Friends of Recovery to Host Recovery Rally

FULTON – Friends of Recovery Oswego County Inc. (FOROC) is proud to host its End of Summer Recovery Rally, an annual celebration of recovery and remembrance of loved ones lost to overdose. The event will be held August 29^th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the FOROC Recovery Community Outreach Center, 808 West Broadway, Suite #3, in Fulton.

“Our End of Summer Recovery Rally is an opportunity to bring the community together in a celebration of recovery. It’s a fun, safe, and substance-free family event for individuals and families in recovery and those who support them,” said Friends of Recovery Oswego County Executive Director Virginia Bough.

FOROC’s Recovery Rally will feature summer activities and games, along with plenty of food and refreshments, including hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, non-fire s’mores, and lemonade for all that attend. There will also be drawings for a variety of prizes.

In addition to the food and fun, at 1:00 p.m. a guest panel of community members will speak of their lived experience and share stories of their own recovery journey.

“Those on the panel will be answering questions such as whom or what was most inspiring for them during their recovery journey and what techniques they used to get past challenges and barriers. It will be an interactive conversation. Our hope is to represent multiple pathways, not just formal treatment but informal treatment as well including family support,” said Bough.

Bough said the Recovery Rally is an opportunity to share with the community Friends of Recovery Oswego County’s mission of addressing the needs of those impacted by opioids or substance use disorder in a non-clinical, non-judgmental way, with a focus harm reduction and keeping people as healthy as possible.

Along with the fun, the End of Summer Rally will also include a time for remembrance and wellness activities.

Staff of Friends of Recovery Oswego County will be on hand to discuss overdose prevention and solutions, including Naloxone training to reverse an opioid overdose. There will also be a number of harm reduction supplies available as well.

“We will also recognize those that past away from an overdose with a moment of silence and encourage conversations about as to why we are there, and inviting those who have lost a loved one to overdose to share their story if they like,” added Bough.

FOROC’s End of Summer Recovery Rally also serves to raise awareness of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31^st and recognize September as National Recovery Month.

“Recovery Month is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that no one has to face substance use challenges alone,” said Bough. “The Recovery Rally celebrates the strength, resilience, and achievements of individuals who are building healthier and more fulfilling lives in recovery. It is an opportunity to honor each participant’s journey, reduce stigma, and highlight the importance of peer support, connection, and community. Through shared experiences and encouragement, the Recovery Rally inspires hope and reinforces that recovery is a lifelong journey worth celebrating every day. I invite community members to join us for our End of Summer Rally, an enjoyable and informational event where they can learn about Friends of Recovery Oswego County and our commitment to end overdose and related harms.”

Established to address stigma and improve the understanding and acceptance of substance use disorder as a chronic disease. The FOROC Recovery Community Outreach Center at 808 Broadway in Fulton is a safe, welcoming space for mindfulness, personal reflection, and connection to community. It is open to all and its staff provides support to persons of all ages impacted by substance use disorder, be it those using or recovering, family members or friends.

“We strive to end the stigma of substance use disorder and offer a wide range of services including peer to peer recovery advocacy, technology and internet access for participants use for telehealth, job and housing searches, and educational pursuits,” added Bough. “We are very person centered. We meet people where they are at and support then regardless of the path to recovery they choose. When they are ready to begin their journey to recovery we will be there to support them.”

Located in Fulton at 808 West Broadway, Suite #3, the FOROC Recovery Community Outreach Center is open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information on Friends of Recovery Oswego County’s End of Summer Recovery Rally, including transportation access, visit their website at www.foroswegocounty.org or call 315-297-4300.