Marvilee

Marvilee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to honor the life and legacy of Marvin Lee Sullivan, a beloved son, father, and light to his family and community. Marvin passed away on June 23, 2020, at the age of 24 after battling substance use disorder. He was a kind, loving, and vibrant young man who, like many youth, made adverse choices while navigating addiction. His life and loss became the driving force behind Marvilee’s creation.

Born from a mother’s grief and determination, Marvilee transforms pain into purpose by supporting youth and families impacted by substance use, stigma, and a lack of life skills. Our mission is to empower youth, reduce stigma around substance use disorder, and promote healing through education, advocacy, and compassionate community support.

Marvilee serves all youth, with a special focus on those struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, or limited access to guidance and resources. We believe language matters and that recovery should be normalized, not judged. By using person first language and sharing lived experiences, we work to shift harmful narratives and create safe spaces where youth feel seen, heard, and valued.

In addition to youth focused programming, Marvilee supports parents and caregivers by sharing personal experiences related to loss, addiction, and healing. This approach helps foster understanding, prevention, and connection within families and communities.

Through life skills development, peer support, community education, and partnerships, Marvilee is building stronger pathways to hope and resilience. Our vision is a community, and ultimately a world, without substance abuse, where recovery is embraced and every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Our mission is to Support youthe and families affected by substance use disorders and mental health challenges by partnering with community organizations to provide meaningful resources, life-skills education, and empowerment opportunities for youth,