Ambersong Outreach
"Because everyone is an "Amber" to somebody"
Welcome to Ambersong Outreach, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those with co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) & their loved ones, by promoting hope & healing that is family wide. Ambersong Outreach was formed in loving memory of Amber Deanne Hirst, who tragically & unexpectedly lost her life due to complications following an opioid overdose, just weeks before her 28th birthday. She was a vibrant, beautiful, and compassionate mother, daughter, sister, and friend to so many. Amber is survived by 3 of the brightest, most intelligent, and loving children in this world, her two daughters Mariya Hirst (13), Rayelynn Hirst (11), and her sweet baby boy Hunter Lee (5). Ambersong Outreach was created by Jerry Campbell (Her father), Destiny Ramie (Her Little Sister), and Eva Campbell (Her Step-Mother), However It was notably inspired into fruition by Mariya LeeAnne Hirst, her eldest daughter, and the organizations formation would not have been possible without the immense support of countless family, friends, and community members. Amber spent the last couple years of her life struggling with substance dependency, and mental illness that was left untreated as an adolescent and transcended into adulthood. The months leading up to her passing she lived in Olympia, WA where she struggled to maintain adequate housing. We can only hope, and work assiduously, to prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy, and support those that do. Although we have long term plans reinforcing radical change and hopes to help reduce Overdose Fatalities here in the U.S. & be a part of Ending the Opioid Epidemic, If all we were able to do changed the course of just one individuals life, just one- we’d consider all of our hard work worth it, because we know that everyone is Amber to somebody. Ambersong Outreach is a judgement free zone. We do not tolerate discrimination, prejudice, or shaming to any degree. As a result, we can ensure every individual at Ambersong Outreach is treated with equality, compassion, kindness, and love- In hopes that others once did the same for her.
Mission Statement
We strive to encourage the healing of individuals and families that have experienced trauma through voice of experience by educating communities, expanding accessibility to potentially lifesaving medications- such as naloxone, raising awareness in regards to overdose response & prevention, and supporting those with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, in honor of Amber Deanne Hirst, her endless happiness and her ability to love beyond any extent.
May our angel go on to change the world.
About Us
"Turning heartbreak to hope"
Ambersong Outreach provides the opportunity to be a part of an enriched and diverse community of like-minded individuals, all of whose lives have been either directly or indirectly impacted by Substance Use and/or Mental Health Disorders. Being comprised entirely of volunteers gives us the advantage of having a team full of people that put their all into everything that we do. We hit the ground running in August of 2022, however our story really began 31 years and 10 months prior when one of our founders, Jerry Campbell, welcomed a bright blue eyed baby girl into the world. Amber was a force to be reckoned with, she was strong and outspoken, and as it turned out all of Jerry's daughters took after her in that. Amber had a profound impact on those around her, Destiny said, "I always looked up to her and wanted to be just like her, she's always been the coolest person I know even with everything she went through. She showed me from a young age that girls can be pretty, and smart- she taught me to be brave and to use my voice in a way that would be heard." During Ambers senior year of high school, she found out she was expecting her first child, Mariya LeeAnne Hirst. Despite the statistics being stacked against her original goals, Amber continued to apply herself and thrive. She graduated on time with honors, continued her education, married her high school sweetheart Jesse Hirst, & shortly thereafter had her second child Rayelynn Marie Hirst. She completed the dental assistant program at SPSCC and began building her career.
Throughout adolescence Amber struggled with her mental health - and this was unfortunately unbeknownst to those around her. Amber was always seemingly happy and the stigma around mental illness prevented us from recognizing the severity of what she was going through behind closed doors. It is believed that her emotional isolation through undiagnosed / misdiagnosed mental health disorders ultimately led her down a path of substance use and ultimately dependency.
She attended the Thurston County Drug Court Program where she received Kudos from Judge Dixon and spent a solid amount of time active in NA. (Narcotics Anonymous) She desired sobriety more than anything and fought hard for her recovery. At the time, we were nowhere near as educated or equip to provide the support network that she so badly needed and deserved. There are no words that could paint the picture of what life was like when Amber left us. They say the world doesn't stop for anybody, but it truly did the day God called her home. It was a long 4 years of grief, anger, and denial because we all learned the hard way that addiction is temporary, but grief is infinite. There is no bargaining with death.
