TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The nonprofit organization SENT, which helps to improve neighborhoods, held a Mocktail Mix and Mingle on Jan. 30.
The event was to celebrate Dry January.
“Individuals that have either participated in dry January or supported someone that has. Everybody is welcome and we’re excited that it’s happening,” SENT addiction specialist Tricia McCourt said.
McCourt said at the event she saw both new and old faces, meaning information is being sent around.
“Being able to get the word out there that Kansas fights addiction, Topeka fights addiction and SENT fights addiction,” McCourt said.
The evening included trivia, prizes, snacks and, most importantly, nonalcoholic drinks.
“We can show people that you can have fun in recovery and do fun things and it doesn’t have to involve alcohol,” McCourt said.
For those involved, Dry January is more than a New Year’s resolution.
“It supports individuals whether they are in recovery or not,” McCourt said. “Maybe they’re supporting someone else on the journey of trying to stay sober. And maybe this is day one for them, but they participated.”
Jerry Lee has been with SENT for a year and a half. He said the support has meant everything.
“A great place that makes you feel good,” Lee said. “The things that we do are just uplifting the whole neighborhood, the whole city really.”
Lee said he’s since a difference not only in his own life, but others who have also come to SENT.
“Most of us come here not knowing what we were getting into, but a day or two after we were here. Everybody is just as happy as can be,” Lee said.
McCourt said grants from Kansas Fights Addiction help the team at SENT.
More information can be found on the SENT website.
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