Recovery celebration planned for National Recovery Month

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Some local groups are coming together to tackle addiction and celebrate September as National Recovery Month.

The national designation started in 1989 as a chance to spotlight resources and promote recovery.

“We’re all miracles here. So, September is, as I call it, the miracle month,” says Shawn Trapp with Good Shepherd Ministries .

He says he considers himself blessed every day he’s in recovery.

“I moved to Dayton nine years ago, went to treatment at Woodhaven Treatment Center , got out of treatment, went to recovery housing,” describes Trapp. “The biggest part of our organization is service work, being of service to other people, giving back, because unfortunately, in active addiction, we did a lot of taking. So now, we love being a part of RAMCO and these other collaborations. Community service work is a big part of our program. When I help somebody else out, it’s actually helping me out. So it’s a big part of my recovery.”

RAMCO , The Recovery Alliance of Montgomery County Ohio, and the organizations under it are planning to once again host a Healthy Recovery Celebration.

Gilbert Dillard is a board member for RAMCO.

“I’m eight years sober, Crime-free, drug-free. I help other people engage and maintain the recovery process because I am a certified peer recovery supporter So, I work in the behavioral health system,” says Dillard. “We want to celebrate those that are already in recovery, and then, we want to celebrate those coming into recovery. So, yes, we don’t care if you got one minute clean. Come on out here! Right? You got 12 years clean? Come on out here! Yes! Have some fun with us. Tell your story because people need to hear your story.”

The Healthy Recovery Celebration is set for Saturday, September 21 from noon until 5 p.m. at Burkham Park at 979 Dona Avenue in Dayton. There will be free food, live music, giveaways, information, and resources.

Alan Walder with the Dayton Fellowship Club will be there to help hand out those resources.

“I started in recovery in 1990. We needed a place to go. We got together with a few members, men and women got together, and tried to provide a place so we can be positive impact for our community,” states Walder. “What we’re seeing now is now resources are more available, such as peer support, such as treatment facilities, such as things that are popping up and getting support. So, if people want help to find help that they need, it is available in our community.”

Coming up on two years sober, Amber Ross with the WestSide Club has found her place.

“This life that I have now that I’m in recovery is completely and utterly just so different than what I’ve ever known. So to even being a part of this, I almost feel like it’s a privilege. It’s an honor, you know, just to even be here, that these guys would have me. It’s just like, wow, I’m excited,” says Ross.

Ross is also a part of RAMCO, brought on as the organization’s secretary.

“I just get to sit and listen and absorb all their knowledge. I take the notes for them and it’s a privilege to just be able to, like I said, come on to such a powerful organization that is reaching out to the community, providing us with those resources,” states Ross.

Shirley Quinn with Voices of Fellowship and the Dayton Fellowship Club is sharing her voice with events like this.

“I was lost and broken and hopeless. So I came into Narcotics Anonymous about 20 years ago. And my life has changed,” describes Quinn. “It’s gratifying because we know that people are suffering and need help, and there’s plenty of resources that are available now. So, it’s a gratifying feeling knowing that they’re getting a chance to change their life.”

In addition to the Healthy Recovery Celebration, a mobile recovery bus is coming to the Dayton Fellowship Club on Saturday, October 5 from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. It is a national movement – stopping in more than a dozen cities – highlighting the work of recovery in the community and advocating for solutions.

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