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  This resolution is now a permanent record of the Missouri House of Representatives and is availalbe for historical reference.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 20th 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 1st, 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 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 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 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.

---

428 E Capitol, 2nd Floor * Jefferson City, MO 65101
phone: 573-635-6669 / 877-669-2280 * fax: 573-635-7257
e-mail: bschell@actmissouri.org
 

This free script provided by JavaScript Kit