Michael Wilkinson Foundation – Hope Anchors the Soul

FOUNDATION MISSION

The Michael Wilkinson Foundation offers college and residential treatment scholarships to Texans impacted by addiction along with stigma-free informational resources for fighting substance misuse.

MICHAEL'S STORY

Michael Wilkinson was born June 27, 1990, and attended primary, secondary and high school in Arlington, Texas. He graduated from Martin High School in 2008. His passions included art, music, writing and skateboarding. He had an infectious sense of humor, a warm, caring heart and a loving personality. His willingness to help others knew no bounds. After a battle with opiate addiction and multiple periods in residential treatment centers over the course of more than two years, Michael lost his fight at the young age of 25 on November 9, 2015.

MICHAEL'S FAMILY

Michael’s family created this foundation in his memory, with the goal of offering hope to others. As they fought alongside Michael during his illness, they found it difficult to find reliable resources, treatment centers and support. Further, they discovered the immense guilt, shame and stigma associated with addiction despite its prevalence in today’s society. In an effort to help others affected by substance misuse and chip away at the associated stigma, they banded together to bring the foundation to life.

David Wilkinson, Michael's Dad

David hopes that the foundation has a positive impact on those struggling with addiction. As a longtime Arlington resident with a franchise business, he’s passionate about giving back to his community and making a difference in the lives of others.

Suzie Wilkinson, Michael's Stepmom

Through the foundation, Suzie strives to help educate people about mental health illnesses and their relationship with substance use disorders. Arlington has been home to Suzie since her high school days, after which she went to college and became a business owner in the area.

Diana Wilkinson, Michael's Mother

After Michael passed away, Diana felt called to help teens battling substance misuse. She works toward this through the foundation and beyond, finding comfort in helping others. Diana is a 20+ year Arlington resident and owns a franchise business.

Katie Wilkinson, Michael's Sister

Katie desires to make Michael—her older brother and best friend—proud by way of the foundation. For her, the foundation is a little piece of her family “giving back to others that need it most, because we too have been in a similar position in one form or another.” She studied fashion merchandising and works in the industry in the DFW area.