'Your Light Still Shines' Event To Raise Overdose Awareness

Press release from the Village of New Lenox:

On Monday, September 28, 2020 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, “Your Light Still Shines” will be held via Zoom videoconference and will feature the following speakers:

Necia Newcomb is a very grateful recovering substance user with 6+ years of recovery. Necia was opioid dependent for a long time and never believed she could become sober. Necia is currently working full-time, a mother to two beautiful girls, a loving wife of 4+ years, and a homeowner. Necia lives her life to bring awareness to the seriousness of addiction and accompanying mental health issues that result from addiction. Necia’s goal is to help end the stigma of drug addiction and help others achieve sobriety.

Christopher Druce-Jones will present “Experiencing and Coping with Grief and Loss During COVID-19.” Christopher Druce-Jones, MDiv, Director of Chaplaincy, joined the Rosecrance team in July of 2017. He has 20 years’ experience working in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. Christopher earned a Bachelor in Arts in philosophy and religion from Dillard University in New Orleans and a Master of Divinity from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Iowa. Christopher specializes in organizational management and administration, leadership development, congregational care, small group facilitation, and church revitalization. Christopher also served as a personnel management specialist in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves from 1988-1997.

Jessie Monreal currently works on the inpatient addiction unit at Ingalls. She has her CADC credentials as well as an associate's degree in addiction studies. Jessie spent

4 years at Stepping Stones in Joliet, IL first as an intern, then as a counselor, and the last 2.5 years as a case manager. Jessie celebrated 7 years in recovery on July 30th. She has been writing since she was young and has several published articles on the topics of addiction and mental health, as well as a blog. Jessie is the mother of a 12-year old son, Shane, and they live in Orland Park.

Videoconference participants will hear real stories and receive information that will be helpful for themselves and / or their loved ones. In the spirit of the event, we will honor those who lost their battle with drug addiction and provide hope and support for those who are still struggling.

Registration for this FREE program will be held via Eventbrite through this link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-light-still-shines-in-support-of-overdose-awareness-tickets-119350888721 Registrants will be sent a link to the Zoom videoconference in advance of the event.

For additional information or questions, please contact Daniel Martin, Safe Community Coordinator, Village of New Lenox, dmartin@newlenox.net (815) 462-6493.

This press release was produced by the Village of New Lenox. The views expressed here are the author's own.