Recovery Month 2010

September was National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.  Various communities across Missouri hosted events to spread the word that addiction is a treatable disease, recovery is possible and communities become stronger as a result of recovery. Recovery Month highlighted the benefits of treatment and recovery support not only for the individual seeking or in long term recovery, but for their family, friends and the community that supports recovery efforts.

This year’s Recovery Month theme: “Join the Voices for Recovery: Now More Than Ever!” reflects the campaign’s goal of reaching groups who may be susceptible to alcohol and/or drug use during times of stress, such as the country’s current economic recession.  Stress and other external circumstances can lead to the onset and relapse of addiction, particularly among specific groups who face stressful life situations.

Nearly a dozen Recovery Month events took place across the Show-Me State with the help of ACT Missouri and the Missouri Recovery Network.

The 2nd annual Recovery Month picnic, hosted by Celebrate Recovery in Washington, MO, was held on September 11, 2010.  This event focused on bringing forth a passionate message that “recovery is the place to be”.  Event Coordinator Debbie Luxton, Assimilation Coach for Celebrate Recovery First Christian Church and newly elected Missouri Recovery Network Council member, sought out speakers, entertainment and sponsors who believe in recovery and have a message of hope to share.

This year’s event featured several guest speakers, including: Franklin County Detective Sergeant Jason Grellner, who delivered facts on drug usage in Franklin County and how the Narcotics Unit is taking action; Missouri Recovery Network Project Director Brenda Schell shared information about the Missouri Recovery Network and the importance of advocating for recovery; Joseph Hahne, Executive Director of Archangel Ministries, shared his personal testimony of recovery with great enthusiasm and encouragement; and Washington, Missouri Mayor Sandy Lucy shared words of encouragement, lead everyone in a moment of silence for 9/11 and presented a proclamation she signed for the city of Washington.

Musical entertainment included “The First Christian Church Recovery Month Band” and Ashley Cleveland.  Ashley is a three-time Grammy and two-time Dove Award winner who has personal experience with addiction and recovery.  Her performance was outstanding!

The event also offered children’s activities, BBQ, attendance prizes and addiction/recovery information from various organizations in the Franklin County area.  Approximately 100 people were in attendance.  The local radio stations in Washington, KLPW and KWMO, provided outstanding support to Celebrate Recovery through on-air interviews and advertising.  Brian Nieves, 98th District Representative, was also a great supporter of the Celebrate Recovery faith-based recovery program.  Many local merchants also came out to help provide food and prizes for the event.  Volunteers from Celebrate Recovery of First Christian Church-Union and Celebrate Recovery of Victory Church-St. Clair joined in to make this event a successful community outreach program.

Over 100 people attended the 2nd annual picnic.	MRN Council member and event speaker Joseph Hahne talks with event participants.

Event Coordinator Debbie Luxton poses with Washington, MO Mayor Sandy Lucy and the city’s Recovery Month proclamation.	Live entertainment featured three-time Grammy award winner Ashley Cleveland.

Phoenix Programs

On Wednesday September 1, 2010, Columbia, Missouri Mayor Bob McDavid issued a National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month proclamation at the ribbon cutting that marks the official opening of Phoenix Programs’ new facility. The building is located at 90 East Leslie Lane in Columbia.

Phoenix Programs Inc. also hosted an open house and tour of their Supportive Housing Program sites on September 15.  Phoenix Programs currently coordinates safe housing and recovery support services for more than 50 individuals and family members, who are seeking long-term recovery, most of which have co-occurring mental disorders and meet the Department of Mental Health’s definition of chronic homelessness.

Missouri Recovery Network Project Director Brenda Schell also presented to nearly 40 people at Phoenix Programs Inc. on September 16.  Her discussion on “New Recovery Language” and “Recovery Oriented Systems of Care” was well received by all who attended.

Brenda Schell and David Helling, Therapeutic Community Housing Services Supervisor at Phoenix Programs Inc., stop for a picture before Brenda’s presentation.

Capital Area Recovery Fest

Over 100 people attended the Capital Area Recovery Fest on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at McClung Park in Jefferson City.  The celebration included live music, over a dozen vendors, touching testimonies, free food and family fun.  Door prizes were also given out to 30 event participants.

The two-hour event was sponsored by ACT Missouri, the Missouri Recovery Network, Central Missouri Community Action, Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, the Department of Corrections Probation and Parole, and the 19th and 20th Judicial Circuit Drug Courts.

