Celebrate Recovery 2011 Summary by the Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA

The community of Erie, PA celebrated National Recovery Month on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 from 11:30AM-1:30PM at the Martin Luther King Center, 312 Chestnut Street, Erie.

Mr. Barry Grossman, County Executive and Mr. Fred Rush who represented the Mayor's Office issued proclamations declaring September 2011 as National Alcohol & Addiction Recovery Month.

People who registered were asked to sign a Recovery Pledge and given a free ticket for the raffle.

Elizabeth gave pertinent information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is preventable when a woman does not drink when she is pregnant. Visit www.FASDay.com or www.fascenter.samhsa.gov for more information.

Stephen, Ted and Renee shared moving recovery stories and offered hope to the audience.

Thank you to the Erie County Office of Drug & Alcohol, Esper Treatment Center and Community Care Behavioral Health for their financial support of the September Recovery Events. Thank you to the people representing 19 organizations. A big heartfelt thank you to all who provided baskets and items for the raffle.

Recovery Celebration at the Martin Luther King Center

On September 13, 2011, the Martin Luther King Center hosted this year's annual Recovery Celebration.

People from all over came to celebrate the joy of recovery. Tons of people came with smiles on their faces, it was truly amazing.

Vendors from many programs came to support the people who are dedicated to recovering. They brought baskets filled with gifts, and information to promote wellbeing.

Many people came to show their support.

This event honored those who are setting examples for the rest; people who are taking control of their lives and fighting against the odds. It was a celebration filled with people that care.

There were raffle drawings and giveaways, just simple things to show appreciation.

There were speakers who came and told their story. They told how they struggled but continued and persevered through. They let others know that recovery is possible.

You could look on the faces of the people that came, and see that they were glad to be a part of such an event. They are proud of their accomplishment whether it is sober for 24 hours or 25 years.

This event was really something special; it gave people the chance to be in an environment where they could be appreciated and feel good about themselves. This was an event where you could be with people who want to lift you up, people that are making it through your same struggles. It showed that recovery is something to be proud of, and that you are not alone.

Recovery is a success, that deserves to be celebrated; and on this day celebrate is what we did.

Recovery Celebration

"Join the Voices For Recovery Now: Recovery Benefits Everyone."

Recovery Celebration at the Martin Luther King Center