News Summary
The SpiritWorks Foundation, in collaboration with the Historic Triangle Drug Prevention Coalition, is hosting free screenings of ‘Together: Family Recovery’ in September. These events highlight the challenges faced by families of individuals with substance use disorders. Screenings will occur at Regal Theaters in Williamsburg and Newport News, fostering community discussions on recovery. Experts like Jan Brown emphasize the importance of family involvement and community support in the recovery process, aligning with ongoing efforts to address substance abuse issues across Virginia.
Williamsburg, Virginia – The SpiritWorks Foundation, in collaboration with the Historic Triangle Drug Prevention Coalition, is set to host free screenings of the film “Together: Family Recovery” at two Regal Theaters on the Virginia Peninsula. These events aim to focus on the often-overlooked families of individuals struggling with substance use disorder, rather than solely the individuals themselves.
The first screening is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, at Regal-New Town in Williamsburg at 6 p.m. The second screening will take place the following week on Thursday, September 25, at Regal-Kiln Creek in Newport News, also at 6 p.m. Following each screening, community discussions will be held to allow attendees to connect, share experiences, and explore the themes presented in the film.
Jan Brown, the Executive Director of SpiritWorks Foundation, is featured as an expert in the film. She emphasizes that the purpose of “Together: Family Recovery” is to bring families to the forefront of the conversation about recovery. The film aims to offer hope and connection to families impacted by addiction, highlighting the importance of community support in the recovery process.
In addition to the film screenings, the need for increased access to substance abuse support services has been emphasized by Nicole Criss, the Executive Director of CARPS SC. Recently, she spoke before the Hemingway Town Council regarding substance abuse in Williamsburg County. CARPS SC focuses on providing free community-based support that includes peer support, harm reduction, and long-term recovery initiatives. The organization also distributes Narcan and offers testing for HIV and Hepatitis C as part of its harm reduction services. Due to the high rates of substance abuse in the area, CARPS SC is looking to establish a physical location in Williamsburg County to better serve the community.
On a broader scale, eight community organizations across Virginia, including Christopher Newport University, were awarded a total of $60,627 in Virginia ABC grants aimed at reducing underage and high-risk drinking. Christopher Newport University alone received $10,000 to establish a substance use prevention workgroup under its Wellness Action Team for Captain’s Health (W.A.T.C.H.). The university’s initiatives will incorporate educational campaigns and staff training regarding alcohol responsibility and safety, and a climate survey will be conducted to analyze undergraduate alcohol use and its connection to health issues.
The goals of these grant-funded programs are to minimize the impact of underage and high-risk drinking on communities throughout Virginia, reflecting an ongoing commitment to address substance use challenges faced by families and individuals alike.
Screening Details
- September 17 – Regal-New Town, Williamsburg at 6 p.m.
- September 25 – Regal-Kiln Creek, Newport News at 6 p.m.
Community Initiatives
- SpiritWorks Foundation focuses on family engagement in recovery.
- CARPS SC provides peer support and harm reduction services.
- Community organizations in Virginia awarded grants for substance use prevention.
This collaborative effort by various organizations highlights the critical need for community connection and support in addressing the complex issues surrounding substance use disorder and its impact on families.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: CARPS SC Looks to Expand Recovery Support
- Wikipedia: Substance Use Disorder
- Wavy: Vape Store Owners Charged
- Google Search: Substance Abuse Prevention Virginia
- Wydaily: Virginia ABC Grants
- Google Scholar: Substance Abuse Education
- Daily Press: Former Williamsburg Art Teacher
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Abuse
- 13 News Now: Hope Team Pilot Program
- Google News: Williamsburg Virginia
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WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
