Free and Clean Recovery Day in Monticello

By Sally Jack
Contributing Writer
The second annual Free and Clean Recovery Day took place at Veterans Memorial Park in Monticello on Thursday July 10.
Recovery Day is a special time for individuals to celebrate their recovery from addiction. Family, friends, and allies of the recovery community gather at the park to support loved ones and to be a part of the day’s celebration.
In addition to celebrating recovery progress, the family friendly event is dedicated to raising awareness about substance use and recovery, and fostering community connections and support.
“Recovery Day is about building connections,” says Gordon Kelley, event organizer.
“If you find yourself in a bad spot, it’s important to know that you can get help.
“A variety of support groups, non-profit organizations and vendors with booths at the park provided a glimpse of the supportive network of help and hope that is available in this community.”
Gordon, who is on his own recovery journey, relates that there wasn’t any kind of a recovery support group in the area when he was ready to start the recovery process.
That is why he is passionate about building a network of support for others. “You don’t have to do this alone,” he reminds others. “Recovery is possible.”
Group and individual help is available for those who are ready to create a new beginning.
Support groups in the community include Alcoholics Anonymous groups, help for opioids / narcotics addiction, group or individual counseling, and traditional Native American counseling.
There are Sober Living Homes where you can stay during recovery which are dedicated to fostering a healthy secure habitat.
Active Re-entry Independent Living Programs are “committed to dignity and quality of life for all persons with disabilities,” and programs to help with grieving and recovery.
There are also victim services, as well as shelters for women and children (Gentle Ironhawk Shelter in Blanding (435) 678-0777).
The Domestic Violence hotline is 534-678-0249.
Sponsors of the Recovery Day include: San Juan Record / Redrock92, Clarks Market, Blue Mountain Meats, Blue Mountain Foods, Elk Ridge Wellness Center, Shake Shack, O’ Reillys Blanding, Gustavos, Desert Rivers Credit Union, Browns Towing and Recovery, Emery Telecom, Blue Mountain Nursery, Utah Navajo Health System, State Farm Insurance, High Desert Cafe, Yaks Cafe, San Juan Counseling, SJCPAC, Thia Resturant, Monticello Merc, and Rustic Carriage.