    National voice in addiction recovery media with a powerful story and deep roots in faith based storytelling.

  • Scott Maclellan

    Catalyst + Executive Leader: Healthcare executive and Christian father with lived experience of addiction in his family. Author of An Acre of Fools.

  • Michael Boerner

    Executive leader and visionary behind the technology strategy, execution, and advisory framework. Grounded as a man of faith, guiding with purpose and integrity.

This movement is being led by a purpose-driven team with deep expertise in storytelling, technology, nonprofit strategy, and lived experience in addiction and recovery, all rooted in our belief in Jesus, the Ultimate Restorer, and the reason we do this work.

Execution Team

  • Mission 17

    Seasoned faith based nonprofit serving philanthropic & ministry organizations to create lasting impact through unity and technology.

  • StoryPath

    Mobile-first delivery platform using SMS/MMS to reach families without apps or login friction.

  • Anaheim Studios

    Production company specializing in narrative driven content working with Fortune 500 companies and non-profits with over a decade of experience.

IN A DISTRACTED WORLD SWIMMING IN INFORMATION BUT LACKING TRUE PURPOSE, FAMILIES NEED CLARITY...

THIS IS OUR SOLUTION…

A UNIQUE & PROVEN RECOVERY SOLUTION

A MOBILE-FIRST PLATFORM DELIVERING TOOLS FOR FAMILIES WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST, WHEREVER THEY ARE. SHORT. TIMELY. RELEVANT.

NO APP, NO PASSWORD, NO LOGIN REQUIRED

  • Delivered through SMS and mobile web for instant access

REACH PEOPLE IN REAL TIME

  • Whether in the car, at the kitchen table, or in the middle of a crisis

DESIGNED TO SCALE NATIONALLY

  • More than one million mobile engagements targeted in the first year

POWERED BY STORYPATH

  • A proven mobile platform / technology used by numerous Fortune 500 companies delivering frictionless interactive video support

THE TECHNOLOGY

BUILT ON STORYPATH, A PROVEN PLATFORM THAT DELIVERS GUIDED CONTENT THROUGH SMS AND MOBILE WEB, WITH NO DOWNLOADS, APPS, OR LOGINS REQUIRED.

COMBINES EXPERT-LED EDUCATION, REAL STORIES, AND INTERACTIVE MICRO-LEARNING

1

REACHES USERS IN REAL TIME THROUGH A FORMAT THEY ALREADY USE: TEXT MESSAGES

2

SCALES EFFORTLESSLY TO MILLIONS WITHOUT TECHNICAL BARRIERS

3

EVERGREEN, MODULAR CONTENT THAT’S EASY TO UPDATE AND CAN BE WHITE-LABELED FOR PARTNERS

4

MOVEMENT

TECHNOLOGY

FRICTIONLESS MOBILE-FIRST ENGAGEMENT WITH ONGOING SUPPORT AND EDUCATION NO APP, EMAIL, PASSWORD, OR LOGIN, MAKING IT EFFORTLESSLY ACCESSIBLE AT MASS SCALE. IT DRIPS SHORT-FORM VIDEO CONTENT DIRECTLY TO RECIPIENTS VIA TEXT, DELIVERING TIMELY, RELEVANT, AND DIGESTIBLE GUIDANCE TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE.

MOVEMENT

EXTENSIONS

THE RIVER SOUL MOVEMENT INITIATIVE BRINGS TOGETHER REAL-LIFE STORIES FROM FORMER ADDICTS, ADDICTION EXPERTS, FAITH LEADERS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, COUNSELORS, LEGAL ADVOCATES, AND SURVIVORS TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL TOOLS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND EXPERT-DRIVEN GUIDANCE TAILORED FOR UNIQUE / CURATED AUDIENCES.

A MOBILE-FIRST PLATFORM DELIVERING TOOLS FOR FAMILIES WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST, WHEREVER THEY ARE. SHORT. TIMELY. RELEVANT.

