By Corvo Rohwer, Puyallup Tribal News
The Reentry/Community Family Services Department honored its clients and alumni during the third annual alumni dinner on May 3 with a community meal and appreciation ceremony.
These gatherings celebrate the victories made by Tribal Members in their journeys of sobriety. More than 240 people showed up to show their support.
Reentry/Community Family Services Director Mona Miller believes having the cultural community aspect of the program is vital to the success of the service.
“What makes this so important and so vital is the cultural component that this program brings to the healing of the individuals in the family and to our community,” Miller said. “And without this, the cultural component, I don’t think a lot of us would be here today.”
Puyallup Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller said the success of the recovery program benefits not just individual Tribal Members, but their family as a whole.
“It’s wonderful to the reflection of it, because you see these little kids with their families again,” Vice Chairwoman Miller said. “I applaud each and every one of you for making the efforts to take it one step at a time to do this.”
Councilwoman Monica Miller agreed.
“It makes a difference not to the Tribe, but to the community,” she said. “Every person in here has made an impact.”
During the ceremony, clients were blanketed by alumni and welcomed onto the stage to be honored and have a brief moment to share their story of success.
Councilman Fred Dillon also spoke to emphasize the importance of community recovery through his own experiences saying the last time he had alcohol, drugs or anything like it was in 1997.
“This is recovery. This is the kind of medicine that helped me heal and get my life back,” Dillon said. “This is what saved my life, was coming to events like this.”
After the ceremony, a jam session was held to conclude the evening on a positive note, with the sound of drums sending good medicine resonating throughout the building.
If you or someone you know has a substance use problem and are looking for help, or want to learn more about the Reentry Program call 253-573-7842 or email ReentryServices@PuyallupTribe-nsn.gov. Additionally, to get connected with Community Family Services, call 253-573-7919.
Pierce County Crisis Line 24/7: 800-576-7764 or text 741-741
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