“I was impressed by those who took time to attend the event:  individuals in long term recovery, others who were seeking help, professionals in the field, supportive family, friends and community members, and even Cole County Drug Court Judge Pat Joyce,” says Missouri Recovery Network Project Director Brenda Schell.

“The best part of the day was seeing and hearing from those who have reclaimed their lives through recovery.  We were there to celebrate those individuals who have gone from a victim of addiction to a champion in their recovery.  The event also was a way to commend the family, friends, and professionals who helped those individuals through their journey.  It was a true celebration of recovery and we are looking forward to next year’s event already!”

Over 100 people gathered for the event at McClung Park in Jefferson City.	Several brave individuals shared their individual stories of addiction and recovery.

Kids at the event received free books from Scholastic and fun temporary tattoos.	MRN Project Director Brenda Schell shares her message of hope with the event participants.

Cole County Drug Court Judge Pat Joyce took time out of her weekend to support those at the event, many of whom graduated from the program she oversees.	Participants and volunteers got a chance to relax with on-site chair massages.

Walk for Recovery

The first ever Mike Johnson Memorial Walk for Recovery took place September 18, 2010 at Washington Square Park in Kansas City.  Over 350 people attended this inaugural event.

Before the 5K walk began, Keynote Speaker Gil Kerlikowske, the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) took the stage.  Kerlikowske presented President Obama’s proclamation on Recovery Month.  Other event speakers included: 37th District Missouri State Rep. Mike Talboy, Kansas City Drug Court Commissioner David Fry, Addiction Recovery expert Alexandre Laudet, A&E Missouri Recovery Delegate Farris Robertson, and several enthusiastic members of AA/Al-Anon and Nar-Anon.

Recovery ribbons were also distributed at the event.  ACT Missouri staff members created the ribbons to allow event participants to easily identify the recovery success of one another.  For example, a red ribbon noted two to five years in recovery, while a gold ribbon signified more than 20 years in recovery.  The ribbon program received great feedback and encouraged an open dialogue between strangers about their recovery journey and success.  This system will likely be included at many other Recovery Month events across Missouri next year.  Faces and Voices of Recovery, the national recovery organization, is also considering expanding this concept nationally.

Sponsors of this successful event included: ACT Missouri, Missouri Recovery Network, Faces & Voices of Recovery, National and Mid-America Addiction Technology Transfer Centers, and First Call NCADD.

MRN Project Director Brenda Schell poses with ONDCP Director Gil Kerlikowske.	Brenda pins a recovery ribbon on ADA Western District Administrator George Norman.

Recovery Fest 2010

The 3rd Annual Recovery Festival was held at Lake Wappapello, MO on September 18, 2010. Several hundred people attended the free event hosted by the Regional Recovery Network that includes family and friends of people in long term recovery, as well as those seeking prevention, treatment and recovery services offered in this area.

State Representative Gayle Kingery’s opening remarks embraced the crowd.  He let the event participants know that he truly believes in recovery and that the journey is all about people helping themselves and one another begin a new life.  Kingery said he was proud to be a part of such a great event.

Guest Speaker Mark Panagous encouraged those in attendance to find a support system and connect with others who offer hope to break the disease of addiction that can plague families for generations.  Panagous stated that today could be the day to break the shame of being in recovery.

Event organizer and Vice-Chair of the Missouri Recovery Network State Council Austin Montague proclaimed that this was a day of celebration and freedom from addictions.  Montague said, “We are the faces and voices of recovery and recovery voices count.  If we can prevent our children and grandchildren from making the same mistakes we have made by being positive role models, we will make our communities better, safer places to live.”

The day was filled with personal testimonies speaking out against the stigma associated with recovery.  Booths on prevention, treatment and recovery offered resources and information on services in the area.

The central message brought forth from the speakers was that recovery is real and happens every day.  Participants were encouraged to forgive themselves and move forward with their lives as productive members of society.

This year’s festival was sponsored by the Butler County Resource Council, The Missouri Recovery Network, SEMO Behavior Health, River Radio Broadcasting, Z-95 The Bone Radio and First Midwest Bank of Poplar Bluff.   Many local merchants and concerned citizens also co-sponsored this successful event.

Several area faith-based 12 step recovery groups were represented by enthusiastic speakers, as well as Director of Archangels Outreach Ministries in Springfield, MO, Joseph Hahne.

