Freedom Through Recovery hosted "Freedom Through Rock," a fundraiser to supplement the state funds from which the organization operates, on Saturday, January 4, 2025. The Emma Kelly Theater at the Averitt Center was buzzing with excitement as the first band, Roadshow Revival, took the stage.
The duo filled the air with soulful riffs and lyrical tales of overcoming struggles, recalling the mission of Freedom Through Recovery, which was established in 2018. The audience responded to the cleansing energy of the music, swaying and singing along.
After a brief intermission, the headliners of the event, Ella Speed, took the stage. In what felt very much like a musical journey, the band jammed to songs reminiscent of the Grateful Dead and Phish. Ken Durden, one of the board members for Freedom Through Recovery and also the drummer for the band, has been jamming with his bandmates for over 25 years now.
Executive Director Catherine Tootle was all smiles as she explained the event's origins.
"We have a state contract which covers our travel, our rent, you know, essential things, but what's really been on our heart is to raise money outside of the state contract to be able to help our peers out with barriers," Tootle shared.
She gave an example of a woman in her early thirties who, due to her addiction, had to have all of her teeth removed. With the additional funds the concert raised, Freedom Through Recovery will be able to help the woman get a new set of teeth, which will enable her to confidently look for work.
Tootle explained the "lived experience" approach that she and her colleagues employ.
"We are not treatment, what we are is peer support, so that means if you come in and you're struggling with quitting drinking, or you're having a mental health issue, when you come to us, one of us has that lived experience and we can talk to you through that, " Tootle said. "You want to talk to somebody who's been through it."
In addition, the organization is committed to harm reduction, which includes overdose prevention medication such as Narcan and Fentanyl test strips, in an effort to keep people alive until they are ready to voluntarily seek treatment. Since the organization is funded by the state, all services are free of charge.
"We have everything from grief support to women's meetings to eating disorder meetings," she said. "We really try to have wrap-around supports."
Tootle remarked that people suffering from addiction can get well, but the challenge is staying well. This is where Freedom Through Recovery shines. The next set of goals includes Tootle's personal passion, maternal services, as well as women who are currently incarcerated.
"We just got a grant to start going into the jails to be able to walk people through a recovery action plan, so when they get out, it's not like 'Whoa, what do I do,'" she said.
With a plan and a support community, Tootle and her colleagues are filling the gaps for individuals in active recovery.
For more information about Freedom Through Recovery, please visit their website.