Rally 4 Recovery event set for Sunday

VW independent/submitted information

According to mortality reports from the Ohio Department of Health, drug overdoses killed more Ohioans in 2020 than in at least 14 years. The COVID-19 Pandemic led to a spike in substance abuse and now more than ever, local communities should be aware of recovery resources and services.

Families of Addicts Van Wert will present its first-ever Rally 4 Recovery, taking place at Fountain Park this Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The event will feature emcee Scotty Mays, speaker Steve Makofka, keynote speaker Paul Fitzpatrick, and four opportunities for Narcan education at 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4;30 pm.

In addition, FOA can introduce families from Northwest Ohio and Northeast
Indiana to wrap-around support services available to those recovering from addiction.

Scotty Mays is an Ohio comedian and is in long-term recovery, so this event is extra special for him to participate in. The event will feature music by local favorite Colt & Crew. Family and Recovery Life Coach Steve Makofka is one of the event’s speakers. Steve is the owner of Family Dynamics LLC in Dayton and brings a wealth of knowledge in developing creative training programs to help individuals and groups overcoming addiction.

Keynote speaker Paul Fitzpatrick, is Executive Director of “Clevelawn.” Fitzpatrick is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a graduate of Cleveland State University’s Levine School of Urban Affairs. He is an accomplished public and motivational speaker and was a Senior Doby Fellow for the Cleveland PeaceMakers Alliance. He spent time in prison and is a recovering addict with over 22 years in recovery. His education and experiences have prepared him to work with those who have also had hardships in their lives.

Here is a list of other educational resource scheduled to be at the event:

Van Wert Health – Van Wert
Tri-County ADAMHS – Van WertRidgeview Hospital – Van Wert
United Way of Van Wert – Van Wert
Family Dynamics – Dayton
The Mom of an Addict – Fort Wayne
Thrive Peer Support – Cleveland
West Ohio Food Bank – Lima
Northeastern Center – Auburn
Guiding Light Ministries, Lima
Brightview – Lima
Angel Intervention – Van Wert
Haven of Hope – Van Wert
Fort Wayne Recovery – Fort Wayne
Westwood Behavioral – Van Wert
Community Medical Services – Lima
Avenues Recovery – Fort Wayne
Turn Right And Go Straight – Van Wert
Lighthouse Behavioral Health Services – Lima
Brianna’s Hope – Celina
YWCA of Van Wert – Van Wert
PASS (Prevention Awareness Support Services – Lima
Haven Behavioral Hospital – Dayton
New Vision at Wilson Health – Sidney

Sponsors and donors include the United Way of Van Wert County, Van Wert Health, Tri-County ADAMHS, The Marketing Junkie, Brightview in Lima, and Rural King.

Families of Addicts is headquartered in Dayton and has multiple sites in the Miami Valley, including Van Wert. FOA rebuilds families and transforms lives through the 3 E’s; Educate, Empower and Embrace.

Through weekly meetings in Van Wert County, navigation, one-on-one phone support, and outreach opportunities, FOA is a sought-after and respected resource. The non-profit is unique because it supports the entire family and advocates for individuals to find their face and voice, which is key to eliminating the stigma associated with addiction.

Follow FOA Families of Addicts-Van Wert on Facebook for additional details about the Rally 4 Recovery event and services available to local communities year-round.