Clayton McFarland shared his story of recovery Saturday. Photos by Kathy Sands
Jessica Holloman shares her recovery story.
Sponsors of the Recovery Walk. Jerrie Baxley-Brown (left center). Shyla Hernandez (lt.), Kindra York and Mike Tyson, Photo provided.
The second annual Walk for Recovery event held in Carmi was on Saturday at the Floral hall. Promoted as an event for the community of those in addiction recovery and their families. The Walk for Recovery is an opportunity to celebrate recovery, remember those we have lost to substance use, raise awareness, and show the entire region that recovery is possible. Locals Haley Smith and Jerrie Baxley-Brown were the point people for the walk. Brown and Smith procured funding from the county's opiod fund to assist with the event. Each year, the Southern Illinois Recovery Network (SIRN) hosts the walk in a different community. This year Brown and Smith partnered with SIRN.
"This is our second year, Haley and I. This year we partnered with SIRN. Last year we did it and paid out of pocket," Jerrie remarked.
The event provided a meal, prize giveaways, and speakers. Jessica Holloman shared her story of recovery from addiction that she says has now made her a productive member of her family and community. Clayton McFarland also shared his journey from addiction and how God has transformed his life into something far more than he could have ever dreamed. MxFarland says he's working, going to bible school, raising his son, and teaching at his church.
Supporting entities who attended were Victory Community Church with the Lighthouse Recovery Center from Washington, Indiana. Egyptian Health Center, Chris Dennis from SIRN, Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center (SIRAC), Take Action Today from Franklin County, the White Coumty Pregnancy Center, the Nazarene Church from Carmi, Carmi Emmanuel Methodist Church, and Space Between Collectives.
SIRAC, with offices in Shawneetown, Vienna and Marion is a 501C3 non-profit with a vision to respond to the needs of under-resourced and vulnerable individuals, children and families across southern Illinois.
