According to mortality reports from the Ohio Department of Health, drug overdoses killed more Ohioans in 2020 than in at least 14 years. The COVID-19 Pandemic led to a spike in substance abuse, and now more than ever, local communities should be aware of recovery resources and services.
Families of Addicts Van Wert will present its first-ever Rally 4 Recovery, taking place at Fountain Park on July 18, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will feature emcee Scotty Mays, speaker Steve Makofka, keynote speaker Paul Fitzpatrick, and four opportunities for anyone to learn how to administer Narcan. In addition, FOA can introduce families from Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana to wrap-around support services available to those recovering from addiction.
Emcee, Scotty Mays, is an Ohio comedian and is in long-term recovery, so this event is extra special for him to participate in.
Family and Recovery Life Coach Steve Makofka is one of the event’s speakers. He works for Family Dynamics LLC in Dayton and brings a wealth of knowledge in developing creative training programs to help individuals and groups overcoming addiction.
Keynote Speaker, Paul Fitzpatrick, is Executive Director of “Clevelawn.” Fitzpatrick is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a graduate of Cleveland State University’s Levine School of Urban Affairs. He is an accomplished public and motivational speaker, and was a Senior Doby Fellow for the Cleveland PeaceMakers Alliance. He spent time in prison and is a recovering addict with over 22 years in recovery. His education and experiences have prepared him to work with those who have also had hardships in their lives. You won’t want to miss hearing Paul’s story. It is very powerful.
Resource booths available—food and fun activities for the whole family. Join us as we celebrate recovery! At this time, here is who has committed to being an educational resource at our event:
Ridgeview Hospital – Van Wert; Tri-County ADAMHS – Van Wert; Angel Interventions – Van Wert; Haven of Hope – Van Wert; Brightview – Lima; Family Dynamics – Dayton; Fort Wayne Recovery – Fort Wayne; The Mom of an Addict – Fort Wayne; Thrive Peer Support – Cleveland; West Ohio Food Bank – Lima; United Way – Van Wert; Guiding Light Ministries – Lima; Westwood Behavioral Health Center; Turn Right Go Straight – Van Wert; Northeastern Center – Northeast Indiana; Avenue Recovery – Fort Wayne;Community Medical Services – Lima; PASS (Prevention Awareness Support Services – Lima; Brianne’s Hope – Celina; Lighthouse Behavioral Health Solutions – Lima
Much appreciation to our sponsors: United Way of Van Wert County, Van Wert Health, Tri-County ADAMHS, The Marketing Junkie, and Brightview in Lima.
Families of Addicts is headquartered in Dayton, OH, and has multiple hubs in the Miami Valley, including Van Wert. FOA rebuilds families and transforms lives through the 3 E’s; Educate, Empower and Embrace. Through weekly meetings in Van Wert County, navigation, one-on-one phone support, and outreach opportunities, FOA is a sought-after and respected resource. The non-profit is unique because it supports the entire family and advocates for individuals to find their face and voice, which is key to eliminating the stigma associated with addiction. Follow FOA Families of Addicts-Van Wert on Facebook for additional details about the Rally 4 Recovery event and services available to local communities year-round.
For more information about this event and FOA, call (419) 203-0200 and ask for Shane Manson.
