COAL GROVE — Organizers of a Recovery Retreat at Paul Porter Park on Saturday hoped to put the spotlight on addictions issues facing the region.

“We’re bringing awareness for recovering addicts, as well as for loved ones whose family members might be suffering,” Kalenia Massey, of the group Reaching Individuals Souls Every day (RISE), who organized the vent, said.

The event, which ran from morning into the night, featured live music, free food and door prizes, while individuals took the stage to share their recovery stories, Massy said.

Turnout was steady throughout the event, and, as of about 1 p.m., 126 people had stopped by and signed up, Ranita Mullens, of RISE, said.

RISE, comprised of Massey, Mullens, Adam Jenkins, James Flemings, Kathy Rader, Brady Harrison and Joey Lewis, meets every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Dawson-Bryant High School to work on issues related to addiction. The community is invited to take part, they said.

“We want to raise awareness of the problem of addiction in our community and bring change,” Jenkins said.
Massey said that many groups contributed to the event, including STAR, New Hope, New Beginning, STEPS of Recovery, Community Counseling Clinic and Mended Reeds.