This fall, the Berks County Council on Chemical Abuse also marks its 50th Anniversary
The Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) will observe National Recovery Month in Berks County this September with events and activities that celebrate and draw attention to recovery from addiction.
Planned events include two panel discussions examining Pathways to Recovery, a Recovery Walk, the annual Soberstock music festival, and a children’s story time. In addition to celebrating National Recovery Month, COCA will also begin commemorating its 50th anniversary this fall.
In the five decades since incorporation in September 1971, COCA has recognized the importance of supporting those in recovery from a substance use disorder and their loved ones. COCA’s funds help support nine recovery houses, as well as the RISE (Recovery Information Support Education) Center, along with other prevention, treatment, and intervention services for Berks County residents.
This year’s events bring together several Berks County organizations with one common mission: to raise awareness about hope and healing in recovery.
“Millions of Americans are in long-term recovery,” said Yvonne Stroman, COCA Community Programs Specialist. “Recovery works and we celebrate recovery out loud, so others don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Berks County’s Recovery Month events include:
- Sept. 8, 12-1:30 p.m. – Pathways to Recovery Panel at RISE Center, 702 N 8th St, Reading: A panel discussion examining the different pathways of recovery available in Berks County
- Sept. 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Storytime with Courage at RISE Center, 702 N. 8th St., Reading: Individuals in recovery and children ages 5-12 hear stories with a prevention message.
- Sept. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Pathways to Recovery Panel at Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd, Wyomissing: A second panel discussion examining different pathways of recovery available in Berks County
- Sept. 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Berks County Recovery Walk, Reading: Walk from Reading Area Community College to the West Reading Borough Playground to celebrate and raise awareness of recovery from substance use disorder.
- 9/25, 12-3 p.m. – Soberstock at Easy Does It, 1300 Hilltop Rd, Leesport: A yearly free festival to celebrate recovery in our community.
Each September, National Recovery Month works to promote and support the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of community members and service providers across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible. For more information about National Recovery Month and the above events, visit the COCA website at cocaberks.org/recoverymonth
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