Continuing to build on previous success, the Southwest Council again hosted, for the 5th year in a row, its annual Tree of Hope Coffeehouse. Tree of Hope celebrates freedom from addiction, encourages individuals who are in recovery, and remembers those who have lost their lives to overdose. The coffeehouse creates a warm, hospitable atmosphere with music, coffee, food, and a place to come together in celebration as we aspire to be a healthy and whole community free from substance abuse addiction. The program is designed primarily around music and letting the commonality of music add to the anthem of recovery.
About 80 people attended the event including various members of the local government; Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, and Human Services Director Melissa Niles. Both Webb-McRae and Niles spoke on the need for continued work to solve the issues of addiction hitting our area especially. They also discussed the importance of incorporating the recovery community into efforts of prevention.
The community coffeehouse collected voluntary donations to support recovery services in the area. Commemorative ornaments were available for individuals to write names of their loved ones either suffering from addiction, in recovery, or to remember those lost to overdose.
We would like to extend a special thanks to the individuals and organizations who participated and collaborated with The Southwest Council in the planning and implementation of the event, especially Restoration House and Millville Church of the Nazarene for providing the venue!
For the past 25 years The Southwest Council’s sole mission has been to reduce the prevalent abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs through prevention, education, and treatment. If you are interested in receiving more information about The Southwest Council, and how you can support and sustain our mission contact us at info@southwestcouncil.org or 856.794-1011.
For more information about the event or how to get involved in the future, please contact Matthew Rudd at 856-794-1011 x 307 or matthew@southwestcouncil.org.
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