State Rep. Gayle Kingery and Julie Thomas of SEMO Behavior Health.	Over 100 kids and adults won door prizes during the event.

After the speakers wrapped up, the band took the stage to entertain the huge crowd.

Chronic Pain and Addiction Seminar

CenterPointe Hospital in St. Charles hosted the Chronic Pain and Addiction seminar in St. Louis on September 24, 2010.  There were two main focuses of the half-day seminar.  Attendees first listened to an overview of how to differentiate between abuse and appropriate use of prescription pain medication and treatment options for each.  This portion of the seminar helped participants learn a lot, including: essential issues key to helping counselors deal with patients with addiction and chronic pain issues; the use of opioid drugs in chronic pain treatment and the myths that surround its appropriate use; and outcomes of the various approaches to treating individuals addicted to prescription drugs.

The second phase of the seminar talked about the growing problem of prescription drug abuse, national trends, how drug dependents obtain prescriptions for nonmedical use, and ways to identify abuse, diagnose addiction and determine the potential for treatment.  Over 400 people attended the half-day seminar; event organizers actually had to move the location of this year’s seminar to accommodate the growing number of participants!

Other event co-sponsors included: ACT Missouri, Missouri Recovery Network, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse-St. Louis, Missouri Nurses Association District 15, Psych Care Consultants Research, and the St. Louis chapter of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association.

Lost in Woonsocket

In observance of National Recovery Month, the Lost and Found in America Tour stopped at two locations in Missouri.  The tour is traveling across the United States in an RV and visiting over 40 cities between September and November 2010.  Their mission is to call attention to the plight of individuals who seek recovery from substance use disorders and the resources they need to support long term changes.

Each city the tour visits gets to see a free screening of the documentary “Lost in Woonsocket.”  Normand Cartier, whose nearly five-year journey of recovery is featured in the film, and the film producer are touring the country to share that substance abuse recovery is possible and real for everyone!

The Lost and Found in America tour’s first stop in Missouri was at the RagTag Cinema Theater in Columbia on September 26.  The second screening in Missouri was held September 28 in the St. Louis area.  About 50 people attended the Columbia screening, while 180 people watched the film in St. Louis.

The Missouri Recovery Network, ACT Missouri, Faces and Voices of Recovery, the Missouri Society for Neuroscience and Phoenix Programs Inc., hosted the free screening in Columbia.  The Missouri Recovery Network and Faces and Voices of Recovery, along with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Queen of Peace Center, and the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, hosted the St. Louis showing.

Lost in Woonsocket  is an inspiring story about people going the extra mile to help one another, a story that illustrates even chronic stage alcoholism is an illness that can respond to treatment if and when available.  Participants enjoyed free popcorn, soda, registered for door prizes and learned more about how to become agents of change in educating themselves, their communities, law makers and health professionals in effective prevention, interventions and treatment of addictions.

While homeless, Cartier had been out of touch with his family for 13 years. When asked by audience members what was the most compelling part of his decision to go into treatment, Cartier said, “When I saw the photos of three grandkids I didn’t even know I had, I knew it was time.”  He went on to say, “But now, I’m doing this for me.”  Normand’s journey has been remarkable; he obtained his GED and is now enrolled in college and making plans to become a substance abuse counselor in the future.  Normand says he wants to give others what he was given: a chance at a new life.

Pictured in front of the RAGTAG Cinema in Columbia (from left): Lost in Woonsocket Associate Producer Thea Maichle, MRN Council member and Phoenix Programs Inc. Housing Services Supervisor David Helling, Deanna Helling, MRN Project Director Brenda Schell, Lost in Woonsocket star Normand Cartier, ACT Missouri Executive Director Chuck Daugherty, ACT Missouri Project Associate Angela Bonine, and Phoenix Programs Inc. Prevention Specialist Heather Harlan.

Associate Producer Thea Maichle talks with Columbia event participants at the Lost and Found in America booth.

(From left) NCADA-St. Louis Director of Community Services Dan Duncan, Thea and Normand pose before entering the KMOX Radio studios in St. Louis.	Normand (on right) shares his recovery story with St. Louis listeners during the KMOX Radio interview.

2009 Walk For Recovery

Submitted by Steve Curran

About 250 people braved the rain to participate in the 2009 Walk For Recovery at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis on Saturday, September 5th. Folks also enjoyed 27 exhibit tents of local organizations who shared information about the services and programs they provide in the Saint Louis area.

