Milwaukee Officials Celebrate Samad's House Documentary Screening for Drug Addiction Awareness

On October 23, 2025, a poignant event will unfold in Milwaukee as city and county officials gather for a special screening of the PBS Independent Lens documentary 'Coming Home'. This powerful mini-documentary follows the inspiring journey of Tahira Malik, the founder of Samad's House, who has turned her life around from addiction and incarceration to becoming a leading figure in sober living and harm reduction services within the Midwest.

The gathering, which is positioned as both a fundraiser and a celebration, is set to take place at No Studios, located at 1037 McKinley Ave, Milwaukee, WI, from 5 PM to 8 PM. Attendees will include notable figures such as Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, Health Commissioner Michael Totoraitis, and County Executive David Crowley. They will share insights on the critical importance of public health advocacy and community support in the ongoing battle against drug overdose deaths.

The documentary 'Coming Home' provides an intimate glimpse into Malik's life, illustrating her unwavering determination to enhance not only her quality of life but also the lives of others battling substance use disorders. Featured prominently in the documentary are her restorative experiences with her daughter, Samia Harris, who shares her journey through their challenges and triumphs. This highlights the documentary’s focus on the importance of family and support networks in the recovery process.

At the event, attendees can anticipate a panel discussion featuring Malik, her daughter, director Joanna Rudnick, and harm reduction advocate Dennis Radloff. This conversation will delve into vital topics, including:

1. Intergenerational Healing: How families can effectively work towards collective healing while embracing harm reduction strategies to foster wellness in their communities.

2. Overcoming Misconceptions: Addressing common misconceptions about drug use and promoting open-minded discussions about evidence-based approaches that have been shown to be effective in supporting individuals with addiction.

3. Approaching Addiction: Strategies for family members to identify when they should 'lean in' or 'lean back' in their support of loved ones facing addiction.

4. Community Resources: The importance of ensuring that decision-makers allocate necessary resources to Milwaukee's neighborhoods most severely impacted by overdose crises.

Through this event, Samad's House aims not only to raise awareness about the mission of harm reduction but also to celebrate the transformative stories that emerge from the community. The screening of 'Coming Home' serves as a powerful reminder of the changes that are possible when individuals are provided with the necessary support and resources.

As Milwaukee continues to combat the opioid crisis, community events like this are essential in spreading hope and fostering an environment that encourages recovery and healing. This special screening is expected to unite diverse voices and build a stronger network of support for those impacted by addiction.

In addition to the screening and panel discussion, guests will have the opportunity to network with others who are passionate about this cause and learn more about the services provided by Samad's House, a sanctuary for individuals seeking recovery. As this event approaches, the participating community looks forward to a night of inspiration, education, and hope, fostering a collective commitment to combating addiction effectively.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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