Together We Rise: A Community Forum for Second Chances

Join Recover Appalachia for Together We Rise, a community forum designed to bring together individuals with lived experience, service providers, workforce partners, and community members to strengthen collaboration and support for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration or substance use disorder.

Held during National Second Chance Month, this event will create space for connection, conversation, and shared learning about how our community can better support returning citizens—and how stronger support benefits everyone.

Event Highlights

• Free food and recovery-themed music
• Networking forum with resource tables from organizations supporting returning citizens
• Interactive storytelling booth hosted by The Trillium Project & Elm Street Photography
• Panel discussion featuring individuals with lived experience alongside professionals in recovery and re-entry
• Door prize drawing at the end of the evening featuring a wellness package sponsored by local business owners and service providers

Whether you are someone with lived experience, a professional working in the field, or a community member who wants to learn more, this forum is an opportunity to listen, connect, and help strengthen the network of support in our region.

Event Details
📍 17th Street Community Center
📅 Tuesday, April 21
⏰ 5:30–8:00 PM
🎟 Free and open to the public

Refreshments will be provided. Registration is encouraged to help us plan accordingly.

Info: Time to check in, receive your name badge, and visit the resource tables.

Info: Recover Appalachia's Executive Director will give opening remarks, shout out the organizing team and sponsors, and go over the event flow.

Info: Pulled pork and recovery-themed music catered by Chad Hickman.

Info: The Trillium Project and Elm Street Photography will host an interactive arts & storytelling booth where participants can share their story about why they believe in second chances.

Info: An individual with lived experience in recovery will take the mic to share their story.

Info: A formerly incarcerated person will take the mic to share their story.

Info: A moderated panel discussion featuring re-entry professionals and individuals with lived experience.

Info: Closing remarks and announcement of the door prize winner.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

2313 17th St, 2313 17th Street, Portsmouth, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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