More than 50 teams registered to raise funds for 26 non-profit agencies that assist individuals and families struggling with mental illness and addiction. More than 400 people were registered and many of those helped raise about $25,000.

Even with the downpour, most stayed after the Walk to enjoy the presentations by Paul Cook from Radio Station Y98, Tina Meier of the Megan Meier Foundation, Robert Hendricks from SAMHSA and national speaker and author, Gary Stromberg.

The Walk To Washington was announced and people had the opportunity to be the first to sign the petition that will be presented in Washington, D.C. next year. The Walk To Washington is a 850 mile walk to raise awareness about our disease and to encourage local communities to host a Walk For Recovery.

2009 Recovery Fest

1st Annual Celebrate Recovery Event

Family Picnic in the Park

The 1st annual Celebrate Recovery (CR), First Christian Church Washington, MO (FCC-W), Recovery Month Event was held on September 12, 2009.  This event, “Family Picnic in the Park”, featured guest speakers:  Missouri Representative’s Brian Nieves (98th district) and Scott Dieckhaus (109th district), Mayor Richard (Dick) Stratman of Washington, MO and Pastor Dave Armstrong of FCC-W.  Rep. Nieves and Rep. Dieckhaus jointly presented a signed house resolution to CR-FCC-W designating September as National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month (NADARM).  This resolution is now a permanent record of the Missouri House of Representatives and is availalbe for historical reference. 

Mayor Stratman signed and presented a proclamation for the city of Washington to recognize September 2009 as NADARM.  Three long-term recovery speakers gave their testimonies.  Music was performed by Jazz Phenomenon and the FCC Recovery Month Band.  BBQ hotdogs/hamburgers were served along with banana and pumpkin breads donated from the local Bob Evans restaurant.  Lots of substance abuse information was made available including a Drug Awareness trailer by the Elks which also presented bags of candy to children.  Treatment provider information from CenterPointe, Preferred Health and Meramec Recovery was available along with employment assistance from 2nd Chance Employment (Union, MO).  Life Recovery Bible’s, journals and other recovery related books were available at a discounted purchase price.

Additional entertainment included a magician performance by Brian Boyd and artwork demonstration by nationally celebrated artist Russell Irwin.  Games for children in K-6th grade were offered by Victory for Youth (FCC-W).  All speakers, musicians, and other entertainment brought forth their support and belief in the CR faith based program and that recovery is real.  The event proved to be a huge blessing to the many people in recovery who served at the event.  The message of experience, strength and hope found in Christ by those in recovery was strong.  We pray that it was heard and firmly planted in the hearts of those in attendance.

Six attendance prizes were awarded through donations from CenterPointe, Magic of Brian Boyd, Panera Bread Co. and Bob Evans.  Donations for food/drink were provided by Wal-Mart, Ed’s Meat Market and Bob Evans (Washington), Fricks Market, Crystal Ice and Fuel (Union), and Pepsi (New Haven).

Special thanks to the Missourian for advertising the event and KLPW for a live interview.

CR of Victory Church in St. Clair partnered with FCC-W to provide all needed volunteers for the event:  greeters, hospitality, food service, clean-up, etc.  The event was coordinated by the FCC-W Recovery Month Planning Committee.  Planning for the 2010 event will begin in February.  Celebrate Recovery has 4 locations in Franklin County:  Monday’s-FCC (Union), Tuesday’s-Victory Church (St. Clair), Thursday’s-Mission Community Church (Pacific) and Friday’s-FCC (Washington).  For more information on the Family Picnic in the Park event or CR in Franklin County contact Debbie at 314-578-3003.

Hands Across the Bridge a HUGE Success

This year’s theme for Recovery Month was “Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery”. That theme was declared loud and strong as an estimated 1,300 people showed up to support the Hands Across the Bridge event held on Saturday, September 20, 2009 at the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. The day was spent celebrating recovery and encouraging those still struggling to triumph over their addiction. The enthusiastic spirit was amazing.

Representatives from both Faces and Voices of Recovery and SAMHSA attended the St. Louis event. Pat Taylor, Executive Director of FAVOR, received phone calls throughout the day reporting from other states on their recovery events. More than 40,000 people were rallying for recovery around the country on the same day.

The attendance this year more than doubled last year’s. Several speakers shared their story about the journey that led them to recovery. The combined message was that there are many paths to recovery. Find one that works for you.

