Salvation Army and partners host 'Victory Over Addiction' recovery event Saturday in Sierra Vista

The Salvation Army and partner organizations will host “Victory Over Addiction,” a community recovery event and Walk for Recovery, at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday to connect people with treatment, peer support, harm-reduction resources and other services.

Captain Christy of the Salvation Army, who said she and her husband oversee local operations, told KWCD the event brings together about 20 vendors and organizations offering services including harm reduction, sober living, peer support, overdose prevention, legal aid, housing help and health services. The Salvation Army will staff its emergency-services van and serve water, coffee and snacks.

"I believe in community, and I believe that recovery can happen if you surround yourself with people that can support you," Captain Christy said. She described Salvation Army adult rehabilitation programs (ARC) and said the organization aims to be part of the recovery journey for residents.

Organizers gave two start times during the broadcast: one speaker said the event would run from 9 a.m. to noon and another host read the event time as 8 a.m. to noon. The Walk for Recovery is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Organizers asked residents, family members and anyone interested in services or referrals to attend and speak with vendor representatives.

The event is free and intended to make local resources visible to people facing addiction or supporting someone in recovery. The Sierra Vista Police Department said it would not have a strong enforcement presence at the event so people could seek services without concern of immediate arrest.