BUCYRUS — Operation Hope is joining forces with Together We Hurt, Together We Heal and the Crawford-Marion ADAMH Board to sponsor an event on Saturday designed to help local drug addicts and their loved ones.
According to Bucyrus Police Chief David Koepke, Street Recovery will kick off at noon on Sept. 14 at Schines Art Park. Other groups helping with the free, faith-based event are the Bucyrus Neighborhood News Network, Project One-Recovery Road and the Bucyrus Police Department.
Koepke said there will be free food, a lot of activities for kids, resources and giveaways, wellness screenings, naloxone trainings and recovery coaches available.
“We want people to know that there is hope for recovery from addiction,” Koepke said. “Addiction is lonely and we want people to understand that they are not alone and there is hope to change their lives for the better.”
He said the event is for the entire community, including individuals in recovery or seeking recovery from addiction, as well as their loved ones and anyone wanting to join the community in the battle against addiction.
For addicts who are on probation or may have an active warrant, Koepke encourages them to come to the event.
“Our probation department and courts are very supportive of people who reach out for help,” he said. “It is better to deal with it head-on rather than to fear seeking help.”
The event is from noon to 6 p.m. at Schines Art Park, 300 S. Sandusky Ave., and will feature a variety of local resources, including pastors who may perform baptisms during the event. Naloxone (Narcan) trainings will take place from 2-3 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Along with free food and drinks, a bounce house and face-painting for kids will be offered.
For more information, call (419) 689-6428 or e-mail operationhope422016@gmail.com.
