Linda Ventura

Linda Ventura of Kings Park was unexpectedly and tragically drawn into the war against drugs and addiction when she lost her son, Thomas, to an overdose in 2012. Instead of allowing this loss to define her as a victim, Ms. Ventura was motivated to turn her tragedy into hope by working to help other New York families battling the heroin and opioid crisis.

To that end, Ms. Ventura established Thomas’ Hope Foundation to help fight for the lives of other young people and empower parents to help their loved ones. The Foundation is dedicated to promoting the awareness and prevention of drug addiction and to achieving victory for those individuals seeking sobriety through education, advocacy, research and treatment.

Ms. Ventura has been a staunch advocate on behalf of families and communities. Her work has brought much-needed attention to this terrible epidemic and helped countless people understand the human suffering caused by drug abuse.

In addition to her efforts with Thomas’ Hope Foundation, Ms. Ventura selflessly gives her time and talent to Families in Support of Treatment (F.I.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Treatment Facility, the Nassau County Heroin Task Force and the Leadership Council within the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency.

Ms. Ventura has been honored for her efforts by the Caron Foundation, the Long Island Recovery Association and with the Sober St. Patrick’s Day Spirit Award.

Ms. Ventura is the proud mother of Andrew, a student at Farmingdale State College, and Jennifer, who is married and has three beautiful children. Andrew and Jennifer provide their mother with constant support and honor the memory of their brother through their personal involvement at Thomas’ Hope Foundation.