MOUNT VERNON — Recovery looks different for everyone. Sometimes it starts with a conversation, sometimes it starts with a drumbeat.
On Friday, the Knox County community came together for the 2026 Recovery Conference and Wellness Fair, hosted by The Freedom Center.
The Freedom Center is an outpatient behavioral health treatment and prevention center. The organization works with individuals facing alcohol and drug use by providing assessments, counseling and other various support systems.
This year’s theme, “Shining a Light on Recovery: A Knox County Celebration,” marked the center’s second annual conference. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health and the United Way of Knox County supported the event.
Activities and panels focused on women in recovery, with an emphasis on mothers.
A day of activities
A variety of interactive wellness activities were available throughout the day.
The event began with a drum circle led by Kade Forth, a member of the Central Ohio Drum and Sound Circles. Each participant borrowed an instrument to participate and explore how rhythm, music and group participation can support recovery.
Two breakout sessions gave visitors an opportunity to engage in activities centered on support and recovery.
The first session, led by Angela Barnes, focused on Recovery Expressed Through Art. The activity explore creative expression as a tool for coping, personal growth, sharing recovery experiences and building connection.
Sound Bath: Healing Through Sound, led by Michele Robison, rounded out the second activity. Participants experienced a guided sound session to support relaxation, stress reduction, reflection and well-being.
A number of speakers also spoke to the crowd throughout the day.
The Woman in Recovery Panel: Stories of Strength, Hope & Resilience gave attendees an opportunity to hear personal recovery journeys and share the supports that have helped sustain their recovery.
Panelists included Ashley Hughes, Britney Fuller, Crystal Cotter and Mallory Meeker. Susan Chestnut moderated the session.
Michelle Hughes offered the keynote speech.
Hughes’ “Anchored: A Story of Recovery & Grace” told her story of recovery centered on challenges, resilience, hope, connection and the strengths and supports that contribute to recovery.
Networking opportunities and resources were available for those who attended.
A celebration of recovery
“Every recovery journey is different, but the most important thing is that nobody has to walk that journey alone,” Afet Kilinc, executive and clinical director of The Freedom Center, said.
That tenet is central to the conference’s purpose and the center’s goal.
Every recovery journey is different, but the most important thing is that nobody has to walk that journey alone.
Afet kilinc
Kilinc said the conference was created to give recovery a presence in Knox County and a chance for people in recovery to connect with others.
“We wanted to have a really visible and impactful way of observing and celebrating recovery,” Kilinc said.
The motivation for incorporating the expressive activities discussed above comes back to streamlining and encouraging recovery.
“We recognize the value of these expressive techniques of expressive activities (that are) helping people connect, helping people heal,” Kilinc said.
The conference invited anyone to attend, but the focus on women was intentional. Kilinc said women deal with more stigma when it comes to recovery and that can have greater impacts on the recovery process.
“Women do have unique needs, and their experience and their recovery is different,” Kilinc said.
Looking ahead
The Freedom Center celebrates it’s 50th anniversary in Knox County next year — and Kilinc said the center has no plans to stop growing.
“We started out really grassroots … People who were bonded in recovery started this organization. It has evolved. It has gotten bigger, and we want to continue to do a better job,” Kilinc said.
The 50th anniversary will give the organization an opportunity to celebrate its history and work in the community. Kilinc invited the community to return next year for the center’s celebration.
