Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery - OCAAR

05/21/2026

Join us for a special Town Hall dedicated to hearing from young people in recovery! OCAAR and Heartland High School are hosting a listening session in Columbus next Wednesday, May 27 from 5:30p to 6:30p.
We want to hear from young people and their families with lived experience. Your voice matters! Join us and share your insights!

It's Free – Register now:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/OCAAR/event/townhall-heartland/

05/18/2026

RAVENNA!! Join OCAAR and O.U.R. Place for a town hall listening session this Thursday, May 21, from 5:30p to 6:30p. It’s free!

We want to hear from people with lived experience! Please to join us and raise your voice!

Register here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/OCAAR/event/townhall-ravenna/

05/15/2026

Akron!!
Join OCAAR and Hope United for a town hall listening session this coming Monday, May 18, from 4:30 to 5:30. It’s free!

We want to hear from people with lived experience! Please to join us and raise your voice!

Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/OCAAR/event/townhall-hopeunited/

05/12/2026

THIS THUSRDAY IN SANDUSKY!!
Join OCAAR and Sandusky Artisans for a town hall listening session this Thursday, May 14, from 5:30 to 6:30. It’s free!

We want to hear from people with lived experience! Please to join us and raise your voice!

Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/OCAAR/event/townhall-sandusky/

05/12/2026

Policy decisions shape real lives. And too often, the voices of people directly impacted are left out of the room.

On May 15, leaders from across the country are coming together for a Congressional Briefing focused on strengthening mental health and substance use services nationwide.
This conversation will center what is actually working, where gaps still exist, and what federal action is needed to support prevention, treatment, recovery, and long term stability.

We are proud to be part of this moment alongside national partners and advocates, including Patty McCarthy of Faces & Voices of Recovery, who will be bringing critical insight to the conversation.

This is about more than policy. It is about dignity, access, and making sure people in recovery, families, and communities are seen and supported.

Register here: bit.ly/Briefing15May2026

05/07/2026

***Check It Out***

Interested in becoming a peer recovery supporter or growing your career in behavioral health?

Join Mental Health America of Ohio, ADAMH and other partners for a free day of learning, networking and connection with professionals and organizations working to strengthen peer recovery services in our community. Attendees will gain practical guidance on certification pathways, connect directly with hiring organizations and hear from experienced professionals about the impact and growth of peer recovery services.

Learn more about the 5th annual Peer Recovery Supporter Community Event and Job Fair happening from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 13 at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s main branch by visiting this link: https://mentalhealthamericaofohio-bloom.kindful.com/e/5th-annual-peer-recovery-supporter-community-event-and-job-fair

05/07/2026

Register now for 2 FREE live substance use webinars May 21 & May 28th. From NASW & the Opioid Response Network both are presented by Nick Szubiak, MSW, LICSW. Take a deeper dive into substance use disorders and build evidence-based, person-centered skills across the full continuum of care. Earn CEUs. Scan or screenshot and press the QR Code now to register. Advance your practice with practical, real-world insights.

05/07/2026

Join us on May 12 for a Case Presentation about social determinants of health and how issues with some of these factors intersect with problem gambling.

1.0 CEUs are available at no-cost! You can register now at: PGNOhio.org/EVENT-DETAIL/777

05/06/2026

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Happy 37th Anniversary to our founders, Travis and Shelly Bornstein!

Today, we celebrate nearly four decades of a love that has truly changed the world for the better. Travis and Shelly, your marriage is the bedrock of a family that has shown us all the meaning of strength and service.

A special shoutout to Tana and Taylor—the daughters who stood by your side through it all. It was their courage and voices that first helped channel the family’s grief into action, helping to birth the vision for Hope United. Together, you have built Tyler’s Redemption Place into a sanctuary for others, ensuring that Tyler’s memory lives on through the healing of countless other families.

Your journey from Jr. High sweethearts to community icons is a testament to what is possible when two people are perfectly yoked in purpose. Tana and Taylor, thank you for sharing your parents with all of us and for being such a vital part of this mission.

Wishing the Bornstein family a day of reflection, joy, and much-deserved celebration. Here’s to 37 years and many more to come! ❤️

05/06/2026

SANDUSKY!!
Join OCAAR and Sandusky Artisans for a town hall listening session this Thursday, May 14, from 5:30 to 6:30. It’s free!

We want to hear from people with lived experience! Please to join us and raise your voice!

Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/OCAAR/event/townhall-sandusky/