photo by: Joselyn King

Liz Handzus, left, director of marketing and development for YWCA Wheeling, and Shannalee Kuri, director of the Women Inspired in New Directions (WIND) program, invite the public to the “Glow In Your Recovery Family Walk,” set for 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Wheeling’s Heritage Port.

WHEELING — YWCA Wheeling invites the community to join those celebrating recovery from drug addiction next week at the “Glow in Your Recovery Family Walk.”

The event is intended to highlight the YWCA Wheeling’s ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families throughout the recovery journey, while also raising awareness about the importance of community support, resources, and hope, explained Liz Handzus, director of marketing and development for YWCA Wheeling.

It is set for 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Wheeling’s Heritage Port.

The walk is one of a number of events organized by the YWCA Wheeling in honor of National Recovery Month, which is observed annually in September to raise awareness about substance use disorders and celebrate the achievements of individuals in recovery.

Those attending will get the opportunity to participate in a raffle to win gift cards from local businesses. To obtain the raffle tickets, guests will visit the tables of numerous organizations providing resource information at the event.

Those donating prizes include Cheddars, Vocellis Pizza, Olive Garden, Tony’s Spa, Jersey Mike’s, DiCarlos and Primanti Brothers.

Lowe’s has even donated a fire pit that will be given away during the event, according to Handzus. She noted the child-friendly event will include such activities as face painting for youngsters and a DJ.

There will also be live speakers telling of their experiences with addiction and recovery.

“It’s going to be a good time, and we’re going to have the walk at the end of the night in honor of those who have lost their lives to overdose,” Handzus said. “This is a way to bring awareness to those who struggle with substance abuse.

“The Glow in Your Recovery Family Walk is designed to be inclusive, uplifting, and supportive of everyone impacted by addiction and recovery. There will be something for everyone at this event.”

Shannalee Kuri, director of the Women Inspired in New Directions (WIND) program at YWCA Wheeling, said it is important to talk about the issue of drug addiction and recovery.

“The idea is people don’t recover – but they absolutely do,” she said. “We are going to have some speakers here who are successful with their recovery long-term. They have overcome barriers such as probation and Child Protective Services.

“They have got their families back together, and they are doing it.”

Kuri noted it is important to bring the community together to erase the stigma brought by drug addiction, “and what it looks like.”

“People will be able to know where the resources are, and where to get help,” she continued. “It is an empowering event because we get to have fun while we are doing it.”