Chillicothe Correctional Institution holds recovery event

CHILLICOTHE— "Recovery is?" asked Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities CEO Cheri Walter.

"Beautiful," answered incarcerated adults at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution.

These chants rang through the gym at CCI recently as directors from all over the state gathered to celebrate recovery through the first-of-its-kind Recovery is for Me Too event. This event helped celebrate those on the path to recovery while encouraging others to start.

Warden Tim Shoop said events like this are "wonderful" as they help showcase what the institution is trying to do: help those who are incarcerated turn their life around and become active members of society once released so they won't end up behind bars.

Several members and directors from recovery groups in the state were present for this event, including the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith who encourages those in the institution to use this time to better their lives.

"Today is a good day to start," said Chambers-Smith on recovery.

As part of this event formerly incarcerated man Nathan Harmon stepped back into an institution since getting out several years ago. He spoke to the crowd about how he ended up in prison at 23 years old and how he had to take accountability that his actions caused him to be where he was, but that didn't mean he couldn't change. Harmon had a goal to change the world and since getting released he has shared his story around the world encouraging people to look in the mirror and think about what they can do to make the world a better place.

He encouraged those listening to look within themselves and find out who they want to be. while he knows you can't control life and how people perceive you he said you can control how you respond to all of it and that where you come from does not dictate where you are going.

"There is no limit except you," said Harmon.

Incarcerated men at the institution, like Robert Bennett and Donald Thomas III, said recovery programs have helped to change their lives. Both called the programs a "blessing" as they have helped them and can help others too.

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe Correctional Institution holds recovery event