What better way to help people recovering from addictions and their families than to put all your resources together and let people know what their options are?

That’s exactly what happened at the Recovery Fair. The effort was not coordinated by just one person or even three – countless agencies joined in to participate and make this event a success.

Upon entry, which was free, visitors were met by the sight of Drug Court Theater Troupe members putting on a skit, followed by personal testimonies. All in attendance were encouraged to sign their names and number of clean and sober names on a giant poster, and to the delight of all present, the poster gradually filled throughout the five hour event.

Wellness on Wheels donated their vehicle for the event, and members of Harm Reduction Center were on hand to give free HIV and Hepatitis C testing. Approximately twenty people took up the offer, and the highly accurate testing results were cause for looks of relief from those tested, as all turned out negative. Those undergoing the simple procedure, which is simply a mouth swab and a twenty minute wait for results, were given information on how to reduce their risk of contracting such infections and encouraged to implement the safety measures they learned.

Across from Wellness on Wheels, the Oregon Judicial Department presented information on how to reinstate license fees, setting up payment schedules, and more. Those with licenses suspended for non-payment of fees were given a break and allowed to pay just $100 down for reinstatement, leaving a visitor named Julie beaming as she exclaimed “I haven’t had a license for eight years now! This was the break I needed to get back into the game and be able to do things on my own. I couldn’t afford how much I owed all at once.” Those in need were also offered the option to work in order to pay off the remainder of their court fees, and that option is one that is available to people at any time.

Officer Kevin Blaich and other associates of Grants Pass Public Safety were on hand to talk to those who needed advice and to discuss the current problems they are seeing in the Josephine County area. He noted that while methamphetamine is still a popular drug of choice, cocaine and heroine are making a small but still alarming comeback in this area of the state.

Amy, who has been clean and sober since 2002 after a five year struggle, stopped by the Community Corrections booth for hugs and a cheery “Thank You” to workers Denise Olson, Darren Calvert, Steven Monroe, and Dan Schram. Amy, who was referred to Community Corrections by the courts, enthusiastically praised the program and particularly the care and counseling that Ms. Olson offered as her counselor. “She got me to open up. She [Denise] is a good person and I love her!”

While the majority of those who attended were from Josephine County, the Recovery Fair drew in visitors from out of the area as well. One man, Mr. Garrido, was celebrating his one year anniversary of being off meth and driving through the state on his way home to Las Vegas when he saw the signs and made a u-turn to stop and check things out. He entered the free raffle on the off chance of being one of the few chosen from over 350 entries, and walked away grinning with a a gift certificate from Jimmy’s Classic Drive-In. Garrido claims “…it’s a sign that I should stay off, that I’m doing good. I didn’t expect anything like this!”

Whatever one was looking for, it could be found at the Recovery Fair. Bridges, a program to help homeless people who struggle with addiction or mental illness, was available to talk about their services. UCAN (Umpqua Community Action Network) presented fliers for those who needed resources to help pay utility bills, housing costs, or help provide for other basic necessities. However, it wasn’t all business! There was lots of fun involved. Children and adults played frisbee in open areas of the park, while others enjoyed the free hotdogs, snacks, and beverages. An impromptu group gathered on the pavement to enjoy the music and learn hip hop dance moves from one of the many volunteers, while children and adults alike were fascinated by the balloon twisting skills of Albert “The Balloonman” Joseph.

Key coordinators Karen Caskey, Abe Huntley, and Denise Olson were thrilled with how seamlessly the event came together and the number of people who showed up and were provided with information, support, entertainment, and great opportunities to take their recovery to the next level. All who took part in making the first annual Recovery Fair happen look forward to doing it again next year and for many years to come.