Welcome to FreeTHEMinc.
A compassionate CommUNITY where individuals and families impacted by addiction can Learn, Grow, and Heal with Hope and Dignity.
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Rooted in Love, Trust, and Transparency, we bring people and resources together to strengthen families and empower communities throughout Greater Waterbury and beyond.
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We believe in leading with heart, integrity, and purpose — creating space for hope, healing, and belonging.
Why We Exist
FreeTHEMinc was founded by MaLisa M. Torres-Blasini out of lived experience and a deep commitment to breaking cycles of addiction, trauma, and silence that affect families and communities.
Growing up in the South Bronx alongside her three brothers, MaLisa witnessed firsthand how poverty, trauma, and limited resources can shape the lives of families for generations. Her father, Enrique “QueQue” Serrano, a veteran and deeply intelligent, loving man, struggled with addiction to injected cocaine and ultimately passed away from AIDS. Her mother, Rebecca “Becky” Serrano, endured severe childhood trauma and was exposed to addiction at a very young age, later battling heroin and crack cocaine addiction herself.
Despite their struggles, MaLisa recognizes that her parents were not defined by addiction alone—they were individuals shaped by circumstances, suffering, and a lack of support systems that many families in underserved communities face.
As a child, MaLisa often had to become resilient beyond her years, learning to navigate life with limited guidance and support. The experiences shaped her belief that no child should have to face those challenges alone.
FreeTHEMinc was created to be the support system MaLisa wished existed when she was growing up—a compassionate community where individuals and families impacted by addiction can Learn, Grow, and Love together in commUNITY.
Through trauma-informed programming, youth engagement, and community partnerships, FreeTHEMinc works to create spaces of healing, resilience, and hope, ensuring that the next generation has the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to build healthier futures.
FreeTHEMinc Core Values
Learn = Education and awareness create pathways for prevention, growth, and understanding.
Grow = Personal development strengthens resilience, confidence, and positive decision-making.
Love = Compassion and empathy guide every interaction and create safe spaces for healing.
Heal = Supporting emotional well-being and recovery through understanding, connection, and community.
Hope = Inspiring individuals and families to believe in the possibility of change and brighter futures.
Trust = Building relationships through honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Dignity = Every individual deserves respect, compassion, and the opportunity to thrive.
Resilience = Encouraging the strength and perseverance needed to overcome life’s challenges and grow stronger through adversity.
CommUNITY = Collective support and collaboration create lasting impact and stronger communities.
Connection & Collaboration = Bridging individuals and families to trusted resources, services, and community partners
