Avenues Recovery, an addiction rehab center in Indiana, would like to spread the word about the following event. On September 21, Depot Street Park will host the 10th Annual Recovery Walk, this year aptly named the “Walk in Love Recovery Walk,” celebrating a decade of resilience, remembrance, and hope.
According to the Daily Reporter, the event will kick off at 8 a.m. and run until 1 p.m., with the opening ceremonies set for 8:45 a.m. Family and friends will gather to share heartfelt stories of loved ones who have succumbed to addiction. The walk itself will commence at 9:30 a.m., symbolizing the journey toward healing and support for those affected by addiction.
One of the most poignant moments of the walk will be the release of balloons, a visual tribute to the lives lost to addiction. The Recovery Walk not only serves as a memorial but also functions as a vital community resource, offering support to those struggling with addiction and their families.
Linda Ostewig, director of the Recovery Café of Hancock County and a certified peer recovery coach, has been instrumental in organizing the Recovery Walk and supporting the local community. Ostewig also directs The Landing Place, Discovery Café, and the Talitha Koum Women’s Recovery House—each providing crucial assistance to individuals seeking recovery.
Reflecting on the past decade, Ostewig feels a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude. “I was kind of going down the list of everything that has been started from 10 years ago with a couple and everyone was like, ‘God has done so much in the realm of recovery since we started 10 years ago,’” she said. The evolution of support services, including a dedicated support group for parents of those lost to addiction and a community center offering food, clothing, and state financial aid, highlights the significant progress made over the years.
Despite the strides in recovery and support, Ostewig acknowledges that the battle against addiction is ongoing. “While we’ve done a lot, we’re always still thinking what can we do. People just keep dying from these issues,” she said. The Recovery Walk will honor three individuals with county ties who lost their lives to addiction: Breana Marie Rogers, Dusty Bradley Isaacs, Jr., and Vera Jeanne Spencer.
Rogers, 33, who passed away in Georgia in October 2022, was a victim of drug-related violence. Isaacs, 34, of Morristown, died in October 2023, while Spencer, 30, a former Eastern Hancock student, passed away in Indianapolis in March 2024. Their stories underscore the urgent need for continued support and intervention in the fight against addiction.
In addition to honoring these individuals, Ostewig and other organizers will present two awards during the walk. Keely Butrum will be recognized for her advocacy in mental health and substance abuse, and Laura and Jeff Lindsey will be honored for their dedicated volunteer work with The Landing and the Recovery Walk.
“We’re just getting started,” Ostewig asserts. “There are thousands of people living in recovery, and all we’ve got to do is help save the day, so we want to celebrate that and honor those who didn’t make it.”
As the 10th Annual Recovery Walk approaches, the Hancock County community is reminded of the strength found in unity and the enduring impact of love and support in the journey of recovery. The event serves not only as a memorial but also as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to making a difference in the fight against addiction.
Join the community on September 21 at Depot Street Park to walk in love, honor those lost, and support those still on their path to recovery.
If you or your loved one are struggling with an addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery today to receive the help you deserve. Our highly experienced staff will guide and direct you every step of the way to recovery.