As Mariya grew older her questions of her mother increased, she asked family to share stories with her, and in return shared stories she had stored away from her early childhood. For the first time since Amber left us here on earth, there was a shift in each person that Mariya spoke too. I think the truest attest to the woman that Amber was, can be seen in the brave, courageous, and incredibly powerful young woman she raised. Mariya was only 9 when her mother passed, and at only 13 years old she had the courage to do what many adults struggle to do, she began to heal and through that she gave us hope. It was solely because of Mariya that we learned to speak of Amber and rejoice in the time we were gifted with her without being consumed by grief and sorrow. And we began what once seemed impossible- healing. This cultivated a sense of connectivity in our family that had since been missing.
Ambersong Outreach is forever indebted to both Amber and Mariya and contribute all of our success not only as a non-profit organization, but as a family to the two of them.
Despite all odds, if Mariya could find the strength to navigate a path towards healing, then so could we, right?
And if we could do it, so can you.
Because healing is for everybody, at every age, in every community.
There is no doubt in our minds that if Amber were still here today, wherever she may have ended up, she would be helping to change the lives of others. We have the privilege of serving the Del Norte County community, the State of California, and now offer virtual support anywhere in the United States of America. If you’re new to our community and would like to learn more about how you can cultivate change in your community, want to know more about our opportunities to get involved, would like guidance on getting connected with resources in yours/a loved ones area, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We're a lot more like you than you may have originally thought. Our only request is that you come exactly as you are, and we promise to do the same. The bravest thing you can do is ask for help, educate yourself, your families, and friends, & learn how to advocate for those around you. Healing isn't linear, and it takes time. Be patient and kind with yourself, treat others with radical compassion, and never let the fear of failure prevent you from trying. The entire team at Ambersong Outreach is standing alongside you every step of the way, when it comes to mental health and substance misuse- No one fights alone.
Click "Book now" below to schedule a time to meet with one of our team members who is trained and well prepared to help you create a resources list cutsom to your specific situation! Or Click "Get connected with us now!" to get connected with us via email and someone will get back to you within 24-48 hours or less.
Support Ambersong Outreach
Opportunities to Give
Everything we do is soley based on donations received and we are proudly ran entirely by volunteers. Our commitment is to promote hope and aid our community in family wide healing. We are always appreciative of the on-going support from our Del Norte, Thurston, & Mason County communities, donors, and sponsors which without them, our mission would be next to impossible. We accept a multitude of donations including but not limited to the following:
Monetary Donations can be made via cash app at $AmbersongOutreach
Clothing / Rain or cold weather gear is greatly needed this time of year.
Diapers/Wipes
Non-Perishable food items
Tents, sleeping bags, blankets, etc.
Hygiene Supplies- (Shampoo, Body Wash, Laundry Soap, Toothpaste, Toilet Paper, Feminine Supplies, Toothbrush, Hair Brush, etc.)
Stationary Supplies- (Notebooks, Paper, Pens, Pencils, envelopes)
Stamps
Musical Instruments
Ambersong Outreach is currently in need of a kitchen/in-door dining space to provide meals during the rainy season. If you or someone you know has a business or is part of an organization that has such a space at an affordable rate please contact us. We currently prepare all meals in our home; however, with very limited kitchen space and without a full oven it is becoming more and more difficult to keep up with the need. As we get a more accurate read on the amount of individuals who are utilizing our services here in Del Norte County, we realize that our current way of doing things won't be sustainable for much longer. Please reach out to Jerry Campbell at ambersongoutreach@gmail.com with any potential leads, thank you in advance.
“When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Latest News
Here you will find the most up to date information as it relates to our goals centered around Mental Wellness, Substance Use Prevention, and Recovery! Scroll to see what we are doing to achieve our mission & how we are promoting hope and healing across the entire West Coast!
