Honoring The Power of Recovery: Year Round
Supporting substance use disorder recovery with resources for youth, parents, caregivers, and community members
By Spark Kindness Team
Dear Spark Community,
September is officially Recovery Month—an important time to honor the courage and resilience of those in recovery. It is also an opportunity to recognize the organizations that support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.
For ongoing support, connect with Natick 180, a leading local MetroWest, Massachusetts resource for prevention, treatment, and recovery. Please see additional trusted resources below.
Always remember: You belong. You are valued. Recovery is possible.
~ The Spark Kindness Team
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.
— Carl Bard
Featured Program: The Opioid Project
Stop by the Morse Institute Library in Natick now through Wednesday, October 29, 2025 to see The Opioid Project on display. This powerful exhibit uses art and audio storytelling to create a safe space for those affected by the opioid epidemic to share their experiences, reduce stigma, and spark meaningful community dialogue.
The works on view include deeply personal stories of both recovery and loss, many created by individuals from the Natick area. View the pieces and hear their stories here.
Preventing Youth Substance Use Disorder
Resources compiled by Natick 180 regarding youth substance use disorder:
- Natick 180 Resources on Youth Substance Use
- "7 Ways to Protect Your Teen from Alcohol and other Drugs" from Mass Department of Public Health
- Call2Talk (crisis call & text line) and Mass211 (connects callers to info about critical health and human services available in their community)
- Information about how to obtain Narcan is HERE
- Mental Health and Resilience Resource Tip Sheets:
- Promoting Resilience in Middle Schoolers - available here
- Strategies for Healthy Habits and Self-Care - available here
- When to Seek Professional Support - available here
View additional Substance Use Disorder Prevention Resources here.
View Mental Health Resources here.
Local Recovery News & Updates
From our partners at SOAR Natick: The Purple Flag display honors the 1,557 lives lost to opioid overdose in Massachusetts in 2024, with each flag representing a loved one. SOAR Natick thanked NATI, Framingham State Field Hockey, Natick 180, Spark Kindness, The Journey, and the many families and community members who helped make the display possible. (Article in Natick Report here.)
Recovery City, an acclaimed film by local filmmaker Lisa Olivieri, is "a raw exploration of what it means to be in recovery as seen through the eyes of four women whose lives share a common thread: addiction." This month, Recovery City will have its National Broadcast Premiere on PBS WORLD Channel on September 29th at 8:00 pm ET/7 pm CT!