As part of National Recovery Month in September, SouthLight hosted its third annual Recovery Month Celebration, uniting more than 400 clients, 100 staff members, and 21 community partners in an event centered on connection and support.
The event was designed to link those receiving mental health and substance use services with essential community resources, offering a one-stop opportunity to access critical supplies and learn about local programs. From toiletries, food vouchers, and clothing to diapers, job resources, and recovery housing, attendees were connected to the support they need for their recovery journey.
Key partners like Genoa Healthcare provided flu shots, while Wake County Health and Human Services offered HIV/STD testing and education. The event also featured the Mobile Wellness and Opportunity Bus, courtesy of AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina, where clients could get flu shots and Medicaid assistance.
A special highlight was the team from Wake Tech Barber School, where eight barbers-in-training offered more than 40 free haircuts, bringing a little extra care and dignity to the day’s festivities. Our partner Ship Community Outreach provided 700 hot dog buns and 400 loaves of bread!
SouthLight staff were on-site to assist with Medicaid and disability applications, Tailored Care Management, Peer Support and more, ensuring our clients have continued support beyond the event.
“Many of our clients face significant barriers to accessing the resources they need, including challenges like transportation. This annual event is important because we are able to bring essential community resources right to where our clients are, ” said Jennifer, Whitfield, Director of Adult Community Services. She continued: “It was truly inspiring to see the impact this event had on so many people, providing them with tools and support that might otherwise be out of reach.”
It was a powerful day of celebration, connection, and gratitude. Watch the brief video to see how SouthLight and our community partners are making a difference by connecting clients with the resources they need for lasting recovery.