MONTEREY COUNTY — This September, hope will take root across Monterey County as local organizations unite to celebrate National Recovery Month through a collective Day of Hope.
This day of recognition is a unified effort across communities where each organization plans its own unique gathering while sharing one powerful purpose: to celebrate recovery and inspire resilience.
On Saturday, Sept. 6, from 12 to 3 p.m., Community Human Services in Salinas, Sun Street Centers in King City, Valley Health Association in Salinas and other partners will open their doors to the public with food, music, art and activities designed to honor the recovery journey and welcome the broader community into the conversation.
One of the day’s most meaningful moments will be the “Tree of Hope” project. At each location, guests will be invited to write heartfelt messages of encouragement on paper leaves and place them on a symbolic tree.
As these trees from across all events come together, they will form a Forest of Hope — a powerful testament to compassion, healing and the strength of community. Each leaf represents a voice of support, and together, they tell a story of unity and resilience.
“Every day in our programs, we see living proof that treatment works and recovery is possible. With the right support, hope takes hold, healing begins and lives are rebuilt,” said Robin McCrae, CEO of Community Human Services.
Together, these organizations serve more than 10,000 individuals facing substance use challenges over the last year. Each program provides holistic, person-centered and trauma-informed care tailored to the unique needs of its clients.
Most importantly, they recognize the transformative power of community — how connection, support and shared strength can profoundly change lives.
“It is vital for the community to come together to acknowledge National Recovery Month and have an open conversation about addiction and the ways in which we can support others on the road to recovery and hope,” said La Tonya Glover, MSW, executive director of Valley Health Associates.
On Saturday, Community Human Services will bring the community together with live music, lowrider cars, tacos and inspirational speakers at the Off Main Clinic, 1083 S. Main St. in Salinas.
At its King City Campus, 641 Broadway St., Sun Street Centers will add its own unique approach through storytelling sessions, art therapy workshops and financial literacy classes — creating spaces for healing and empowerment.
Meanwhile, Valley Health Associates will host a festival-style celebration with food trucks, DJ Showbiz, art and gardening activities, and more at 913 Blanco Circle in Salinas.
“All of us will be joining with local cities throughout the month to celebrate National Recovery Happens Month,” said Anna Foglia, CEO, Sun Street Centers. “Because we know, recovery does happen, and we are all blessed to be part of it.”
