WAYNESBORO, VA (Rocktown Now) — River Ridge Learning Center will kick off Recovery Awareness Month with “The Recovery Connection,” a two-day community event highlighting stories of hope, resilience and family recovery from substance use disorder.

The event will begin Friday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. with a screening of the documentary Together: Family Recovery at the Wayne Theatre, 521 W. Main St., Waynesboro.

The screening will be followed by a live panel discussion featuring personal stories of hope and healing. Community members, families, and supporters are invited to attend.

Activities will continue Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the second annual Valley Rally for Recovery at Coyner Spring Park, 2091 Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro.

The rally will connect individuals and families with community-based resources offering support throughout the recovery journey. The event will include a 5K Run/Walk for Recovery, beginning at 10 a.m. Participants should arrive by 9:45 a.m., and no registration is required.

Other activities will include a free lunch provided by sponsors, a community recovery resource showcase and a guest speaker at 2 p.m.

Both events are free and open to the public.

“Bringing awareness to the issues surrounding substance use disorders is an essential part of creating space in our community to reduce stigma, increase understanding and connections, build allyship, and open doors to support for individuals and families,” said Amy Christian, director of River Ridge Learning Center. “Together, we can bring these realities into focus and promote the belief that anyone impacted by substance use disorder should be seen, heard, valued, and supported by their community.”

For more information, contact Amy Christian at 540-673-0480 or achristian@waynesboro.k12.va.us.