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CHRIS WALK
AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE

WELCOME

“Uniting our families and community to prevent substance abuse through education, advocacy, and compassionate support—walking together toward healing and change."

Get to Know Us

Vicki Foley- founded this 501(c)(3) organization after the heartbreaking loss of her son, Chris, to a heroin overdose. Her personal experience has fueled a deep passion for addressing the opioid epidemic and saving lives. She currently serves as the Community Liaison at the Kane County Coroner’s Office.

Previously, she worked as an Account Manager at the Kane County Chronicle, where she led the production of two special pull-out sections focused on the opioid crisis, combining editorial content with advertising support. She later collaborated with Tina Koral of the Kane County Health Department to produce a similar educational section while at the Coroner’s Office.

Her advocacy has extended to public speaking engagements, including participation in an opioid forum panel with Congressman Bill Foster, speaking at a Kane County Drug Court graduation, a Kaneland Coalition Meeting, and numerous events hosted by the Community Wellness and Safety Alliance (CWASA). In recognition of her dedication, she was honored as the 2015 Volunteer of the Year by the Kane County Adult Justice Center for exemplary service beyond expectations.

Her lived experience, professional background, and unwavering commitment make her a powerful advocate in the fight against opioid addiction.

Larry Foley  is the Vice President of the organization. Larry is a strong, compassionate leader who brings strategic insight and dedication to the fight against the opioid epidemic. While he works primarily behind the scenes, his impact on the organization is significant—providing both strategic direction and hands-on support. Currently employed by the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Larry contributes his time and talents to the nonprofit on a volunteer basis.

With a diverse professional background—including roles as a school bus driver and at Menards—Larry brings a wide range of experience and a strong work ethic to the team. Known as the “brawn” behind the organization, he is dependable, resourceful, and always willing to do the heavy lifting—both figuratively and literally. His combination of heart and hard work makes him an invaluable part of the organization’s mission.

Anita Lewis is a founding board member of CWASA and has remained an active and dedicated leader since the organization's inception. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Services with a focus on Counseling and Advocacy, bringing a strong academic and practical foundation to her work in community service and nonprofit leadership.

Anita currently serves on the Kane County Board, representing District 3 (Aurora/Montgomery), where she advocates for policies and initiatives that support community well-being. In addition to her public service, she works at the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry as a grant writer and community outreach coordinator, helping to secure essential resources and build partnerships that strengthen local support systems.

Anita’s long-standing commitment to CWASA and her broader work in the community reflect her passion for advocacy, service, and creating meaningful change.

Adam Pauley, our newest addition to the Chris Walk Board lost his 30-year-old sister to an overdose. This loss has changed him forever and he wants to insure that other families do not go through the pain he carries.

He is currently employed as the Regional Overnight Lead for Planet Fitness (Black Duck Partners) where he leads a team of professionals across the central Chicago region and oversees all onboarding training coverage and continuing education.

Adam has held various other roles including Vice Chair of the Aurora Youth Council, Chairman of the LGBT advisory board, and chair of Stephanie Kifowit's Youth advisory council. He currently is the Secretary of the Aurora Township 708 board, serves on the Overdose task force, the overdose case review advisory board, volunteers with the Coroner's office and serves on the Public Transition for public safety in the City of Aurora.

Mr. Pauley worked with the health department to regularly supply Narcan in the transportation center and also assisted the 988 Awareness Campaign. Adam regularly attends the Opioid Settlement Fund committee and DUI Task Force. Mr. Pauley is focused on working to further our community and working to strengthen our social safety net.

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