NO APP, NO PASSWORD, NO LOGIN REQUIRED

  • Delivered through SMS and mobile web for instant access

REACH PEOPLE IN REAL TIME

  • Whether in the car, at the kitchen table, or in the middle of a crisis

DESIGNED TO SCALE NATIONALLY

  • More than one million mobile engagements targeted in the first year

POWERED BY STORYPATH

  • A proven mobile platform / technology used by numerous Fortune 500 companies delivering frictionless interactive video support

VETTED RESOURCES

  • VETTED RESOURCES

    • EACH RESOURCE GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

  • EMERGENCY QUICK HITS

    • WHAT NOW RESOURCES THAT DON’T FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD (TOP 10)

  • MOVEment EXPANSION beyond Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

    • CREATE PATHS FOR:

      • GAMBLING ADDICTION

      • SEX ADDICTION

      • GENERAL ADDICTION ETC

  • MOVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS

    • PHYSICAL MEETING GROUPS

    • EVENTS & CONFERENCES

THE MOVEMENT ADVISORY BOARD

A curated group of diverse and deeply experienced experts shaping the content, voice, and impact of the River Soul Movement.

The editorial advisory board represents 12 key domains critical to addiction recovery:

Each person will have a direct personal tie and be an unpaid volunteer to the movement

1. Medical Experts: Addiction specialists, psychiatrists, and psychologists offering clinical insight

2. Former Addicts: Individuals with lived experience in addiction and long-term recovery

3. Family Survivors: Loved ones who have supported someone through addiction

4. Parents: Especially those who have navigated addiction with their children

5. Counselors & Therapists: Mental health professionals specializing in addiction and family dynamics

6. Social Workers: Experts addressing addiction within communities and systems

7. Faith Leaders: Spiritual guides focused on healing, redemption, and resilience

8. Legal Experts: Attorneys and advocates focused on drug-related legal issues and rights

9. Community Organizers: Leaders working to mobilize grassroots prevention and support networks

10. Pharmacologists & Scientists: Researchers exploring the biology of addiction and treatment innovations

11. Educators: Public educators and trainers who demystify addiction and promote prevention

12. Policy Makers: Individuals shaping local and national recovery-related policy

1. Subject Matter Expertise

Demonstrated expertise in a relevant domain:

  • Addiction recovery and treatment
  • Family systems and trauma care
  • Mental health counseling
  • Pastoral care or faith-based ministry
  • Youth and adolescent therapy
  • Grief, loss, or boundary coaching
  • Criminal justice, foster care, or recovery court work

2. Lived Experience or Personal Connection

  • Lived experience with addiction (personal or family), or
  • Firsthand work with families in crisis or recovery
  • Deep empathy and understanding of the ripple effects addiction has on the home

3. Faith and Values Alignment

  • Resonance with the redemptive, hope-centered, and faith-informed mission of River Soul
  • Respectful of cross-denominational Christian audiences
  • Willingness to support healing with both conviction and compassion

4. Influence and Reach

  • Recognized thought leader, trusted advisor, or well-connected advocate in their space
  • Ability to lend credibility, open doors, or elevate awareness
  • May include authors, speakers, founders, media figures, pastors, or nonprofit leaders
  • Willing to publicly or privately support the initiative when appropriate

5. Collaborative Spirit

  • Committed to a team culture of humility, clarity, and excellence
  • Open to reviewing materials, sharing insights, and participating in feedback loops
  • Willing to appear in video segments or participate in future awareness efforts, if aligned

6. Commitment to the Mission

  • Belief in the need to create practical, heartfelt tools for families in pain
  • Support for making this content free and accessible through StoryPath’s mobile platform
  • Desire to see the River Soul Project become a national voice of hope and healing

  • BRUCE BOWEN

    NBA Champion

    Bruce Bowen is a three-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs and addiction advocate

  • DR. JOHN ROSA

    National Expert on the Opioid Crisis

    White House Surrogate/Consultant Law Enforcement Consultant.State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces.

