McMinnville will celebrate individuals who have overcome substance use disorder and connect those still struggling with local treatment resources during this weekend’s Recovery Fest.
IOP Event Coordinator Darla DeLeon said the celebration highlights the significant life changes that occur when people successfully transition back into society as working, tax-paying citizens.
“We celebrate recovery because it is a life-changing, life-altering thing to be in substance use disorder,” DeLeon said. “It changes every dynamic of one’s life, and so when one can overcome those things and successfully turn their lives around, it is a lot.”
DeLeon said the gathering serves as a source of inspiration for people who may currently feel that sobriety is out of reach. Seeing familiar faces from the community who have successfully changed their lives can provide the necessary encouragement for others to seek a better path.
“They grew up with them and they know their background,” DeLeon said. “And so if they can recover, so can I. If they can do that, so can I.”
DeLeon said the event aims to combat the long-standing stigma that has historically led to the city being associated with nicknames like McMethville. She said there is no longer a reason for residents to feel shame or guilt when asking for help because the community has developed a robust support network.
“We are changing that dynamic though, because there’s no longer a reason for someone to have shame or guilt when they’re struggling with addiction or alcoholism or things like that, because there are so many people in this community now if you just step out and say ‘I need help’ that will help you,” DeLeon said. “There’s no shame in that at all.”
DeLeon said the festival will host representatives from various treatment centers, intensive outpatient programs, and weekly support groups. These organizations provide the necessary tools for individuals to maintain their sobriety after the initial treatment phase.
“You can’t put a price on somebody’s life when they find recovery,” DeLeon said. “They sustain it with the support groups like Celebrate Recovery and The Refuge and Transformations Project and Sober Sessions.”
DeLeon said addiction impacts the entire family unit, making it essential to provide resources for relatives as well as the individual in treatment. Seeing a loved one find recovery instead of facing the dangers of the street is a primary goal of the coalition’s work.
DeLeon said the event will take place this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Smithville Highway location. DeLeon said the event features food trucks, vendors, and personal testimonials.
Organizers are monitoring a hurricane moving through the Gulf that could bring inclement weather to the area on Saturday. DeLeon said the planning committee will meet Friday morning to determine if the event needs to be postponed, with any schedule changes to be posted.
