Recovery Month is here, and at Restored Connections, we are celebrating by doing what we do best—bringing our community together. Over the past few weeks, our team has been honored to take part in a series of events that highlight resilience, unity, and the power of recovery.
Overdose Awareness Walk – A Powerful Beginning
We began the day before Recovery Month with the Overdose Awareness Walk, a large and deeply meaningful event that gathered hundreds of people to honor loved ones lost to overdose and to stand together in hope. This annual walk, founded by our own Jonah Oxley, has become a cornerstone of community connection in Eugene. Seeing so many faces—families, friends, and community partners—reminded us why we do this work: every step taken was a statement that recovery is possible, and every life matters.
APAL BBQ – Community and Gratitude
Soon after, we joined the APAL BBQ, a vibrant celebration filled with food, music, and family-friendly fun. We are especially grateful to the community leaders and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event happen. It was a chance to celebrate recovery in action—joy, connection, and togetherness shared under the September sun.
Veterans Stand Down – Honoring Those Who Served
Our staff proudly represented at the Lane County Veterans Stand Down, where veterans could connect with essential resources, support, and community. We are especially proud of our own veteran staff members, Kate Wooden and Brandon Furlong, who showed up to represent both Restored Connections and their peers who have served. Their presence and dedication reflect the values of service, resilience, and hope that guide our work every day.
R.A.D at Washington Jefferson Park – Recovery with a Punk Rock Beat
This past weekend, we joined the energy of R.A.D. (Recovery Awareness Day) at Washington Jefferson Park. With punk rock at its core, R.A.D. is a unique event that blends music, creativity, and recovery. It’s a reminder that recovery is not one-size-fits-all—there are countless ways to connect, express, and celebrate life.
Walk for Recovery – Coming Up September 20th
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to partner with Oregon Recovers in the upcoming Walk for Recovery on Saturday, September 20th at 10 AM. This annual event brings together dozens of community partners and hundreds of community members to walk side by side, honoring recovery journeys and advocating for a brighter future. It’s one of the most powerful community gatherings of the year, and we invite you to join us.
Moving Forward Together
From honoring those we’ve lost, to celebrating milestones, to standing proudly with our veterans and raising our voices through music, Recovery Month is about unity, healing, and hope. Restored Connections is honored to be part of these events, and we invite you to continue walking with us—this month and beyond—as we build a stronger recovery community together.