Waterville Police Deputy Chief Bill Bonney, left, and Chief Joe Massey speak beside a display of opiate drugs and increase of use statistics during a press conference Nov. 16 when authorities announced a new Operation HOPE program that aims to help drug addicts get treatment. Volunteer "angels" will soon meet with program participants to help them find treatment and recover.

Laurie Brown, whose son is a drug addict and currently incarcerated, wants families of those who are addicted to know they can reach out to others for help.

Bill Lessa, a former drug addict, wants to help addicts find a balanced life and identify goals.

Eleanor Trask, who has been sober for more than a year, lives with the memories of losing friends to drug overdoses.