Join us for Real Talk Recovery: Progress in the Northwoods, where we chat honestly about healing and hope!About this Event
Real Talk Recovery: Progress in the Northwoods
Free Community Event – Saturday, November 21, 2026
Get ready for a powerful, heart-centered, real day of hope, healing, and connection in the Northwoods!
Progress Is Progress Foundation Inc - invites everyone — people in recovery, those still struggling with addiction, family members, loved ones, people who have lost someone to addiction, community members who want to help, and professionals in the field — to join us for an unforgettable, no-judgment experience at the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino Conference Center & Bingo Hall in Lac du Flambeau, WI.
This isn’t your typical stiff conference. This is raw, honest, and life-changing — a full day (8:00 AM – 7:30 PM) where real people share real stories, learn practical tools, reconnect with hope, and leave feeling stronger, more supported, and deeply connected. Come exactly as you are. Progress is progress — whether it’s a mile or a millimeter.
Why You Don’t Want to Miss This:
Morning – Safety, Stories & Connection
8:00 – 9:00 AM
Arrival, Registration & Community Mingling
Coffee available. The Cleansing & Reflection Room opens (quiet space for smudging, journaling, and grounding).
9:00 – 9:30 AM
Opening Circle
Youth Drum Group + Welcome remarks from Wisconsin State Senator Jesse James. Belle Morey introduces the day.
9:45 – 10:45 AM
Keynote Address
Tom Farley
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Morning Breakout Sessions (choose one)
- Progress Is Progress: Radical Honesty, Radical Affirmation & Reclaiming Joy – Belle Morey
- Starting Recovery: The Addict’s Point of View vs. Family – Peer support, recovery coaches & interventionists
- Featured Lived Experience Story – Paula Hensel & Justin
12:15 – 1:30 PM
Lunch, Resource Fair & Community Feast
Afternoon – Tools, Resilience & Joy
1:45 – 2:45 PM
Real Recovery in the Northwoods Panel
Featuring Tom Farley, Michele (Sarkauskas) Micheau, Chief Jason Jolin (Northwoods EMS), Sen. Jesse James, Dave Anderson (Famous Dave’s), John P. (Section Yellow / Lambeau Field), and additional confirmed voices.
3:00 – 4:15 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions (choose one)
- Brain Science Session: Why Addiction Is More Than Willpower – Belle Morey
- Youth Open Discussion / Safe Space – A judgment-free conversation for young people
- Relapse, Resilience & Millimeter Moments: My Recovery My Way – Sarah Bristow
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Community Art Wall Reveal + Group Reflection
Continued Resource Fair and informal connection time.
5:45 – 6:45 PM
Closing Circle: “What’s Next for Our Communities?”
Gratitude exercise and call to action, facilitated by Belle Morey and Dave Anderson.
6:45 – 7:30 PM
Optional Open Mic
Music, poetry, stories, and reflections. Sign-up available throughout the day.
Cleansing & Reflection Room
Open all day (8:00 AM – 7:30 PM) as a quiet space for grounding, reflection, and personal reset.
- Meaningful Takeaways for every attendee: a personalized gratitude reflection card + “Hello, my name is… I’m here to break stigma and shame” sticker.
- Community Feast lunch, Community Art Wall reveal, Youth Drum opening, and Closing Circle with gratitude.
- Vibrant Resource & Vendor Fair (14–16 tables!) with organizations like Hazelden Betty Ford, Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health, Adult & Teen Challenge, Liv’n Life Healthy with Lisa, New Day Advocacy Center, Family Resource Center, and more.
- All-Day Cleansing & Reflection Room — a sacred space for smudging, quiet grounding, journaling, and support.
This community-led event is designed to reduce stigma, strengthen belonging, and equip people with tools that actually work in rural and tribal Northwoods communities. Hosted by Belinda “Belle” Morey, WI-certified Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor and founder of Progress Is Progress LLC (with 10+ years in long-term recovery).
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Location: Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, Lac du Flambeau, WI
Cost: Completely FREE — everyone is welcome!
Whether you’re just starting your journey, supporting a loved one, working in the field, or simply want to be part of positive change in our communities, this is your day to feel seen, inspired, and re-energized.
Register today to reserve your spot, sign up to volunteer, sponsor, exhibit, or simply stay in the loop. Space is limited — don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly special.
Progress is progress. Come as you are and leave stronger, more connected, and full of hope. ❤️
We can’t wait to see you there!
Event venue
Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, 510 Old Abe Road, Lac du Flambeau, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.