Amanda Grandclair acknowledged she was a bit uncomfortable before speaking to an audience at an earlier Recovery Out Loud event.
Now, she is eager to do it again.
“Even though it was difficult, speaking about my story helped build my confidence,” recalled Grandclair, who has a history of drug and alcohol use. “It was rewarding to try something new.”
The 41-year-old Great Bend woman encouraged others to sign up to give a brief accounting of what recovery means to them.
“Recovery Out Loud gave me the opportunity to get my story out there and not be afraid of it,” she said. “I hope to speak again this year.”
Recovery Out Loud, which is held in observance of National Recovery Month, is set for Sept. 5-6 at Jack Kilby Square and Veterans Park, both in Great Bend. It is a two-day event for the first time.
“Participants have the opportunity to take their recovery to the next level by sharing with their neighbors,” said Amy Ferguson, program coordinator of Rise Up Central Kansas. “In addition, everyone is welcome and we strongly encourage the community to attend.
“All we ever hear is the downside of people who are struggling. This is a time to celebrate their recovery and hear stories of success.”
Ferguson emphasized that this fourth-annual event is not only for those struggling with alcohol and/or drugs.
“We wanted to expand it this year to include anyone who is facing difficulties. We are all recovering from something. It could be mental- or physical-health concerns, grief or some type of trauma.”
Schedule
Friday’s agenda begins at 5:30 p.m. with the Narcan March at downtown’s Jack Kilby Square. The goal is to raise awareness of Narcan, which can save those who overdose.
A light meal and testimonials are set for 6 p.m. The closing ceremony is at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, a one-mile Color Fun Walk/Run begins at 8:30 a.m. at Veterans Park, 17th and McKinley. Then it is back to the downtown square from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The second-day schedule offers opportunities to make community connections; build resilience during a field day of family-friendly activities, interactive games and healthy snacks; and learn about local resources that support recovery and wellness.
“A big part of this fun day is accommodating organizations that help us meet the needs of people in recovery,” Ferguson said. “Our goal is to connect them to the community.”
A few of the organizations that plan to have booths include The Center for Counseling & Consultation, Stepping Stones to Recovery and Kansas Children’s Service League.
“We are so grateful to all entities that give back to their communities, while supporting and uplifting people in recovery,” Ferguson said.
Rise Up Central Kansas, a task force under the Central Kansas Partnership umbrella, sponsors and hosts Recovery Out Loud.
For more information and/or to sign up to give an approximately 3-minute testimonial, contact Ferguson by calling 620-639-0125 or emailing riseupcentralks@gmail.com.
