A pharmacist has changed how she operates behind the counter. A teen broke the cycle and finds peace through her poetry. A man lost everything important to him but rebuilt his life through his faith.
Their common thread: addiction.
Eleven stories of survival, hope, and rebirth are showcased in the book, “Facing Addiction in Knox County, Kentucky: It’s Our Move”—a Facing Project taken on by Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky. And this Tuesday, September 2nd, their book will be officially released at a round table discussion featuring Senator Mitch McConnell, Congressman Hal Rogers, Union College President Marcia Hawkins, Facing Project co-founder J.R. Jamison, and representatives from Operation UNITE–with a reception and readings to follow.
In honor of their book release, The Facing Project Featured Story of the Week comes from their project—“Don’t Believe in Stereotypes: Rex’s Story,” as told to writer Missy Reid.
Rex was raised by a mother with addiction issues, and vowed never to turn out like her. Years later, happily married with children, Rex became addicted to pain medication—at times using pills to wake up, get him through his day, and then to come down at night. Though he didn’t want to admit it, Rex had become an addict. At that point, the fate of his future was in the hands of his employer and rehabilitation counseling. To learn about Rex’s outcome, you can read the full story here.
We are excited to see this book launch and what outcomes will occur because of these stories. The book is slated to be used for teen education, and there are other events planned throughout the year that will bring the stories to life through various monologues throughout Knox County.
Facing Project stories go beyond politics and we’ll share stories with anyone who listens, regardless of political party, ideology, or planetary affiliation. If you are from the Knox County community, we hope you stop by the event next Tuesday on the Union College campus.