PEARISBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – Recovery from substance abuse isn’t easy. It’s not pretty.
Many of us might watch friends or even family go through the process, but it’s one Emilie Kessinger lived through herself.
“I used drugs. I tried my best to get off of it on my own, and I see in my process that was the missing piece for me, was not me trying to figure it out by myself; it’s going to others and asking them for help that was the key,” said Kessinger.
Now, she’s the key for others in Giles County. Kessinger is the lead peer at The Day Won Giles County Recovery Center.
She’s a helping hand for people struggling with substance abuse, connecting them with the resources they need that’s now available.
“Not everyone has a roof and shelter over their head, so it’s a place to say, ‘Hey, let’s get you clean, you know, get you well, as far as the outside and then we’ll work towards the inside,’ And just finding the support of knowing that they’re not alone,” she explained.
The recovery center opened its doors in Pearisburg last week. It’s a do-it-all facility that supports mental and physical wellness, peer-support groups and ministry partnership. It also helps participants in Giles County Recovery Court, Day Won and WORK programs.
“We saw a need for a unified coalition of people, a hub where everybody could come together [to] get help in one spot,” said Matt Sadler, Coordinator of the Day Won Recovery Center. “Whether it’s through transportation, their housing needs, therapy, treatment and of course, the gym to come workout together.”
Yep, that’s right, there’s even a gym. County Administrator Chris McKlarney says it’s there to help people build their bodies back up after years of drug use, but its main purpose is hosting weekly workout sessions, where county officials and participants in the program join in a cross-fit workout.
McKlarney said besides getting a weekly sweat, it breaks the stigma that those struggling with drug addiction are “outcasts” in their community.
“Counselors, folks that are our staff, the judges, lawyers all come here and work out together,” said McKlarney. “It’s hard for someone in addiction to walk through the door and talk to a county staff person, it’s hard to make that connection. But if they see you sweating with them, suffering with them, the connection just happens much faster.”
Kessenger said it takes work to recover, whether it be running a mile on the treadmill or just taking the first steps.
But that’s why she’s there, along with the county, the New River Valley Community Services Peer Center and other partners to help others in a time of need.
“I know we’re going to help people here. I know that people are going to know that it’s a safe place to figure out what works for them. And I know maybe not immediately, someone might not be ready for an intense workout, but I know that we can get them there,” said Kessinger.
The recovery center is open to anyone in Giles County, all they have to do is walk through the front door to take advantage of the services. It’s at 1691 Wenonah Avenue in Pearisburg.
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