Owensboro Regional Recovery has been serving the city of Owensboro since February 1, 2010. Located at 4301 Veach Rd., ORR is a Recovery Kentucky men’s drug and alcohol abuse facility modeled after Louisville’s Healing Place.
“Our facility houses clients from all walks of life, who share some of the same struggles and are searching for the same hope,” said Sarah Adkins, Director of Owensboro Regional Recovery.
Each September, ORR hosts their Recovery Celebration & Alumni Day, coinciding with National Recovery Month. Their hope is to promote unity and hope to all who attend.
On Sept. 8, 2018, families of clients currently at ORR and past clients who have completed treatment were invited to celebrate. The annual event began with a Recovery Month Proclamation for the city of Owensboro and Daviess County from both county and city government officials.
Following keynote speakers from within the community, events and activities were held. A corn hole tournament, free food, a raffle for prizes and a family fishing tournament were the highlights. Children enjoyed pony rides, a bounce house, face painting and snow cones.
Alumni Day encourages a sense of purpose and pride in the recovery community. Outreach and Development Coordinator Haley Hidenrite said that she hopes future Alumni Days are “not just for those in active addiction.”
“We want the community to come out and join us and see for themselves what resources we have to offer here at ORR and what we’re doing to make a difference,” Hidenrite said.
Each year clients return for the event — some new to sobriety, some with decades worth of sober living experience — the torch of hope is passed on.
“It’s so encouraging to see these guys come back, bring their families, and enjoy the day. Recovery is possible, there’s a lot of strength to be found here, and Alumni Day showcases that,” Hidenrite said.
About the writer: Erinn Williams adores her hubby, cats, hardback church hymnals and a hot mess of okra. She’s new in town, trading in mountains and streams for soy fields and burgoo. She’s a little hillbilly in a great big world.
