Picnic to celebrate recovery, remember those who have died
In the nine months since the grand opening of Harmony Life Center, Mike “MJ” Markley has seen more and more people succeeding in their recovery.
“We opened in September and didn’t think we’d have this many people coming in, seeking help,” said Markley, a founder and vice president of the recovery center’s board. “We have 150 people a day coming through the door.”
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Shawn English, shown last year, has been in recovery for more than three years. He will give a testimonial during Sunday’s picnic.
Harmony Life Center, 47 N. Main St., Washington, is Washington County’s first drop-in recovery center where people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol can get support and be connected to other recovery services. The facility also offers services to loved ones, and is affiliated with the adjacent Harmony House Café, opened by the Rev. Tom Bellhy of New Hope Church, and Paul J. Tripoli, who offers Christian counseling services.
The center offers peer mentoring and provides a place for 12-step recovery programs.
“I believe it’s like the ‘Field of Dreams’ movie – ‘If you build it, they will come.’ If we have places for people seeking recovery, they’re going to take it. Give people options – that’s what we’re doing. Offering a safe place where people don’t have to feel outside judgment,” Markley said. “Peer-to-peer mentoring, from people who have been there and options – I think that’s the key. What works for one may not work for another, so we refer to other locations.”
The inaugural picnic, with the theme “Unity in Recovery; Past, Present and Future,” will be held in Washington Park.
In honor of those who are in recovery, and in memory of those who have lost their lives to addiction, the center is hosting a picnic Sunday in Washington Park. With the theme “Unity in Recovery; Past, Present and Future,” the event will feature a banner with the names of people who have lost their lives to addiction, and testimonials from 10 people who are in recovery.
“We figured we would celebrate the lives of individuals who have lost their plight. We’ll also let people know it’s possible to recover,” said Markley, who plans to make it a yearly event. “These are normal people that live their everyday lives. It happens to anybody. It’s not like it was years and years ago. It’s your neighbors. It’s your coworkers. It’s your family.”
In the park’s Stone Pavilion, church service with New Hope and Legacy Recovery International will start at 11 a.m. Lunch, provided by local restaurants, will be available from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and family events, including a concert by New Hope City Center Band, and appearances by superheroes and princesses, will take place until 7 p.m.
“We welcome anybody to come and celebrate,” said Markley. “We want to let people know we’re here and we haven’t forgotten the suffering this addiction causes.”
For more information, visit www.harmonylifecenter.org or call 724-250-4053.