  • STEWART McLAURIN

    White House Historial Association President

    A historian and communicator, McLaurin is the president of the White House Historical Association, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the White House.

  • MIKE KELLY

    Brand-Builder

    A lifetime marketer and brand-builder, Mike was the CMO and Chief Innovation Officer of PVH, a Fortune 500 apparel company. He is currently advising K2POV (a marketing and media collective) and King Ranch, as well as serving as the founder of Fob Depot.

  • MARC EFFRON

    Co-Founder Legacy Healing

    Marc Effron is the co-founder of Legacy Healing Center, using his own recovery journey to help others. He’s also a speaker, coach, and entrepreneur focused on healing and transformation.

  • NARRATIVE-LED VIDEO SERIES

    • SHORT-FORM VIDEO JOURNEYS FEATURING REAL FAMILIES, EXPERTS, AND SURVIVORS NAVIGATING ADDICTION AND RECOVERY

  • TAILORED PERSONA STORY PATHS

    • UNIQUE CONTENT TAILORED TO KEY USER TYPES SUCH AS PARENTS, SPOUSES, TEEN SIBLINGS, RECOVERING ADDICTS, AND FAITH-BASED SUPPORTERS

  • EXPERT-GUIDED SEGMENTS

    • CURATED INTERVIEWS AND INSIGHTS FROM PSYCHOLOGISTS, PASTORS, MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

  • EMOTIONAL STORYTELLING

    • CRAFTED TO RESONATE DEEPLY AND PROMOTE HEALING THROUGH RELATABLE, HOPE-FILLED STORIES

  • EVERGREEN AND MODULAR DESIGN

    • BUILT TO ADAPT AND SCALE ACROSS PLATFORMS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND FUTURE CONTENT NEEDS

1

Momentum Milestone
Sept 16, 2025

  • We’ll launch a national awareness push tied to the re-release of An Acre of Fools and the River Soul Movement announcement
  • Building early visibility, PR interest, and donor momentum ahead of our Q1 2026 launch.
2

Tailored Content & Target Channels

  • Faith-based communities and churches
  • Addiction treatment centers / doctors and family support groups
  • Social media campaigns fueled by personal storytelling
  • National media placements and interviews
3

Influencer Partnerships

  • Led by Jim Wahlberg and supported by other voices with lived experience in addiction and recovery
4

Third-Party Distribution

  • Strategic partnerships with companies, nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, and legal networks to embed the movement at scale.
  • Including documentary distribution

  • OVER 1 MILLION MOBILE ENGAGEMENTS PROJECTED IN YEAR ONE

  • A SCALABLE, FAITH-INFUSED, FAMILY-FIRST RESOURCE UNLIKE ANYTHING CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

  • DESIGNED TO BE EMBEDDED INTO COMMUNITIES, RECOVERY ECOSYSTEMS, AND SUPPORT NETWORKS

  • EVERGREEN CONTENT ENSURES LONG-TERM USE AND CONTINUED RELEVANCE

  • SUPPORTING FAMILIES LEADS TO LASTING CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION

  • We bring deep credibility through authentic leadership, lived experience, and a proven track record in media, production, and technology.

  • Our exclusive use of StoryPath enables instant, app-free access through SMS, completely free for families and built for national scale.

  • The content is evergreen, re-usable, and designed for measurable impact: stronger family outcomes, reduced relapse, and increased access to care.

  • This platform integrates easily into existing networks, amplifying what’s working rather than competing with it.

THIS IS THE MOMENT TO ACT.

THE FAMILIES ARE REAL.

THE NEED IS NOW.

We are building the first national, mobile-first resource for families devastated by addiction.

The platform is mapped. The content is ready. The momentum is real.

We need partners to help fund the final step. $3.52 million will fully fund production, platform launch and national reach.

Let’s bring light, guidance, and healing together.

THE BURDEN HAS BEEN ENOUGH

ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE

ALL FREE OF CHARGE.

THE RIVER SOUL MOVEMENT