JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Members of Champion Recovery Community, a non-profit organization who provides various services for those in need, has hosted their first ever “Blast Back to School” event during the first weekend of August.
The event was established to help provide and prepare families in need for the new school year, with volunteers and collaborators alike coming together to make the event a reality. Cari Beth Page, Secretary of Champion Recovery, explained how the organization received an opioid abatement grant from the Marion County Opioid Abatement Council. In an agreement between Champion Recovery and the Opioid Abatement Council, the funds granted would go towards establishing public activities, which would provide services to those who may be one without food, clothing, or additional necessitie s. The Blast Back to School event quickly gained over 300 visitors who have participated , making it a major success for all involved.
The event offered an array of activities and supplies, ranging from shampoo and deodorant to pencils and erasers needed for the new semester. Additionally, free lunches, games, as well as a bounce house were on-site to ensure not only an event that helped families prepare for the school year, but also ensure all in attendance left the event positively impacted and prepped for the school year ahead.
Volunteers during the event included barbers from the Collective Salon and Day Spa in Jasper and the Aristocracy Hair Salon in Kimball. The barbers provided free haircuts to children in time for the school year. Representatives from the Palms Up Foundation were also in attendance, handing out school supplies to visiting children. Members of At the Table Ministry, a non-profit ministry out of Marion County, also participated with their brand new Peanut Butter and Jelly Trailer, a mobile facility that children ages zero to 18 are given the opportunity to browse through a variety of clothing and accessories which can be purchased with “PB&J Bucks”. PB&J Bucks are paper currency handed out to children as part of the experience of shopping for new clothes.
Tabby Philips, co-founder of At the Table Ministry, spearheaded the idea of establishing the mobile children’s closest. She was inspired by two life changing encounters, where one day while left hungry and in tears as a young child, a boy came to her and kindly offered her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The other experience was while living at a state home, she was given the chance to shop at a thrift store by a member of the Department of Children’s Services, a moment in her life which later would serve as the catalyst for the organization’s mission of spreading love and to make all children feel valued while visiting the Peanut Butter and Jelly trailer.
“The most important thing about all of this is that we want the child to feel important, we want them to feel loved, and want them to know that God is their person. And he loves them exactly how they are,” said Philips.
Champion Recovery Community offers various services and programs for reintegration and recovery. The programs range from addiction to those re-entering into society after incarceration. The organization is looking ahead to host another Blast Back to School event next year on Saturday, August 1, with the hopes of doubling the outreach to families in need throughout the community.
For those in need of their services, or for more information on Champion Recovery Community, contact 423-664-3288. The organization’s Life Recovery Center is open every week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays without fail. The organization operates out of Jasper First Baptist Church on 108 West 3rd Street just outside of town.