On Saturday, Rexburg community members gathered for the city’s first Spring Into Sobriety event hosted by Stewards of Recovery which focused on recovery awareness, mental health support and connecting attendees with local resources.

The event included guest speakers, community organizations, food, music, raffle prizes and family activities, such as face painting and bounce houses. Attendees visited booths, listened to recovery testimonials and met with organizations that provide recovery and mental health services in the area.

Stewards of Recovery opened its Rexburg location about a year ago. Organizers said the event was inspired by similar recovery-focused events already held in Idaho Falls and Pocatello.

“This is our first one in Rexburg,” said Steven Orm, clinical director for Stewards of Recovery. “Pocatello has one, Idaho Falls has one but Rexburg doesn’t.”

Local nonprofits, businesses and sponsors helped organize and support the event. Organizers also planned for proceeds from raffles and sponsorships to go back into community recovery-support programs.

“We really want to stop the stigma about what substance use is and what mental health is,” Orm said. “We all make mistakes in life. We all have our own struggles in life.”

Community collaboration was visible throughout the event as organizations and advocates gathered to share resources and support with attendees. The profits made from the event were all given back to the community and nonprofit organizations in attendance. 

“Here in the nonprofit world, we’re such a tight-knit group,” said Ashlee Stallings, founder of Upper Valley Child Advocacy Center.

Among those attending was Derek Emery, director of community engagement and recovery engagement for Cornerstone Wellness and Recovery and Recovery Launchpads. Emery attended the event to support the recovery community and connect with others working in substance abuse and mental health services.

“I’ve been in the substance abuse and mental health field for the last 10 years,” Emery said. “My passion is working with this community.”

Emery also shared his personal experience with recovery and spoke about the importance of bringing awareness and resources to Rexburg.

“It’s an underserved population for the problems we have in our communities,” Emery said. “There’s always a need for substance abuse and mental health treatment.”

Speakers throughout the event discussed addiction recovery, mental health awareness and the importance of reducing shame surrounding those struggles. Organizers said they hoped the event would help community members feel more comfortable seeking support and talking openly about recovery.

“Addiction does not stop at religious barriers,” Orm said. “Sometimes we feel very ashamed and guilty because we’re part of religion and say, ‘Hey, we don’t drink or do drugs.’ Well, people make mistakes.”

Families, students and community members spent the afternoon participating in activities and connecting with local organizations and recovery advocates.

“Coming to these events is that first step in recovery of just admitting that we struggle,” Orm said. “We want people to come here and feel part of it, part of a community.”

Organizers said they hope Spring Into Sobriety will continue in future years as recovery awareness and support efforts continue to grow in Rexburg.