The Heart of MADMOMS
Our Mission
At Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS), our mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use through education, advocacy, recovery support, storytelling, music, and holistic healing. We transform grief into hope by creating safe spaces where every story is heard, every voice matters, and every family has the opportunity to heal.
Our Vision
We envision communities where every individual and family affected by substance use has access to hope, healing, recovery, and the support needed to thrive. Through storytelling, music, education, and community connection, we strive to break stigma, inspire resilience, and build stronger generations.
The Values That Guide Our Work
At Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS), our values are the foundation of everything we do. They guide our programs, shape our relationships, and inspire our commitment to strengthening individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use. Together, these values reflect our belief that every story matters, every voice deserves to be heard, and every family deserves hope.
Compassion
We meet every individual and family with empathy, dignity, and respect. We believe healing begins when people feel safe, supported, and valued, regardless of where they are on their journey.
Storytelling
We believe every story deserves to be heard. By creating opportunities for individuals and families to share their lived experiences, we promote healing, reduce stigma, preserve legacies, and inspire hope in others.
Hope & Healing
We believe that hope is the foundation of healing. Through education, recovery support, storytelling, music, holistic healing, and peer connection, we empower individuals and families to move forward with strength and resilience.
Community
We believe lasting change happens through connection. By building meaningful partnerships and fostering supportive relationships, we strengthen families, encourage recovery, and create healthier communities together.
Resilience
We honor the courage of individuals and families who continue to move forward despite life’s challenges. We believe every person has the strength to overcome adversity, embrace recovery, and write a new chapter filled with hope and purpose.
A Legacy of Service
Janice V. Johnson, Founder & Executive Director
Janice V. Johnson is a survivor, advocate, educator, poet, and community leader with nearly four decades of experience serving children, families, and communities throughout Massachusetts. Her life’s work has been dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and creating innovative spaces where healing and hope can flourish.
Her journey in community service began in 1980, working with children and youth, and has since expanded to include education, family support, violence prevention, holistic healing, creative arts, and substance use recovery.
Janice has:
- Worked with children and families for nearly 45 years.
- Teachers Assistant for Sudbury Metco Schools.
- Owned and operated a licensed Family Child Care program for seven years.
- Served for nine years at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, managing the Healing Support Services Department and supporting families impacted by homicide.
- Founded the Doll House Corporation , using dolls, storytelling, and creative expression to support healing.
- Created the Youth for Unity Project, a youth development initiative using fashion, music, entertainment, and leadership to empower young people.
- Designed and facilitated holistic healing workshops that incorporate storytelling, music, creative arts, journaling, and wellness.
- Is an accomplished poet who believes creativity can be a powerful pathway to healing.
Following the heartbreaking loss of her son, Ja’Maar “5IVE” Johnson, Janice transformed her personal grief into a mission of service by founding Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS). Today, she continues to advocate for families affected by substance use, grief, trauma, and violence while creating innovative survivor-led programs that help individuals transform their stories into hope.
Journey Through the Years
1980
Recognized in Who’s Who Among American High School Students for academic achievement and leadership.
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1982
Began serving children and youth and co-founded the Mattapan Patriot Cheerleaders, creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
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2000
Embrace Our Children Leadership Award
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2004
Founded the Youth for Unity Project, a creative youth development initiative that empowered young people through fashion, music, entertainment, and community engagement.
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2009–2017
Owned and operated a licensed Family Child Care Program, providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children and families.
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2014
Founded The Doll House Corporation, an innovative organization using dolls, storytelling, and creative expression to promote healing, confidence, and emotional wellness.
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2017–2026
Served at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, managing the Healing Support Services Department and supporting families impacted by homicide through survivor-centered advocacy, grief support, and community healing.
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2022
Suffolk County District Attorney's Survivor of Homicide Victims Advocate Award
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2024
Founded Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS), a survivor-led nonprofit dedicated to strengthening individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use through education, advocacy, recovery support, storytelling, music, and holistic healing.
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2025
Launched Dads Speak Week LIVE, bringing fathers and communities together to share stories of recovery, grief, resilience, and hope while strengthening families through community connection.
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2026
City of Boston's Office of Women's Advancement EXTRAordinary Woman Award
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2026
Launched The 5IVE Star Studio Café, an innovative storytelling and songwriting program where participants transform their personal stories into songs through music, creative expression, and holistic healing.
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Today
Janice continues to lead MADMOMS with a vision of creating communities where every individual and family affected by substance use has access to hope, healing, recovery, and support. Through storytelling, music, education, advocacy, and community partnerships, she remains committed to helping others write the next chapter of their lives.
