Council declares September 2025 'Recovery Month'; sponsors and members urge resources and hope

The Kenosha Common Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Aug. 4 declaring September 2025 Recovery Month to raise awareness of substance-use recovery resources and to recognize residents in recovery.

Principal sponsor Ald. Dominic Ruffalo told the council the resolution is intended to offer "hope" to people suffering from alcoholism, drug abuse and mental illness, and to highlight available local resources. "There is hope out there," Ruffalo said, adding he can direct people to help and that contact information is on the city's website.

Multiple alderpersons asked to be added as co-sponsors during the meeting. A council member who identified herself as an alderperson from the fourth said she and her husband have been in recovery more than 20 years and cited support from a local recovery club. Another council member described witnessing addiction's effects on friends and family, and urged expanding resources so people who do not know help exists can reach out.

The resolution was read into the record with sponsors listed (Ruffalo as principal sponsor; co-sponsors recorded in the minutes). The measure passed by roll call 15-0.

The transcript includes sponsors' remarks emphasizing community support, available local groups and the idea that the proclamation aims to destigmatize recovery and point people to services. The meeting record does not enumerate specific funding or new city programs tied to the proclamation; it is a formal declaration intended to raise awareness and recognition.

Council members encouraged residents in need to use local services; the transcript includes references to the city's website for contact information and to a local recovery club that council members credited with helping people in recovery.