‘Watching hope come back to someone’s eyes’: OCJ continues support for addiction and mental health

The organization now offers a variety of programs aimed at supporting individuals dealing with addiction and mental health challenges. This includes bi-weekly recovery meetings at the Medicine Hat Public Library, weekly visits to a treatment centre and daily youth outreach programming through Kickstand.

Lillico says the organization’s focus is on helping people find support and connection during difficult times.

“The best part about my job is watching hope come back to someone’s eyes,” Lillico said.

Lillico says he has personally been in recovery for five years, joining the organization as a volunteer recovery coach in 2022 before being hired full-time.

“Recovery starts off hard because you’re trying to make a bunch of changes, but it does get easier, whereas addiction just gets harder,” Lillico said.

The organization also operates the “From Darkness to Life” podcast, now in its sixth season, featuring conversations focused on recovery and mental health awareness.

Alongside its ongoing programming, OCJ is once again a partner with the organizers of the annual Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival from May 21-24, an initiative aimed at promoting resilience and mental health awareness in the community.

Lillico says the symbolism behind the balloons rising into the sky serves as an important reminder for people who may be struggling.

“Things in life can get better, and just because you’re struggling now doesn’t mean that you always have to struggle,” Lillico said.

As part of the festival, the organization will host a Community Day on May 23 at Medicine Hat College.

The event will include a pancake breakfast beginning at 9 a.m., a market and youth art party at 10 a.m., a community barbecue from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and two movie screenings inside the college theatre.

by Jesse Gill

‘Watching hope come back to someone’s eyes’: OCJ continues support for addiction and mental health

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