recovery

Area residents in recovery continue to have a platform to talk about their experiences.

Jay Barnard and his group, Empower 2 Recover, hold conferences across the country, often featuring local individuals.

An event was held in Fort Frances this week.

He says it helps lift people up.

“These events bring all people together,” says Barnard.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, doesn’t matter what you’re doing, it doesn’t matter what you’re recovering from. It’s not just substance use disorder; it’s opened up to sex trafficking, cancer, PTSD, anxiety and depression.”

Since Empower was established in 2022, Barnard says they have held more than 40 events.

He says the demand for supports has become massive.

“We’re in a humanity crisis, never mind an epidemic,” says Barnard.

“We need to come together and pull resources to help people find their path to recovery, whatever that looks like. We have to be open-minded, we have to have an open heart, we have to listen, we have to get to the level that people are at, and we have to lift them up.”

Barnard is also grateful to communities like Fort Frances that have supported Empower 2 Recovery efforts.

It was the first community to recognize the group by flying a flag and passing a proclamation.

“Like most communities in Ontario and across Canada, Fort Frances faces challenges involving homelessness, mental health and addiction,” says Deputy Mayor Mike Behan.

“We welcome and appreciate any and all organizations that offer assistance to those who suffer from mental health challenges, addictions and trauma. Empower to Recover is one such organization.”