The University of Maine at Fort Kent Behavioral Science program and club, Aroostook Mental Health Center, Fish River Rural Health, Life By Design, Aroostook County Action Program, and Michael’s Active Recovery have been working together to host their annual Recovery Celebration on September 14th at the Fort Kent Riverside Park Lion’s Pavilion.
September is National Recovery Month, a national observance held every September to celebrate people in recovery while highlighting the benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery from substance misuse.
Katia Sirois, LADC, CCS, a Substance Abuse Counselor and one of the event organizers, shared, “Witnessing the annual growth of this event has been incredible, demonstrating the power of planting seeds! I am proud of how the community is breaking stigmas around substance misuse, inspiring others to challenge their views on addiction.”
The event begins at 11 a.m. with free food and music by Ryan Remalia. Starting at noon, speakers will share their recovery stories, followed by time for networking and open conversations about recovery. Community organizations and groups will have tables with information about available resources and support.
“We hope the community will join us to help strengthen the recovery community, supporting our friends, families, and people living in our communities. National Recovery Month is about celebrating recovery and supporting people on their recovery journeys,” said one of the event organizers, UMFK Associate Professor of Counseling and Faculty Assembly Chair Dr. Shawn Graham.
Doug Levesque LCSW/LADC/CCS, a Behavioral Health Therapist with Fish River Rural Health and one of the event organizers, said, “The beauty of watching people come out of a dark place with their addiction to a place of hope and watching them come alive and grow is truly a blessing and a gift. The celebration gives an opportunity for many of us to show that addiction is not the end and can be a great new beginning.”
Sponsors of the event also include the Town of Fort Kent, Hannaford Supermarket, and Tim Hortons.
For more information about the September Recovery event, please contact Katia Sirois at (207) 316-3288.