Creation of Ambersong Outreach Online Communities
November 1, 2022
In order to provide the individualized and unique support networks that each of our members deserves, our team has implemented a new way to empower & encourage the healing of every person in every community, through the creation of our online communities.
Each community serves a different demographic of people that have similar or comparable experiences, challenges, and/or goals, and who better to have facilitating these spaces than those with lived experience and a desire to help others? Each unique community is led by an individual that is identified and invited by our team for representing our core values, they have shown significant leadership skills and ability to overcome adversity. These are individuals who are noticed for their strength, resilience, and desire to use their stories to encourage and empower others. We have created communities to create meaningful connections, facilitate peer support. and also to recognize individuals who have overcome what they once thought was impossible- healing. We aim to reshape stigma, trauma, and internalized shame to deserved pride, admiration, and empowerment to speak openly about ones experiences and promote hope to others by discovering just how much power there is in choosing to heal after hardship.
Some communities are private, and members must be added by an admin- while others are public and welcome everyone. This helps us to ensure people feel safe to share openly, and are able to connect with those who can relate and offer encouragement.
Naloxone Distribution Project Approval
October 19th, 2022
On October 19th, 2022 we received a letter from The State of California Health and Human Services Agency notifying us that our NDP application from September 1st, 2022 has finally been reviewed and approved! On October 27th, 2022 we received our first 36 boxes of Naloxone (Nasal Spray) and our team is currently compiling data on how to reach the demographic here in Del Norte County, completing educational courses on Harm Reduction, Overdose Response, and Naloxone Distribution, and finalizing plans on distribution given some unforeseen circumstances and inclement weather conditions. We will update everyone as soon as possible, check back frequently or visit The National Harm Reduction Coalition's website to use their Naloxone Distribution Locator to find the closest Naloxone program near you!
Amber’s 32nd birthday up in heaven!
October 10th, 2022
Another year has passed without Amber’s laughter to fill the space we once shared. This year we are thankful to have been given the opportunity to honor her and give back to the community by barbecuing, and providing an opportunity for those in need to get connected with resources and enjoy a hot meal. We hope to see you October 10th at the Park City Superette in Crescent City from 4PM-6PM. Celebrate her birthday with a slice of cake, or honor the life of someone you have lost. Prizes and balloons will be available! This is an all ages event!
Ambersong Outreach H.O.P.E Kits (Helping Out People Everywhere)
December 1, 2022
We have begun distributing what we call our overdose reversal H.O.P.E kits. After having loved and lost someone who first introduced us to Naloxone, we wanted to find a way to make sure that each dose we distribute comes with a little bit of love. We don't want to only reverse overdoses, we want to also rebuild confidence, we want our neighbors to feel valued, cared for, and thought of. So we began building kits for our street outreach program to do just that!
H.O.P.E. Kits currently include:
Two doses of Naloxone, a warm pair of socks, 2 tylenol, 10 bandaids, 10 qtips, 3 flossers,1 maxi pad, 1 poncho, 2 candles, 1 hair tie,1 toothbrush/toothpaste, 1 hairbrush, 1 comb, 2 condoms, 1 bottle of water, a list of local resources, an insert introducing ourselves, an optional feedback form, and a card citing CA state's good samaritan law which prevents arrest for possession or consumption when EMS is called to respond to an overdose.
Have a question or questions about one of our news articles? Send us an email, or click the "Ask a question" button below and we will be sure to follow up with you at our earliest convenience. If we don't have the answer already, we will find it through the use of reliable sources & from educated professionals, to ensure the information we share is both accurate and credible!
Data Center
Evidence from a study completed by The American Society if Addiction Medicine on August 31, 2022 suggests that food insecurity has a direct association with not only increased mental health disorders, but also significantly increases the odds of young adults using individual substances, as well as binge drinking and illicit/prescription drug use.
Food insecurity is related to substance use in a large amount of young adults and college students in the United States of America.
Click the link below to be taken to the direct research abstract, which documents how the research was conducted, along with the validity of its findings.
