Teen Challenge Connecticut is hosting the Freedom Runners 5K in New Haven. The non-profit says whether you want to run or walk, the event is family friendly and open to all ages and skill levels. All funds raised will go to Teen Challenge Connecticut, which is a non-profit 15-month residential recovery program that does not turn anyone away for lack of funds. For more information about the 5K call 203-585-3957 or email jcifarelli@tcconnecticut.org.

Norwich Youth and Family Services will have their monthly meeting, which is led by those whose lives have been impacted by substance abuse disorder. For more information about this month’s event click here

Community Speaks Out is holding their monthly support group at the Groton Public Library. At this month’s meeting, our guest presenter will be Ashley Giordano and she will have an interactive activity.

The Right Path Organic Cafe is hosting a sound healing workshop as a special edition to their Nutritional Educational Series. The workshop will be with Sound Practioner, Kelvin Young and will be followed by a communal vegan supper. The cafe says there is a $30 fee for the workshop, which must be paid for in advanced. They say there is a limited number of spaces. For more information about the workshop click here.

The Opioid Discussion Panel at Three Rivers Community College will feature students in recovery, Project Courage, Community Speaks Out and addiction counselors. At the event you will hear real stories from those whose lives have been affected by addiction. The event is free and and open to the community. For more information click here.

A conversation about the opioid epidemic will be taking place at The Woodstock Academy. The event features Jennifer Gimenez, a leading advocate in the substance abuse world, along with A&E’s “Dope Man,” Tim Ryan as panel members. John Lally, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Masters Marriage and Family Therapy, and Nursing will be a special guest. The event is in memory of Kasia Jurczyk. Click here to register for the event.

A conversation about the opioid epidemic will be taking place at The Woodstock Academy. The event features Jennifer Gimenez, a leading advocate in the substance abuse world, along with A&E’s “Dope Man,” Tim Ryan as panel members. John Lally, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Masters Marriage and Family Therapy, and Nursing will be a special guest. The event is in memory of Kasia Jurczyk. Click here to register for the event.

A presentation is taking place in Norwich where parents will learn the dangers of marijuana and e-cigarettes. Michael DeLeon from Steered Straight, Inc. will be speaking at the presentation. The event is free and registration is not required. For more information contact Amanda Pearson at amanda.pearson@ct.gov.

Due to the inclement weather, CSO has postponed the family support group meeting scheduled for February 20th. If there is availability they may reschedule it, if not the next support group meeting will be held on March 20th at the Groton Public Library.

The Brian Dagle Foundation and Brian's Healing Hearts Center for Hope & Healing is hosting a Yoga for Grief Workshop. They say the class is open to all levels who have experienced loss. The foundation says donations will be accepted and registration is required. No experience is necessary. For more information email ann@brianshealinghearts.org or call 860-451-8354.

The Mystic Congregational Church Mission Committee is hosing their annual mission fair. Community organizations, including Community Speaks Out, will be at the fair. For more information call 860-536-4259.

The Brian Dagle Foundation and Brian's Healing Hearts Center for Hope & Healing is offering a 30 minute meditation before their support group. The foundation says you can join only the mediation, only the support group or both. For questions or to register email ann@brianshealinghearts.org or call 860-451-8354.

The Groton Rotary is hosting a meeting where there will be a presentation on opioid use in our community. There will also be a presentation on strategies to help those affected by this disease. For more information and a list of speakers click here.

The Fitch High School Aluminum Falcons Robotics team are hosting a food drive. They are asking the community to bring non-perishable food items for the Groton Food Bank. The Aluminum Falcons are also looking to help the global community with over 10,000 meals for the Rise Against Hunger World Hunger Cause.

The Connecticut Women's Consortium is holding their 3rd Annual Holistic Healing and Recovery Through Integrative Medicine Conference. Alternative therapies that can be used for mental health treatment and addiction recovery will be included at the event. There will also be inspirational speakers. For more information click here.

The Community Speaks Out family support group will NOT meet this month. We thank you all for your support and look forward to our meeting in December.

A recover fair is being held at Gateway Community College. Those who attend will get information about recovery, meet professionals, and learn about resources and overdose prevention. For more information click here.

A documentary called “Recovery Community” will have a free screening at the Connecticut Women’s Consortium’s Community Film Series. The documentary focuses on how the epidemic of drug and alcohol addiction is affecting the Northwest corner of Connecticut. Click here for more information.

TriCircle, Inc. is holding a symposium for those who have someone in their lives affected by the disease of addiction. The company says professionals will be their to provide them services. For more information click here.

The Brian Dagle Foundation and Brian’s Healing Hearts Center for Hope & Healing are holding a grief support group for those who have lost someone to suicide. They say registration is required. For more information click here.

The Brian Dagle Foundation and Brian’s Healing Hearts Center for Hope & Healing are holding a grief support group for those who have lost a spouse or partner. They say registration is required. For more information click here.