Senator Rita Heard-Days gave an empowering speech praising our advocacy efforts and stressing the importance of helping shape public policy by being involved in the process. An advocacy tent was set up to register new voters, as part of the Recovery Voices Count campaign. Individuals were also encouraged to sign a pledge to vote on Election Day and endorse the new Recovery Bill of Rights. MRN provided the responses of the returned candidate pledges and also reported on the candidates who had not responded to the pledge. This information can be viewed on this website's home page.

We were honored to be joined by Academy Award Winner Lou Gossett Jr., a person in long term recovery. He ranks as one of the most respected and beloved actors of stage, screen, and television. He shared his story that the disease of addiction not only affected him, but his family and those he loved. Recovery gave him a new life; a new outlook. His words were engaging and empowering as he shared his message of hope. Lou Gossett Jr. was interviewed on Channel 5-KSDK (NBC) the night prior to the event and Channel 2-KTVI (FOX) that evening as part of their coverage of the event. The message focused on the solution and promise of long term recovery.

The event concluded with everyone holding hands and stretching across the full span of the bridge from Missouri to Illinois. Fireworks went off in joyous celebration of the reality of recovery.

For those who attended and showed support, thank you. For those who were unable to make it, we hope you will continue to help broaden social understanding that addiction is a public health crisis and needs attention and recovery support services are critical in helping individuals obtain and sustain recovery.

Recovery Fest Held at Lake Wappapello

On September 13, the Regional Recovery Network sponsored a Recovery Festival held at Lake Wappapello.  This event was held to raise awareness of recovery, remove the stigma associated with addiction and recovery, celebrate recovery, and provide hope for those still needing help for a substance abuse problem.  The event was a huge success for the southeast region of Missouri. 

This was a family centered event.  The day’s activities included an obstacle course, games, face painting, and lots of prizes.  Everyone enjoyed free food and great entertainment, provided by a live band.

Also enjoyed were several great speakers on prevention, treatment, and recovery.  State Senator Rob Mayer addressed the gathering and spoke highly of the efforts in breaking the stigma associated with addiction recovery.  Judie Didriksen, the mid-America representative of Faces and Voices of Recovery, also addressed the group on recovery rights and the importance of making your voice heard, both at the local, state, and national level.  She stated that your vote is your voice, so make it heard.  The MRN held a voter registration drive.  The event was featured in the FAVOR e-newsletter and was recognized at the national level.

MRN Hosts Annual Recovery Rally

On Thursday, May 1, 2008 advocates from across the state gathered for the MRN Annual Recovery Rally in Jefferson City.  The event featured keynote speakers Tom Coderre, National Field Director of Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR), Washington DC; and Mike Barry, President of People Advocating Recovery (PAR), Kentucky. 

Mr. Coderre commended MRN for our efforts in recovery advocacy.  He presented information on the current recovery movement taking place nationwide and the Recovery Voices Count Project, a civic engagement campaign.  MRN was recently honored by FAVOR with an invitation to participate in this national campaign.   The intent of this project is to encourage advocates around the country to become involved in nonpartisan voting activities so their voices can be heard at the local, state, and national levels.   Mr. Corderre, a former State Senator in long term recovery, also provided technical assistance on how people in recovery including families, friends, and allies can develop effective “messaging skills” to share their message and stories with policy makers to accurately shape  and change attitudes and policies regarding addiction.

Mark Stringer, Director of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse welcomed participants and applauded MRN members for their dedication and commitment to promoting recovery in Missouri.  Marta Nolin, Department of Corrections; Ann Wilson, Missouri Drug Courts Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinator; and Daphne Walker-Thoth, Executive Director, Committed Caring Faith Communities also shared their efforts, perspectives and successes in recovery work.

A nine member panel including representatives from 12-Step Programs, Voluntary and Mandated Treatment, Family Recovery, Drug Courts, Faith Based Recovery, Co-occurring Disorders, and Medication Assisted Recovery engaged participants in discussion on the many paths to recovery..It matters not how you get there, just get there!

One day—dedicated to educating, networking and unifying our voices to promote recovery in Missouri.  One day—well spent celebrating recovery and encouraging those in recovery to Step Up and Speak Out!  It is our collective strength that will ensure our success!  One day at a time! 

MRN Unites for Advocacy Day at the State Capitol

Missouri Recovery Network (MRN) members representing treatment providers, allies, and supporters of recovery assembled at the State Capitol on April 30, 2008, Advocacy Day.  Advocates met with elected officials in hopes of increasing their knowledge and understanding of substance abuse addiction, and the value of treatment and recovery support services. 

