Ride of Hope storms Indiana streets
Also, IWU Kokomo Thriving Center holds Leader Breakfast
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Turning Point – System of Care held its annual Ride of Hope on Sat., Aug. 12, and dozens of bikers traveled from Kokomo to Monticello and back to help combat the problems of drug addiction and mental illness in the local community.
The Ride of Hope, co-sponsored by Tyler's Triumphs, helped raise awareness and support those struggling with substance abuse and addiction. The riders left Harley-Davidson of Kokomo at about 11:30 a.m. and rode 72 miles to Monticello for lunch at the Whiskey & Wine Saloon. They then returned to Kokomo for an after-party at Cooper’s Pub in downtown where The Checkered Vans performed.
Dr. Matt Oliver, director of Turning Point, joined the ride on his own Harley-Davidson. He spoke to the crowd of riders before the event.
“We're here for life-saving work,” said Oliver. “We're here because we know recovery is possible. When you're winding through the roads today, think about the winding road to recovery. I know sometimes it can get discouraging. I know sometimes it can be heartbreaking, but recovery is possible.
“I'm grateful for all of you coming out here to acknowledge that. I’m grateful for all of you who are in recovery. It has to happen because we have a caring community that says, we accept you, you belong. We want you part of our community.”
Tammy Stout, the co-founder of Tyler’s Triumph, explained her organization’s involvement in the event and expressed her appreciation to the participants.
“We’ve made so many friends over the years,” said Stout. “This is actually the seventh ride, and the sixth with Harley-Davidson of Kokomo. It is amazing that it’s seven years and we're still doing this. People still show up and keep coming back year after year. You have become like family to us. Whether you're here for just a ride or to meet people or just to have fun, we welcome you.
“Whether you're here because you have a family member or a friend or somebody that you know that struggles and you're riding on behalf of them, welcome.”
Stout lost her son, Tyler, to a drug overdose when he was 23. She and a friend formed the nonprofit Tyler’s Triumphs to remember her son as well as to raise funds to help prevent others from meeting a similar fate. The annual Ride of Hope is one way the organization helps Turning Point address the need for treatment, counseling, and recovery.
“Whatever their need was, whether it's depression, whether it was mental health, whether it was addiction, we just started going out helping people,” said Stout. “We can't do it alone. The only way we can do it is with supporters and people who help. We just want to thank you.”
Turning Point provides a safe environment where substance abuse and mental health issues can be addressed and where healing may begin. The goal of the organization is to “help individuals recover and thrive in a healthy, safe, and helpful setting.”
Turning Point offers medically managed detoxification, allowing the safe withdrawal from drugs and alcohol to occur. It also offers trauma-informed outpatient therapy for adults and youth, individual and family therapy, and an intensive outpatient addiction program. Those struggling with depression, anxiety, and relationship and parenting challenges also can find assistance from the organization.
For more information about Turning Point – System of Care, visit www.turningpointsoc.org .
Indiana Wesleyan offers Leader Breakfast
Indiana Wesleyan University’s Kokomo Thriving Center is offering a free “Kokomo Leader” breakfast on Thu., Aug. 17, to unveil its new national Leadership by Design program. The university has chosen Kokomo for the launch of the program and hopes local business and community leaders will attend to learn more about the offering.
“I am so excited that the program will be introduced to our community first; before anyone else!” said Dr. Liz Kerns, director of the IWU Kokomo Thriving Center. “We’re using the Kokomo Leader Breakfast to unveil IWU's new national Leadership By Design program, and we need your feedback!”
The breakfast takes place from 8-8:45 a.m. and is followed by the university’s monthly Nonprofit and Faith Leader Council meeting at 9 a.m. Kerns explained that the university is seeking input from those in attendance about the new program as well as feedback on addressing critical leadership training for the next generation.
The breakfast is free to attend, but attendees are asked to RSVP since seats are limited to the first 30 who register. The Kokomo Thriving Center is located at 1916 E. Markland Ave. To register for this event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-with-the-first-look-at-iwus-new-leadership-by-design-program-tickets-696732233867?aff=oddtdtcreator
To register for the Nonprofit Council and Faith Leader Council meeting that follows the breakfast, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/august-2023-nonprofit-council-and-faith-leader-council-meetings-tickets-696705493887?aff=oddtdtcreator
For additional information about the IWU Thriving Center, visit https://www.facebook.com/KokomoThrivingCenter