The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania commemorated the 33rd annual Tree of Hope dedication on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center, 1286 Veterans Highway, Bristol.
The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania and PRO-ACT invited the community to decorate the Tree of Hope with personalized ornaments that bear the names of individuals they would like to honor during the dedication ceremony.
This event provides the community the opportunity to commemorate those who have lost their lives to substance use disorder, to celebrate those in recovery, offer hope to those still struggling, and to recognize those who have made a positive impact on others’ recovery journeys.
“The Tree of Hope is a treasured tradition for The Council, and this year, close to 200 gathered in the clear cold night to share their commitment to the recovery community,” said Executive Director Jennifer King.
“We were able to reflect on how, over time, one person might go from having worried loved ones choosing ornaments for her because she was struggling in her addiction, to placing her own in honor of her recovery, placing some for loved ones lost to the disease, and finally in celebration of those who helped her find her way through to sustained recovery. We can all play a role in creating a community where people know they can and do recover – and Tree of Hope gives us a way to express that!”
The event gave those who purchased an ornament an opportunity to hang their ornaments on the 15-foot tree located outside the Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center (SBRCC), which will remain on display through early January. The proceeds from this year’s Tree of Hope will provide support for those seeking recovery from substance use disorder and their families, and help to ensure The Council’s Vision of “Transforming Lives Through Sustained Recovery.”
There were several speakers for the event.
• Trish Nye, a member of the board of directors, provided the welcome and noted guests including District Attorney Matt Weintraub; Rachael Neff, the director of Bucks County Human Services; and Diane Rosati, executive director of the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission.
• Ernest Campbell, presented with the Tom Nelson Award, which recognizes an individual whose volunteer service has demonstrated remarkable success in the council’s mission of care.
• William Carter was recognized as a “Ray of Hope” in helping others in their recovery.
• Melissa Mackolin was recognized as an “Ambassador of Recovery” and for her volunteer leadership on the Vision Team for the SBRCC.
• Julie Smith, a board member, spoke about David’s New Day, the nonprofit organization she and her family founded in honor of her brother, David, who lost his life to this disease. This year is David’s New Day’s 10th anniversary and Smith noted that in that time, the nonprofit has made contributions of over $100,000 to help people in early recovery “Close the Gap” to address barriers that may be in the way.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
