New Canaan, Conn. – The New Canaan Parent Support Group (NCPSG) is hosting its 8th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil with a focus on family-empowered recovery.  “Family support is a critical lifeline during a loved one’s struggle with addiction,” said Paul Reinhardt, founder of NCPSG. “We see this time and again, and it’s why family recovery is our focus for the 2024 Vigil.”

This year’s program will be held on Thursday, August 29th, 2024 at 6 South Avenue, New Canaan. The Vigil will feature live music beginning at 6:30 PM, followed by a program at 7:00 PM that features emcee, John Hamilton, President and CEO, Liberation Programs, and speakers in long-term recovery: Cini Shaw, Chief Recovery Officer at The Lighthouse; Ben Tuff, ultra swimmer and documentarian of “Swim Tuff: How I Swam Myself Out of the Bottle,” 2023; and other speakers. In addition, there will be a Resource Wall, a Hope and Remembrance wall for written and photo tributes and a candle-lighting ceremony co-led by local faith leaders Chapin Garner, Chapin Garner, Pastor of The Congregational Church in New Canaan, and Cheryl Bundy, Director of Spiritual Care and Hospital Chaplain at Silver Hill Hospital, as well as many others from the faith community.

Established in 2017, the NCPSG’s annual Vigil offers a beacon of hope, celebrating recovery and providing resources for families in New Canaan and greater Fairfield County who have been impacted by addiction. Year after year, the event has grown, and this year, is expected to attract 500 people.

The New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF) returns as co-host, led by President & CEO Lauren Patterson.

“Stigma surrounding addiction prevents many from seeking help,” said Patterson. “The Vigil combats this stigma and empowers families to be part of the solution. This year’s theme, #FamiliesEmpowerRecovery, reflects that perfectly. As we continue to work at the Foundation through the Community Behavioral Health Fund to improve access to care, the Vigil could not be more important.”

Generous sponsors and donors make this event possible: Town of New Canaan, New Canaan CARES, Silver Hill Hospital, The Lighthouse CT, Walter Stewart’s Market, Center for Motivation & Change, Lakeview Health, Paramount Wellness Retreat, Release Recovery, Caron Treatment Centers, High Watch Recovery, Liberation Programs, Mountainside Treatment Center, Turnbridge and Wellbridge.

This inspiring event is for everyone in the community. The support of the community will unite all and help create a healthier future for everyone.  Rain date for the event is September 3, 2024.

Learn more about the event and share this event with your network!  www.ncparentsupportgroup.org  #FamiliesEmpowerRecovery #NewCanaanVigil2024