Athens County organizations partner to host fourth annual Community Day of HOPE on July 18

GLOUSTER — Community members are invited to the fourth annual Community Day of HOPE set for 1-4 p.m. July 18 at Trimble High School’s Glouster Memorial Stadium. This free event welcomes community members of all ages to enjoy games, music from DJ Barticus, and free food while learning more about area resources for recovery and healthy living.

“Community Day of HOPE is a fun day for the whole family,” said Becky Handa, Athens County Children Services Trimble school outreach worker. “It’s a day to celebrate recovery, reduce stigma and heal together. In small, rural communities like Trimble Township individuals are not always aware of available resources or how to access them. Community Day of HOPE helps remove this barrier by bringing these wonderful resources to us.”

Key supporters of the Community Day of HOPE include Athens HOPE, Tomcat Bridgebuilders, Trimble Local Schools, Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action (HAPCAP), OhioMeansJobs Athens County, The Kathryn McCoy Resource Project and Athens County Children Services.

“The annual Community Day of Hope means a great deal to me,” said longtime Athens HOPE member Nancy Roth. “And as a mother whose son struggled for years with recovery, I hope others will also feel the support this Day of HOPE brings to our community.”

This year is anticipated to be the largest Community Day of HOPE yet with more than 40 community organizations and local non-profits in attendance. Three food trucks: Kona Ice, Cheesy Weenie and Jill’s Highway Café will be providing free food to attendees.

“As a member of the community, it’s an honor that I get to work in the place I’ve called ‘home’ for so many years,” said Ashley Cremeans, prevention specialist at Health Recovery Services. “Glouster has always been the type of place that comes together to lend our neighbors a hand, so being part of the Community Day of HOPE is an absolute privilege to me. I’m so excited to celebrate health and wellness with my neighbors while representing Health Recovery Services.”

Vendors will set up at Glouster Memorial Stadium at 681 High St., Glouster.