5% above state average
Food insecurity is disproportionately higher in Del Norte County (16%) then the average for the State of California. (11%)
NLM Citation
Oh H, Smith L, Jacob L, Du J, Shin JI, Zhou S, Koyanagi A. Food Insecurity and Substance Use Among Young Adult College Students in the United States. J Addict Med. 2022 Aug 31. doi:10.1097/ADM.0000000000001062. PMID: 36044289
1,802
homemade and nutritious meals have been provided by Ambersong Outreach, free of charge to our neighbors in need since the creation of our organization. May each meal provided go to honor the lives of those who are no longer with us, and serve as a reminder and token of respect for all of the empty chairs at family dinners in households that have been touched by overdose, may their lives never be forgotten.
last updated on 03/26/2023
Our Board of Directors!
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” -Hellen Keller
We’re proud to present our outstanding team. Their care, enthusiasm and dedication to helping communities in need pushes Ambersong Outreach to the next level. We invite you to take a moment and read some of their stories below.
Jerry Campbell
Founder / Current CEO
“As a father of 4 amazing children, I always thought I could protect them. When we lost Amber to an overdose 4 years ago, I sunk into myself and almost ignored the fact of this devastating loss. Somehow, having a background in chemical dependency and mental health recovery, I could not save her. This was and still is hard to accept. After a few years of hiding from the pain. I had the idea to provide a home cooked meal on Sundays as a way to honor Amber and have those family dinners we all miss terribly. Also, to provide a sack lunch on Saturdays to complete an already established 5 day a week food program. This has blossomed into hope for a program that fills the gaps between already functioning services in our community. We hope to provide relief for whatever people are facing today. Somehow, this path of healing for me has given my family the strength and permission to heal. So, simply, our mission is to help and heal through selfless service and expression of emotion through music. You will not be forgotten Bambo!Everyone is an Amber to someone!”-Jerry Campbell
Destiny Ramie
Founder / Current CSO
“As many young girls do, I’ve spent the majority of my life looking up to my older sister. At a young age she showed me that despite what’s displayed in media girls could be both smart and pretty, both gentle and outspoken. She taught me the value of being brave, to speak up for myself and others, to pursue my goals and to take breaks when needed. Amber was everything that I aspire to be as both a woman & mother. Throughout her battle with substance use and mental illness she always remained happy & hopeful, so much so that for the majority of the years she struggled I had little to no idea what was going on behind closed doors. I feel as blessed as I do heartbroken to have been gifted any time with her at all, none the less a childhood full of laughter, love, and encouragement. Amber left behind so much love, I feel we had no choice but to find somewhere to store it all, and that cumulatively has become Ambersong Outreach. A persevering love & light so grand, not even heaven and earth could separate it. Amber was and always will be my very best friend, and there are no words to describe what life is like without her. My only comfort is knowing that this experience has given me the motivation to do all that I can with the time I’m given to help educate others, stop the stigma around mental illness/substance dependency, and be a part of the fight to put an end overdose related deaths. Although I couldn’t save my sister, I can promise to do everything possible to help save yours. #SistersAgainstSubstanceUse #MentalHealthMatters”-Destiny Ramie
Eva Campbell
Founder / Treasurer
I couldn’t count the amount of times I’ve shared that the reason I married Jerry wasn’t only for him, but because of the 3 amazing children that came along with him. Getting to play such an important role in their lives and watch them grow has been one of my biggest blessings in life. I built a career at the WDVA and spent many years as a benefits specialist, connecting veterans and their dependents with veterans (VA) benefits, helping them to submit applications, and receive funding. The crossover between the two was the perfect background for helping to create Ambersong Outreach, and honor my oldest daughter. The love I have for her has always been immeasurable, and I feel so fortunate to be able to serve our community in loving memory of the outstanding woman who years and years ago accepted me with open arms & made me a mother.
