KT, a college freshman close in age to the students listening, described how synthetic marijuana had affected his life. In a live podcast style conversation, youth asked questions and heard about those consequences directly from someone navigating his own transition into adulthood.

His openness helped make a difficult subject approachable. It was one of several ways youth engaged during Real Talk: Substance Use Awareness, held by the iCan Dream Center on September 25, 2026, in recognition of September’s National Recovery Month.

The event was part of iCDC Connects, a series created and hosted by the iCan Dream Center to address issues affecting our youth and explore current events. We shape these conversations around the needs we see, giving young people opportunities to learn, ask questions, and connect with resources.

For Real Talk, we recognized a need for open conversation about vaping and other substance use. We wanted young people to understand the risks, hear firsthand experiences, and have space to discuss what they learned. National Recovery Month offered a timely opportunity to bring prevention, treatment, and support into that conversation.

The message “Learn. Reflect. Choose Your Future” guided the day. iCan Dream Center Drama students performed a skit about a young person who gave in to peer pressure to use drugs, struggled with addiction, and found resources to help her move toward recovery. Their performance brought student voices and creativity into the discussion while emphasizing the importance of access to help.

Aisha Esquivel, founder of the Breanaland Foundation and a staff member at the Illinois Helpline, offered another perspective. She discussed the causes of addiction, treatment, and the struggles of people affected by substance use.

She shared several stories before ending with one that youth did not yet know was about her own daughter.

“I’d like you to meet my daughter.”

Aisha brought out a box holding Breanna’s ashes, adorned with her daughter’s face. Breanna had died from an overdose.

That introduction revealed the personal loss behind Aisha’s prevention work. Since Breanna’s passing, she has dedicated her life to educating and helping others, founded the Breanaland Foundation, and continued that commitment through the Illinois Helpline.

Youth were highly engaged throughout the event, asking questions and contributing their perspectives. One student found the courage to speak up about how addiction had affected her family, adding her own experience to the conversation.

These stories carried emotional weight, and the event made room for youth to process them.

During Mindful Moments, the iCan Dream Center’s Social Work Team provided a place to decompress, share thoughts, and reflect with support. Students could pause and talk with people ready to listen.

Pairing education with reflection is an intentional part of our approach. Responding to youth needs means providing information they can use while making room for their questions and experiences. Real Talk brought those elements together through personal testimony, student expression, and care.

The connection will continue at the iCan Dream Center Adulting Conference, where the Breanaland Foundation will also participate. Youth can reconnect with its prevention work, while new attendees can learn about its efforts and available support.

Join us Friday, December 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street in Chicago Heights. Attendees can explore education, vocational training, workforce pathways, and community resources for life after high school.

Learn more and register for the Adulting Conference.

We thank Aisha and the Breanaland Foundation, KT, our Drama students, and the Social Work Team for bringing honesty, creativity, and compassion to the day. Their contributions helped youth explore a challenging subject with information and support close at hand.

If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, contact the Illinois Helpline to explore treatment and recovery support.