Freedom Through Recovery will be holding additional support meetings through the holiday season. The “Hope for the Holidays” meetings will be held December 20 and 27 at 7pm.
The meetings are in an All-Recovery format, meaning anyone seeking health and well-being are welcome, not just specifically those struggling with drugs and alcohol. Julie W. McCurdy will be facilitating the meetings.
"Both the recovery community and the mental health community are very near and dear to my heart,” says McCurdy, “and offering Hope for the Holidays was a small way for me to bring people together who may be needing that extra support this holiday season in the hopes that the words we share with one another may offer encouragement, comfort, and of course hope to someone who needs it.”
She shares that, “The holidays can be a difficult time for many, but they can be especially trying for someone struggling with addiction, someone in recovery, or someone struggling with their mental health. There are so many expectations that come along with the holidays, such as enjoying time with family, while many are not on speaking terms with their families.”
McCurdy shared these ideas to help deal with the holiday blues:
- Make your own holiday traditions. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, but something you will enjoy.
- Make time to talk to or visit with someone who you enjoy spending time with. A group like Hope for the Holidays is a great way to meet people who are going through some of the same struggles as you.
- Practice self-care and maintain healthy habits.
- Remember the real reason for the holiday season and keep that near to your heart.
Sydney Hardee, Vice Executive Director, said, "As a woman living with grief, I know how painful the holidays can be. The temptation to isolate can be overwhelming, especially while seeing everyone else so seemingly joyful. It's in those times of wanting to be alone that I need my people the most."
She shares, "Please reach out for help! We have a volunteer who will keep the Freedom Through Recovery building open on Christmas, specifically for those who don't have anyone to celebrate with. There will be food and fellowship, and love aplenty."
Addiction and Recovery Resources:
- CARES Warm Line number: 1-844-326-5400
- Georgia Crisis number: 1-800-715-4225
- 988 Lifeline
The Hope for Holidays meetings begin at 7pm at Freedom Through Recovery, located at 226 S. Zetterower Ave. in Statesboro.
Follow Freedom Through Recovery on Facebook or visit their website here for more.
Upcoming events include the Freedom Through Rock Fundraiser at the Averitt Center for the Arts on January 4, 2025. Tickets are available through this link.
Freedom Through Recovery provides services for people in recovery, people desiring recovery, friends and family of those affected by Substance Use Disorder, the recovery community, and the community at large.