“Leadership is not measured by the titles we hold, but by the lives we help transform and the hope we inspire in others.”
Our Team
Meet Our Team The People Behind the Mission
At Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS), our work is made possible by a dedicated team of survivors, community leaders, recovery advocates, facilitators, and volunteers who share a passion for strengthening families and transforming grief into hope.
Every member of our team brings lived experience, professional expertise, and a commitment to serving individuals and families affected by substance use, grief, trauma, and recovery. Together, we create welcoming spaces where people are heard, supported, and connected to hope.
Jay’Lana V. Johnson, Administrative Support
Jay’Lana is a dedicated student at the Massachusetts College of Art, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and Photography. With a passion for visual storytelling, she combines her creative talents with her academic pursuits. In addition to her studies, Jay’Lana serves as an Administrative Support staff for our virtual support groups, Recovery Activation Tables and an intern in photography gaining valuable hands-on experience in the art and photography fields.
Kevin Whalen, Mental Health Consultant
Kevin is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling at William James College in Newton, MA. With a strong commitment to supporting others, he works as our Mental Health Consultant, providing valuable insights and guidance to those in need. Additionally, Kevin contributes his skills as a member of the Marketing Support Team, working to promote mental health awareness, harm reduction and resources within the community. His passion for mental health and dedication to helping others make him a valuable asset in both his academic and volunteer pursuits.
Maudrie Dapradine-In Honor of Tamauri Smith
Maudrie Depradine is our Peer Support Advocate. She is a dedicated mother who has tragically lost a child to fentanyl poisoning. Fueled by her personal experience, she is committed to providing compassionate support and advocacy for families facing the devastating impact of substance use and grief.
Her mission is to empower families to navigate their healing journeys while advocating for systemic change, ensuring that no other family has to endure the same heartbreak. Through her work, she aims to create a community of support, understanding, and hope for those affected by substance use disorders.
Monroe Sanyeneh, Community Outreach Coordinator
Monroe Sanyeneh is a dedicated community leader with a passion for youth development, community engagement, and service. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Communications and a minor in Leadership, he has years of experience organizing outreach initiatives, mentoring young people, and building meaningful community partnerships.
As Community Outreach Coordinator for Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS), Monroe helps lead outreach efforts that promote substance use awareness, harm reduction, recovery education, and community engagement. He is committed to connecting individuals and families with resources while helping strengthen safer, healthier communities.
Lovelee Harvey, Dads Speak Week Co-Facilitator/Community Outreach
Lovelee Harvey is a Recovery Coach, Peer Support Specialist, Community Engagement Leader, and Motivational Speaker dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by substance use. Drawing from both his professional expertise and lived experience, he inspires others by demonstrating that recovery, healing, and lasting change are possible.
As the Dads Speak Week Facilitator and Community Outreach team member for Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS), Lovelee creates supportive spaces where fathers can share their stories, build meaningful connections, and find hope through peer support and community engagement. His passion for service, recovery, and empowering others strengthens MADMOMS’ mission to transform grief into hope and build stronger families.
Board Members
Board of Directors Guiding the Vision. Strengthening the Mission.
The MADMOMS Board of Directors provides leadership, governance, accountability, and strategic guidance to ensure the organization remains true to its mission and continues to grow with integrity. Our board members bring decades of experience in community leadership, faith, trauma-informed care, recovery, education, and advocacy.
Together, they help shape the future of MADMOMS while supporting innovative programs that strengthen families and build healthier communities.
Janice V. Johnson is the Founder, Executive Director, and Board President
Janice V. Johnson is the Founder, Executive Director, and Board President of Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS). A lifelong community leader, educator, and advocate, she brings nearly 50 years of experience serving children, youth, and families while leading innovative, survivor-led programs that strengthen communities and transform grief into hope.
Shondelle Davis, Vice President
Dr. Shondelle Davis is a community leader, trauma-informed advocate, and survivor dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by grief, trauma, and violence. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience, she has devoted her career to helping others find hope, healing, and resilience. Dr. Davis brings extensive experience in community engagement, restorative justice, behavioral health, and organizational leadership, strengthening the mission of Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS) through compassionate service and strategic guidance.
Rev. Wayne Sylvester Daley, Chair Community Engagement Committee/Spiritual Advisor
Rev. Wayne Sylvester Daley is a faith leader and community advocate with extensive experience in ministry, reentry services, violence prevention, and community engagement. Through decades of leadership and collaboration with community organizations, he has worked to strengthen individuals and families while promoting hope, healing, and second chances. His guidance and commitment help advance the mission of Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS).