Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services (Flagler OARS) was honored to sponsor and participate in the Building Hope Together Recovery Community Symposium on Saturday, Aug. 1 in Orange Park. The event was hosted as part of the ongoing effort to open Clay County’s first Recovery Community Organization, a major step toward strengthening long term recovery support for individuals and families.
The symposium was free and welcoming, bringing residents, loved ones, and community partners into the same room for a morning built around connection and practical support. Attendees enjoyed recovery speakers, panel discussions, raffles, and breakfast, all centered on one shared goal: building a stronger, recovery focused community where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to take the next step.
Events like this matter because recovery does not happen in isolation. It happens when people have access to resources, peer support, and real relationships that reduce stigma and replace shame with understanding. A Recovery Community Organization helps make that possible by creating a consistent hub for connection, education, and support. Flagler OARS is proud to stand alongside partners across the region who are working to expand these life saving networks.
We were especially grateful to see our own Justin Sweat and Brock Birtolo represent Discover and Recover St. Johns and Flagler OARS as panelists. Their participation helped bring real world insight to the conversation, along with encouragement for anyone who is seeking hope, guidance, or a community that understands. By sharing their perspectives and experiences, they helped remind attendees that recovery is possible and that no one has to navigate it alone.
Flagler OARS extends sincere thanks to the organizers, speakers, volunteers, and community partners who made Building Hope Together such a meaningful event. We are inspired by the momentum behind Clay County’s Recovery Community Organization and we look forward to continuing to collaborate across county lines.
If you or someone you love is looking for support, Flagler OARS is here. Together, we can keep building hope, strengthening families, and creating communities where recovery can thrive.