The streets of Reading were filled with hope as community members gathered for the annual Berks Recovery Walk Sunday morning in downtown Reading. Hosted by the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA), the event, aimed at raising awareness and celebrating recovery from substance use disorder, drew participants from all corners of Berks County.
Beginning at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of COCA’s offices at 50 N. 5th St., participants walked a mile to the Berks RISE Recovery Center at 702 N. 8th St. The walk was a symbolic journey to honor the path to recovery, one that many in the crowd were personally familiar with. It was a powerful demonstration of community support for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
Upon arriving at the Berks RISE Recovery Center, participants gathered in the courtyard for a recovery celebration. The event featured a lineup of inspirational speakers who shared their personal stories of struggle and triumph. In addition to the speeches, attendees had access to resource tables offering information on treatment options and recovery services available in Berks County.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the butterfly release—a poignant moment that honored both the lives lost to addiction and the lives transformed by recovery. The release symbolized renewal, transformation, and hope for a brighter future, themes echoed throughout the day.
The Berks Recovery Walk was just the first in a series of events planned by COCA in recognition of National Recovery Month. Throughout September, the organization will host activities such as game nights, Taco Tuesday gatherings, and ice cream sundae socials to continue fostering a supportive community for those in recovery.
National Recovery Month, observed every September, highlights the importance of treatment and recovery practices that help individuals achieve long-term recovery. COCA’s events serve as a reminder of the dedication of service providers and the resilience of the recovery community.
For more information about upcoming events, visit cocaberks.org/recovery-month-2024-events.
