Volunteers of America Provides a Home for Kentuckians in Recovery This Holiday Season

Volunteers of America (VOA) Mid-States helps people overcome substance use, strengthen their recovery, return to the workforce and reunite with their families. During especially challenging times – like the holidays – VOA’s Recovery Community Centers offer people in recovery a space where they can meet, gather, fellowship and share.

 

“The holidays can be an incredibly challenging time for people in recovery; there are lots of triggers that can make maintaining long-term recovery difficult,” said Jennifer Hancock, VOA Mid-States President and CEO. “Having a community to lean on is a critical piece of recovery, especially during this time of year. No matter where you are on your journey, VOA is here to help.”

 

VOA Mid-States is encouraging those who feel tempted this holiday season to visit their nearest Recovery Community Center for guidance and support. VOA operates Recovery Community Centers in Manchester, Mt. Vernon, Somerset and Stanford. The centers have regular hours from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to provide time for people of all schedules to attend programs and social gatherings regardless of work and family commitments.

 

In addition to being a year-round resource for people in recovery, the Recovery Community Centers also provide expanded programming during holidays or other major events. All four Recovery Community Center locations will be hosting events on New Year's Eve to provide a space for people to gather and celebrate in a safe environment.

 

“Recovery Community Centers are like nowhere else. These facilities provide a balance of education and social programming to provide a space free of temptation,” shared Walter Mullins, Program Manager of the Manchester Recovery Community Center. “Recovery Community Centers are fueled by people in recovery helping people in recovery – when you come here, everyone cares about you and your sobriety.”

 

Just one piece of VOA’s “recovery ecosystem,” the centers are a community resource for education, information, support and socialization for those in recovery and their friends and family. Each center serves as a place that assists in removing barriers and provides access to support and resources for those seeking to achieve and sustain long-term recovery.

 

Acknowledging that the holiday season is a challenging time for people in recovery, the centers host events where people can celebrate in a safe, supportive environment. On Saturday, December 14, community members gathered at the Manchester Recovery Community Center to enjoy the holiday season free from temptation. Attendees of the community center, and residents of the VOA’s Manchester Freedom House, celebrated with crafts, desserts and decorating their float for the Manchester Christmas Parade.

 

“Our Recovery Community Centers are focused on Peer Recovery Support Services. Through the centers, our neighbors can strengthen their recovery in a safe, supportive and nonjudgemental setting,” said Stephanie Hoskins, VOA Mid-States Senior Director of Rural Addiction Recovery Services. “It’s incredible to see people come together and support one another – especially during the holidays, which can be a challenging time for people in recovery.”

 

In addition to holiday decorating, the centers host events throughout the year including NARCAN training, overdose awareness and education events and more. VOA also offers both men’s and women’s residential services, recovery reintegration, family recovery court programs and more. VOA programs offer evidence-based clinical services provided by licensed and trained treatment professionals to any Kentuckian in need of help.

 

To learn about the recovery ecosystem and how VOA can help, visit voamid.org.