A group dedicated to having fun while helping and encouraging others in recovery is hosting a community event to spread the word about the positivity associated with recovery.

We Are Recovery (W.A.R.), formed by people in recovery, was founded in January in an effort to provide fellowship and planned activities for people also in recovery.

The group is aiming to start a conversation about the benefits and beauty of recovery, as well as bring people in the community together by hosting “Speaker Jam” on April 20.

“To shed light on recovery being possible,” Kyle Layton, a recovery coach with Muskingum Behavioral Health and a member of W.A.R., said.

The free event is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the James Singer Center and will feature a number of speakers involved in various walks of recovery. W.A.R. shirts and bracelets will be available for purchase. Food will be available for a donation.

Attendees will have a chance to win door prizes throughout the event.

Resource tables featuring a variety of different organizations and agencies will be present at the event as well.

“We want everyone to come — if they’re in recovery or not,” Constance Marling, a member of W.A.R., said.

Many people in recovery often have to walk away from old friendships and find alternative ways to have fun as the lifestyle they lived prior to recovery is not conducive to their current life.

W.A.R. is working to provide fun, sober events and fellowship for people working in recovery.

Sara Blake, a member of W.A.R., said the event is to celebrate recovery and start a conversation in the community about the possibility and positive aspects of recovery.

All funds donated for food and throughout the event will benefit W.A.R. and its upcoming events.

Any businesses looking to donate door prizes for the event can contact Nick Lyons at 740.586.5894.

For more information about W.A.R. visit: Wearing camo for a cause