(Posted Sept. 6, 2017)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
In honor of National Recovery Month, the London Recovery Project is hosting three events in September—an open house, an educational presentation, and a candlelight vigil.
Formed in 2014, the London Recovery Project is comprised of individuals in long-term recovery from substance use disorders. Their mission is to serve as a resource bank for referrals to support programs, treatment, housing, clothing, food, transportation, and employment preparation.
The all-volunteer group mans a drop-in center from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 40 S. Walnut St., behind the London Community Center. The drop-in center is open to individuals in recovery and their family members, as well as individuals affected by mental health issues.
For more information about any of the following events, contact Jean at (614) 779-3714 or Dale at (740) 852-5155.
Open House
The open house is set for noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at the London Recovery Project drop-in center. The theme is “Love, Recover, Pray: Our Communities Win.”
The family-friendly event features children’s activities, including hula hoops, disc golf, armband glitter tattoos, art projects, and cornhole.
Country music artist Denny Hall will perform. Also planned are basket raffles, a 50/50 cash raffle, and a cornhole tournament for adults. The Ohio State University football game will be playing on the television. Tommy Wilson’s BBQ will sell sandwiches outside the center. A free potluck is planned inside.
The open house is a great opportunity for the London Recovery Project to show off its new location. The organization moved into the former London Academy building in July. The space includes, among other amenities, a movie resource room, computer lab, and clothing giveaway room.
“The sky’s kind of the limit now,” said Jean Perry, London Recovery Project director, about the group’s room for growth.
Mental Health Education
Kathryn Hitchcock and Donna Sorrell of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will present “Beyond the Label” from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at First United Methodist Church, 52 N. Main St., London. The program is free and open to adults ages 18 and older.
The talk will focus on breaking stigmas surrounding mental illness and addiction. Participants will learn about dual diagnoses (substance use issues and mental illness), how language and labels can wound people living with these diseases, and how stigma, prejudice and discrimination are barriers to recovery. They also will share information about resources available locally for people living with concurrent disorders.
Free pizza and drinks will be offered at 6 p.m.
Candlelight Vigil
A candlelight vigil will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 30. The vigil starts at the London Recovery Project drop-in center o Walnut Street and proceeds on foot to the Madison County Courthouse via police escort. Participants are welcome to bring signs and banners honoring loved ones.
“It’s a way to remember the ones we have lost to this horrific disease,” Perry said.