Mariya LeeAnne Hirst
Honorary Advisor "ex-officio"
Although not an official board member, Mariya Hirst (14 years old) has been a huge part of our organization from the very start. Mariya has faced significant adversity in her lifetime. She lost her mother to complications of substance use when she was only 9 years old, and the resilience she has developed from such a heartbreaking situation is unbelievable. Despite all of the things she has faced she continues to thrive, and anyone who knows her will tell you that she continues to spread joy, laughter, and love wherever she goes. Similar to most teenage girls, Mariya enjoys spending her free time on her phone, participating in school sports, spending time with her younger sister Rayelynn, & hanging out with friends. However, unlike other teenagers she has an incredible heart and is very passionate about life. Mariya's outlook on life and ability to overcome setbacks is remarkable. We have no doubts that she will accomplish anything she sets her mind to, and our organization is very grateful to have her providing personal insight into the realities of how substance use disorder have a family wide impact, and for helping us spread awareness. She is a constant motivating factor to our team and inspires us to do all that we can to honor Amber and celebrate the beautiful woman that she was. We know, without any doubts, that her mother is so proud of her and we are too.
Ivy Group
BOARD
MEMBERS
Our Board is comprised of many talented, bright, passionate, and resilient members of the community. Together, they govern Ambersong Outreach alongside the Board of Directors listed above. Each of our Board Members brings in their own unique experiences which helps us to cultivate an outreach that is just as diverse as the individuals and families we serve. All volunteers, fueled with passion, doing their part to change the world- and then some!
Read More
Shawn Slape
Tina Campbell
Interested in becoming a member of the board?
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of our most commonly asked questions.
If you have a question that isn't listed below, please reach out to us and we can provide you with the information you're looking for.
What can I do to help someone struggling with substance use?
There are many things you can do to help someone who is struggling with substance abuse, one of the best things you can do is remain patient and understanding. Substance use disorder is a diagnosable illness, not a choice. It is important to keep this in mind when talking about your loved one's addiction, stigma and shame have a significant impact on the utilization of treatment or other support services. Do your best to maintain a judge free environment, while still expressing your concern in a way that is supportive and be sure that you pick the best time and place to do so. A simple message such as, "Hey, I care about you and want to see you live the happiest and healthiest life possible- would you like to go to an NA meeting this weekend? I'd love to accompany you." or "Hey, I know you've been up against a lot lately. I know when I went through ____ It felt pretty isolating, and seeing a therapist really helped me. Can I help you set up an appointment and we could go get lunch afterwards?" may be more beneficial then responding out of emotion. Sharing something from your own personal experience may make your loved one feel more comfortable confiding in you and reaching out for help. Also, be sure to take care of yourself first- it can be very difficult, scary, and confusing to see someone struggling with substance use and it is okay to reach out and ask for help! Sometimes, that may mean connecting with a counselor who can help you understand and process how it is impacting you, or teach you new ways to cope with all of these new and scary emotions.
Do you accept donations?
We do! In fact, we are ran entirely by donations. It is because of the kindness and generosity of others that we are able to do what we do!
Where can I find educational resources to learn more about substance use or mental health disorders?
You'll find this under our blog section! You can search by different topics tagged in each posting on a wide array of things related to substance use, supporting a loved one, mental wellness, grief- the list goes on and on! You can also check out our social media accounts to find shorter quick reads on all of the same topics. We also recommend checking out SAMHSA, NIDA, and NIMH, some of the organizations leading the industry in education, science, and research.
Are you on social media?
Yes! We are on Instagram and Facebook as "Ambersong Outreach." We have a public facebook page, and also a private group- feel free to send a request to join and we will accept it ASAP!
Is Ambersong Outreach recognized by the IRS as a tax exempt non-profit?
We are currently in the process of preparing all of the necesary documents, and filing in accordance with California State Law and the IRS so that we can become a 501(c)3 tax exempt business. However, we were formed with the intent to do so therefore we opperate as a tax exempt business. But, we do not qualify as a tax exempt business until the approval of our application and therefore donations are not tax deductible until the approval of our application. We will be sure to notify you on all platforms as soon as this happens.
Still have a question? Contact us and a member of our team will get back to you.