KING CITY — Residents connected with local organizations and learned about support available throughout South Monterey County last Tuesday during a Community Resource Fair in King City that kicked off this year’s Day of Hope events.
Hosted by Sun Street Centers on Sept. 1 at 641 Broadway St., the free event brought together community members and organizations providing services related to recovery, mental health and substance use.
The resource fair also included a proclamation from King City Mayor Mike LeBarre recognizing September as National Recovery Month.
“Yesterday was a great day in King City!” Sun Street Centers said in a Sept. 2 post. “It was great to see people connecting with local organizations, asking questions and having conversations about the resources available in South Monterey County during Day of Hope Community Resource Fair.”
Resources were available in English and Spanish, according to organizers.
Sun Street Centers also thanked those who participated and helped connect residents with information and services. Participants included the Center for Community Advocacy, Mujeres en Acción, Listos California, Hartnell College and several County of Monterey departments.
The King City event was part of the second annual Day of Hope, a countywide collaboration among The Bridge Restoration Ministry, Community Human Services, Sun Street Centers and Valley Health Associates.
The organizations held several events last week in recognition of National Recovery Month, which is observed each September to celebrate people in recovery, recognize treatment and recovery service providers, and increase understanding of mental health and substance use recovery.
“This collaboration between The Bridge Restoration Ministry, Community Human Services, Sun Street Centers and Valley Health Associates brings organizations across Monterey County’s recovery community together to celebrate recovery, highlight the resources available to our community, and remind those on their journey that they are not alone,” said Gabriella Schlesinger-James, communications manager for Community Human Services.
Following the King City resource fair, Valley Health Associates organized a Community Group Session on Sept. 2 in Salinas. The session provided a supportive space for community members to “recognize recovery and the strength that comes through connection,” organizers said.
The Bridge Restoration Ministry also hosted a Day of Hope gathering on Sept. 5 at Second Chance Thrift Store in Pacific Grove. The organization collected “Messages of Hope” from community members to share with people in recovery and provided free cheese pizza during the gathering.
The final Day of Hope event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19. from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Human Services Off Main Clinic, 1083 S. Main St. in Salinas. The free Community Celebration will include food and beverages, live music, art activities, speakers with lived experience, baile dancers from Alisal High School and cars from Imperiouz Car Club.
“The gathering will celebrate people in recovery and the families, peers, providers and community members whose care and encouragement help make recovery possible,” organizers said.
Day of Hope is intended to bring together people in recovery, families, service providers and community members while highlighting resources available throughout Monterey County. Organizers also hope the events will help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use and reinforce the message that recovery is possible and support is available.
