(PHOTOS PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
AWARENESS EVENT … Pictured is Victor Juarez of NLGM at the Defiance County Overdose Awareness Day event.
INTERVIEW … Pictured in front of the traveling RV of “On the Road of Recovery” is Victor and Mary Juarez, and Erin Helms.
Never Let Go Ministries, Victor and Mary Juarez, were asked to speak at the very first Defiance County Drug Overdose Awareness Day event which was held on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at Defiance College.
It was hosted by the Defiance County Drug Free Coalition. Kathy Minck is the chair for the outreach/Education Workgroup which is an extension of that group.
The coalition consists of about 10 members and from those members came the process which led to the event, and Defiance College provided the space. There were nine speakers, giving much insight with their personal testimonies, and professional insight from other speakers.
Nineteen agencies collaborated to provide resources and education for those who came. It was held from 4:00-7:00 and was very well attended. Many people offered positive input on the event. Victor and Mary felt blessed to be a part of the program.
On Friday, Sept. 6, Victor and Mary went to Independence Dam in Defiance, Ohio to be interviewed by Erin Helms from a non-profit organization called, “On the Road of Recovery.”
The organization is based out of Cuyahoga County, and travels across the state of Ohio recording journeys of overcoming addiction and interviewing many people and family members who have been affected by substance abuse or loss.
They strive to “end the stigma associated with addiction, inspire hope, spread awareness, and humanize addiction.”
They are funded by a statewide grant through OHMAS, (Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services.) Mary shared her son, Marjoe’s story, of his years of substance abuse. The interview consisted of his life before he started using, and through his years of darkness.
Mary and Victor both shared what it was like to go through the loss of Marjoe, and they talked of how Never Let Go Ministries began, and what they have dedicated their lives to in the past 14 years since Marjoe’s death.
The interview will be edited and will eventually be shown on social media with “On the Road of Recovery.” Mary stated it was such an intimate and awesome experience, especially with it being right by the beautiful scenery of Independence Dam. The interview was filled with laughter and tears, but especially with HOPE.
Never Let Go Ministries continues to prepare for their 14th NLG Cruise-In, and 4th Fall Fest, which will take place this coming Saturday, Sept. 14th, from 10-2:00 at the grounds of the Edgerton Village Hall in Edgerton.
Besides the Cruise-In, there will be a raffle going on, along with the big-ticket raffle, and a demonstration from the K9 Unit. There will be trophies given in different categories. They hope to see you all there!