Western MA Policy Forum & Film Screening

On May 29th, from 5-9 PM Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR), The Western Ma Substance Addiction Provider Association (WMSAPA), and DPH Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) are coming together with community partners and legislators for an evening of information, resources, policy, advocacy, and recovery community demonstrated in a locally filmed documentary. MOAR will be starting the evening hosting the Annual Western MA Policy Forum at the Basketball Hall of Fame. This is your chance to gather with others in the recovery community and allies to learn about key bills in the MA legislature that impact addiction recovery. You will hear from legislators and key community champions, people with lived experience, and family members about policies and issues which specifically impact communities in Western MA.

This will be followed by a screening of the award-winning documentary "Recovery City" -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. In the working class city of Worcester, Massachusetts, Christine fights to regain custody of her young children while grappling with a traumatic past, and battling stigma from the very systems that are designed to help her. Bridget, who found recovery while in prison, now facilitates peer-led support meetings for women. On the frontlines, recovery coaches Janis and Rebecca navigate the city’s toughest corners offering support and trying to save lives. In this portrait of resilience, grit, and camaraderie, the women use their lived experience to lift up those still struggling while refusing to give up hope.

A Panel Discussion with the 4 women featured in the film will follow the screening. Resource tables will be on hand as well as childcare, deaf/hard of hearing interpretation, and light food/refreshments.

Let’s come together and raise our voices for positive change!