WACO, Texas (KWTX) – A Central Texas group organized the first annual Big Texas Rally to Recovery to destigmatize addiction recovery and offer hope to recovering addicts.
“We want to normalize recovery,” Big Texas Rally to Recovery organizer Jamie Schmitt said.
The family-friendly rally featured free food, games, music and t-shirts. It was held at Freedom of God Ministries Church.
Schmitt said raising awareness for addiction recovery was a key part of the event.“It’s important to me because as a person in long-term recovery myself I want people to know that there is no shame in having a substance abuse disorder,” Schmitt said. “And people can heal and change.”
The event received a $12,000 grant from the Texas Health and Human Services in Feb. 2024. In addition, the event was sponsored by addiction support groups.
Waco Cenikor Client Outreach Manager, Jarrett Fox, said he wants to give back through events like the Big Texas Rally to Recovery.
“Somebody was there to help me when I needed help and so I wanna be there for the next person that’s asking for help and be a part of their recovery as well,” Fox said.