MRN advocates sent a clear message to elected officials about the effectiveness of treatment, the need for funding, and the hidden value of recovery support services.   For every dollar spent on treatment, society saves ten dollars in medical, social service, unemployment, and criminal justice costs.  Tragically, over 3,000 Missourians are currently on waiting lists for treatment.   

Tom Coderre, National Field Director of Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR), Washington D.C. and Mike Barry, President of People Advocating Recovery (PAR),  Kentucky; opened the day with a recovery-specific advocacy training; a lessons learned presentation and coaching.  Information was presented on the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act (HR 1424).  This proposed legislation would improve access to life-saving mental health and addiction recovery services by limiting the discriminatory barriers that have prevented many people from receiving the mental health services they deserve.  Step Up and Speak Out to end discriminatory practices of insurance companies that deny benefits for the disease of addiction that they provide for other general illnesses, such as diabetes.  Networks like FAVOR, PAR and MRN are committed, through events like Advocacy Day, to train and empower advocates to educate policy makers to take action on policies like HR 1424. 

Seventeen members of the Missouri General Assembly were visited by MRN’s Advocacy Day participants.  Comments received included “This was a great way to get individuals introduced to advocacy efforts”, and “This was the first time I did anything like this and it sparked a new found interest.”

MRN encourages you to initiate contact with your elected officials; they are elected to serve you.  Contact your local district offices and take advantage of opportunities to educate officials at home, in their communities.   Substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery support services need legislative champions.  Develop your relationship with them at home and increase their awareness and knowledge of issues important to you, become their expert.   The more work you do at home, the more prepared your legislator is when session begins.  Advocacy is not a one day event; it needs to take place year round!  For assistance in contacting your elected official call MRN at 877-669-2280 or click here to look them up.   

You hold the power to change public attitudes and policies!  Step Up and Speak Out, become an advocate for recovery!

MRN Celebrates Recovery in St. Louis with the Cardinals

September is recognized as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.  Members, friends and allies of MRN gathered in St. Louis on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007 to celebrate the reality of recovery from alcohol and other drug addictions.  Close to 400 people gathered to celebrate recovery and to watch the St. Louis Cardinals play the Houston Astros. 

The event was planned to help bring public awareness that thousands of Missourians are in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs.  Those in long term recovery are living proof that recovery is possible and there are real solutions to the public health crisis of addiction. 

The weather was great with a clear sky (much different from last year), the Cardinals won 4-3, and fun was had by all.  When the Astros hit a two run homerun in the top of the 9th, many thought the game was over.  But the Cards fought back getting three runs in the bottom of the 9th.  Two victories were celebrated that evening, the victory over addiction called RECOVERY and the Cardinals 4-3 victory.   The MRN was recognized on the big stadium screen, on the stadium message text board, and also on the air with KTRS.  Rally for Recovery and No Shame in Recovery banners were displayed in our section during the game.  

The MRN wishes to thank all those who supported this event by purchasing tickets and being a part of this celebration.   Together we can change the focus from the illness of addiction to honoring the hope, healing, and reality of recovery!

24/7 Recovery Group Hosts 7th Annual Event

The 24/7 Recovery Group held their 7th annual campout and fish fry May 25-29 at Lake Wappapello.  This year’s event was attended by 18 campers in RV's, campers and tents. Boats and a jet ski for water sports and fishing were available. The festivities started on Friday night with a campfire social “meet & greet” event.  A 12 Step Recovery Group Meeting was scheduled for Saturday night and a Christ-Centered meeting on Sunday morning.  Food was plentiful with full buffet style breakfasts each morning and grilled burgers and hotdogs for lunch.  One of the main events was a Fish Fry held on Saturday evening that was attended by more than 50 people from area recovery groups, family and friends.

I started these yearly events when I got clean & sober in 2001 and discovered that my old habits of a cooler full of beer and a few joints was just a normal thing to have while doing about anything that I used to do.  I actually found that fishing was no longer any fun and realized that something was seriously missing in my new found recovery life.  I read a lot of books and was taught a lot of things in treatment, but I was never exposed to the fact that I had to learn to do the very things that made me happy in a different way. I knew that I was not the only person who experienced this feeling of insecurity. What was once my most treasured moments of solitude and generally my connection with the universe and all creation had somehow slipped away and it was unacceptable.

