Oswego County Pride Show to Benefit Friends of Recovery Oswego County

FULTON – Lavish costumes, big wigs, and exhilarating performances will highlight the Oswego County Pride’s Encore Drag Show.

To be held July 11^th beginning at 7:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 268, 69 West First Street in Oswego, Oswego Pride’s Encore Drag Show, which is an after party for the Oswego Pride Festival, also serves as a fundraiser for Friends of Recovery Oswego County (FOROC).

“FOROC offers amazing services to the community and without them, there are a lot of people that would struggle more than they already do,” said Vice President of the Oswego County Pride Committee Alexander Wetter. “I first became aware of Friends of Recovery Oswego County when I saw one of their advertisements at the outpatient program I attend for substance abuse therapy as a recovering addict. Programs similar to FOROC have helped me when I needed it. However, those programs are rare and help is not always readily available to those in need. We are fortunate to have FOROC and having the opportunity to give back and support a program like this really touches my heart.”

Wetter said that the Oswego Pride Encore Drag Show continues the excitement of the Pride Festival.

“With the addition of new committee members, new leadership, and having achieved 501c3 status, we have planned a Pride Festival that will be bigger and better than ever. We have over 30 vendors, including five food vendors, more than 30 non-profit organizations and an entire day’s worth of entertainment on the main stage.

Our Encore Drag Show after-party will be as big as our festival! Most drag shows consist of half-a-dozen performers, so I got a dozen!  We even have the ever fabulous Mrs. Kasha Davis from RuPaul’s Drag race and RuPaul’s Drag race All Stars. We also have talent joining us from the Syracuse, Rochester, and Utica areas. Each will be showcasing some of their very best and awe-dropping performances.”

For information on the Encore Drag Show and to purchase tickets, visit www.oswegocountypride.org or at Oswego County Pride on Facebook. The show will be at the Oswego American Legion Post 268. Doors will open for pre-sale ticket holders at 7:00 p.m. and then at 7:30 p.m. for those without pre-sale tickets.

“I’m pleased that Alex and Oswego Pride chose to support our mission of creating and promoting strategies and solutions for long-term recovery for those impacted by substance use disorders in Oswego County and ensure the availability and accessibility for all,” said FOROC Executive Director Virginia Bough.

“This is one of the populations that we know are in need of our services and need to be connected to a variety of resources in the community,” added Bough. “Fear of discrimination and a lack of providers who are knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ health needs are barriers to accessing quality health care for members of this community. FOROC is inclusive. Our services are available to everyone in Oswego County and are offered to all in a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere. Oswego Pride appreciates what we do. Its Encore show will provide us with much needed funds to help us continue to provide our services at no cost.”

FOROC services include:

• Distribution of Overdose Prevention Bags (provided by NYS OASAS COPE project)
• Individual and Community NARCAN Trainings
• Distribution of basic supplies (including food, personal supplies, etc.)
• Peer Drop in Hours – Partnership with OCO Outreach Peers
• Peer Drop in House – Partnership with Farnham Outreach Peers
• SMART Recovery Meetings weekly with Prevention Network Peer

FOROC has also established partnerships with area businesses and other human services agencies to provide activities and community outreach such as:

• Anti-Stigma Community Conversations
• Harm Reduction Kits Assembled and Distributed
• Wellness Activities, Fairs and Events
• Connecting Services to Community Activities
• Distribution NARCAN to areas in need (Warming Shelter, etc.)
• Fundraiser and Awareness Events
• Involvement with the SUNY Oswego Empire State Services Corps.
• Overdoes Awareness Day
• Sober Cinco De Mayo Event
• Critical Need Shower Partnership/Connections
• Presentations at Community Service Board & Oswego Rotary

“We strive to end the stigma of substance use disorder and offer a wide range of vital services including peer to peer recovery advocacy, technology and internet access for participants use for telehealth, job and housing searches, and educational pursuits,” said 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, Friends of Recovery Oswego County’s Community Outreach Center 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. The center is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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