Why Union County Matters: A Story of Recovery, Hope, and Community
When stories about addiction appear in popular culture, they often focus on devastation, loss, and crisis. While those realities are important to acknowledge, they are only part of the story.
That is why Shatterproof was honored to partner with the team behind Union County, a powerful new film that shines a light on something we don’t see often enough: recovery. Through authentic storytelling, compassionate characters, and a deeply human portrayal of substance use disorder, Union County demonstrates that recovery is possible and that communities can play an essential role in helping people heal.
We were proud to participate in both the New York City premiere and the San Francisco screening and panel discussion, joining filmmakers, advocates, recovery leaders, and community members who share a commitment to changing how addiction is understood in America.
A Powerful Premiere in New York
The New York premiere brought together an extraordinary group of voices connected to the film. Following the screening, attendees heard from actor Will Poulter, actor Noah Centineo, actor and program director of an adult recovery court in west-central Ohio, Annette Deao, and filmmaker Adam Meeks in a thoughtful Q&A that explored the film's inspiration, its commitment to authenticity, and its hopeful view of recovery.
What stood out most was the care with which the filmmakers approached this story. Rather than centering addiction as a defining characteristic, Union County focuses on people, relationships, resilience, and the possibility of transformation.
The film follows foster brothers Cody and Jack Parsons as they navigate a court-mandated rehabilitation program and begin the difficult work of rebuilding their lives. Along the way, audiences see the power of treatment, accountability, and community support, themes that closely align with Shatterproof's mission to transform systems, support families, and end stigma.
Bringing the Conversation to San Francisco
A few days later, Shatterproof was honored to co-present a special screening and panel discussion at San Francisco's historic Roxie Theater.
Our CEO, Pam Jenkins, moderated a conversation featuring Judge William Orrick of the Conviction Alternatives Program (CAP) and Arlene Stanich-Prince, Executive Director of Ohlhoff Recovery Programs. Together, they helped connect the film's themes to the real-world challenges and opportunities facing people with substance use disorders.
The panel explored recovery and accountability, the role of treatment and recovery support services, the impact of stigma, and the importance of creating systems that help people heal rather than defining them by their mistakes. Their perspectives reflected what the film portrays so effectively: recovery is not a solitary journey. It requires support, connection, compassion, and opportunity.
The panelists brought a remarkable depth of expertise to the discussion, with each a unique perspective shaped by years of experience helping individuals and families impacted by addiction.
Authenticity Makes the Difference
One of the qualities that makes Union County so compelling is its authenticity.
The filmmakers worked closely with people whose lived experiences informed the story, and that respect is evident throughout the film. We were particularly encouraged by the thoughtful way the film and its creators discuss substance use disorder, consistently using person-centered language that recognizes the dignity and humanity of individuals affected by addiction.
These details matter.
Language has the power to shape perceptions, reduce stigma, and influence whether people feel empowered to seek help. By portraying people with substance use disorder as whole human beings rather than stereotypes, Union County helps advance a more compassionate and evidence-informed public conversation.
Why Stories Like This Matter
At Shatterproof, we believe that changing the way people think about addiction is essential to changing outcomes.
Research shows that stigma remains a barrier preventing people from seeking treatment and support. Yet stories have the unique ability to break down misconceptions, build empathy, and help people understand that recovery is achievable.
Union County succeeds because it presents a realistic but hopeful narrative. It does not ignore the challenges of addiction, but it also refuses to stop there. Instead, it highlights what works: treatment, recovery support, community, accountability, and hope.
The film reminds us that recovery is happening every day. It happens because families keep showing up, because communities invest in treatment and support, and because people are willing to see one another with dignity and compassion.
Looking Ahead
We are grateful to filmmaker Adam Meeks, the cast, the recovery leaders who shared their expertise, our partners at the Roxie Theater, and everyone who helped bring these meaningful conversations to audiences in New York and San Francisco.
As momentum continues to build around Union County, we are encouraged by the growing interest in stories that portray recovery with honesty and hope. Films like this can help people better understand addiction, find hope, seek treatment, and discover the power of community.
Together, we can create a future where addiction never defines or ends a life.