In 2001, I organized the 1st annual Recovery Campout and invited anyone in recovery to attend.  To my surprise I found that many others felt this same way.  I had founded the 24/7 Christ-Centered Recovery group and we started raising the funding needed to put on this type of event. With our weekly donations we raised over $200, found a place by the river and picked a date the week after Memorial Day when the temperatures would be in our favor and we could be by ourselves to get through and deal with any issues we would face. I honestly didn't know how it would turn out.  Sitting by the campfire, we got to know each other in a whole new way rather than what we had known at AA meetings.  By taking turns at the chores of cooking, cleaning up and learning how to get along, we learned to endure each other’s faults and find strength in unity. We have learned how to make it better each year. We have learned together, taught each other and depended on each other more than ever before. That is what makes a group cohesive, lifting each other up, being a part of a new extended family of lifelong friends in recovery, encouraging and being encouraged while building character within us.

The campout continues to grow each year and is a fun and exciting time to learn to cope with life outside of the box that we let our addictions put us in.

The Park Rangers and other folks camping can see that we have a great time being clean and sober. We learn new life skills that have to be self taught by getting along with others and being a part of breaking the stigma and shame that deters and keeps us from leading normal lives after treatment when the true recovery begins in everyday living.

Written by Austin Montague, Poplar Bluff, MO
MRN Council Member and Founder of 24/7 Recovery Group

Regional Recovery Conference held in Poplar Bluff, Missouri

The first ever Regional Recovery Conference was held on September 16, 2006 in Poplar Bluff at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. The conference theme was “No Shame in Recovery.” The conference purpose was to gain the knowledge, tools, and resources to encourage personal growth and a solid recovery foundation. The event attracted over 100 individuals who were in recovery, seeking recovery, family/friends of those in treatment/recovery, or supporters of recovery.

The MRN was represented by Brenda Schell, MRN Project Director, and Clif Johnson, MRN Council Vice Chair, addressing the mission, values, and goals of the Missouri Recovery Network. Several in attendance became members of MRN and were willing to serve the MRN in some capacity to help advocate for recovery. Other speakers included Martin Davis, therapist and author of Ashes Into Gold: The Journey of Spirituality; Dr. Charles Smith, author, lecturer and licensed counselor with expertise in subjects ranging from self-esteem to grief; Wayne White, Advanced Substance Abuse Counselor; Rev. Ben Jordan, Motivational Speaker; Jane Pfefferkorn, Executive Director of Mission Missouri; Tony Pickrell, Regional Advisory Council; Janet McLane-Li, Southeast Community Treatment Center; Bishop Ron Webb, Christian Restoration Center, and other representatives from Al-Anon and other various 12 step programs.

The Host and Coordinator of the conference, Austin Montague, should be commended for all of his hard work and dedication regarding the planning, marketing, coordinating, and implementation of this conference.

As was stated in the conference, there is “No Shame in Recovery,” and that “Recovery is Real and Does Happen.” It is up to all of us to Break the Silence of Recovery and share experiences and successes. MRN shared that for too long there has been no unified public voice advocating on behalf of recovery and those who still need to achieve it. The few voices that have spoken up tend to be viewed by the public and policymakers as rare exceptions. Voices advocating for the important prevention and treatment have been heard, but silence and anonymity keeps recovery a private matter. THIS SILENCE MUST END! This conference was an endeavor to link all recovery individuals, groups, and organizations together for the common good of restoring individuals back into the workforce as productive members of our society! The voices spoke. We just hope they will continue to speak out and break the silence!

The Mayor of Poplar Bluff, Betty Absheer, presented the Proclamation to Austin Montague in recognition of National Recovery Month.	Austin Montague, Coordinator of the conference (left), Jim Davis, MRN State Council Member (middle), and one of the conference speakers (right).

Clif Johnson, MRN State Council Member, Austin Montague, Regional Recovery Conference Coordinator, and Brenda Schell, MRN Project Director, discussing the conference.	Clif Johnson, MRN State Council Member (left), Austin Montague, Regional Recovery Conference Coordinator (middle), and Brenda Schell, MRN Project Director (right), are showing excitement for the turnout at the 1st Regional Recovery Conference.

---

1905 Stadium Blvd *PO Box 104146 Jefferson City, MO 65110
phone: 573-634-1029 * fax: 816-318-3247
e-mail: bschell@pbhc.org 
 

This free script provided by JavaScript Kit