The Center for Life Resources is celebrating National Recovery Month by holding their first Recovery Walk & Picnic in the Park, at Coggin Park in Brownwood, Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The event celebrates individuals and families who are in long-term recovery and recognizes the dedication of treatment and support providers.

The group will walk down Austin, to Coggin and back up Durham to Coggin Park (about one and a half miles). After the walk, there will be a brief welcome by the CFLR Executive Director, Dion White, followed by two persons in recovery sharing their stories. The games will begin about 10:30am, and there will be old-fashioned picnic games like sack races, three-legged races, egg races for the children. There will also be the opportunity for various pickup games for the youth and adults.  Free hotdogs and drinks will be served beginning at 1:00pm, and two more persons in recovery will share stories.  Winners of the children’s games will be recognized at 1:30pm to close the festivities.

Organizers of the event said that they want to let the people of Brown and surrounding counties know that people in recovery achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally, and contribute in positive ways to their communities. They also hope to reach out to active military, veterans, and families; individuals in the justice system; the recovery community; and all family and friends of someone in need with the good news that treatment and recovery support services improve one’s overall health and well-being. A huge turnout at these events will send a signal that Brownwood and surrounding communities embrace recovery and support those working in the field to provide much-needed recovery services.

There is no admission fee, and the food is free. As this year’s Recovery Month theme says, “Join the Voices of Recovery:  It’s Worth it.”