Page 198 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2018

HEALTHY LIVING helping hand
Supports recovering addicts and families
story by Alexis Williams
G reg Bufkin struggled for 13 years with his opioid addiction, at one time taking as many as 90 pills a
day. When he overdosed and went to rehab, his wife dealt with everyday ups and downs, home
maintenance issues and financial needs. She realized that for her husband to be able to fully recover, the family had to be successful on their own, and they needed support. Together they worked to create El Roi Ministries, which helps heal the entire family of addiction, not just the addict.
To bring attention to their ministry and hoping
to assist others in need, El Roi Ministries will
hold the Ocean Springs Rally for Recovery during September’s National Recovery Month. The event will be held on September 8, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Marshall Park in downtown Ocean Springs.
With its main goal of ministering to families of those in rehabilitation through education and counseling and oftentimes providing resources,
El Roi Ministries is hoping this rally will bring awareness to its ministry and the resources available to those who need rehab services.
“At the rally, we will have representatives for mental health, addiction and transitional homes,” Bufkin, El Roi’s executive director, said. “A lot of people don’t know where to turn or are too ashamed. This (rally) is a very non-threatening environment, and we hope it will make some comfortable enough to ask for help.”
The organization has partnered with the City of Ocean Springs, Stand Up Mississippi, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Public Safety, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics as well as many other organizations to make this event a reality. Information will be
available from a wide variety of organizations that are able to help addicts and their families.
William Carey University is donating a $10,000 scholarship as a raffle item, and other door prizes will be given away. With live music, activities for children, and food, Bufkin is hoping the event will draw a crowd and ultimately help families who need addiction recovery services to become healthier and successful.
www.elroiprovides.org.
198 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • September 2018
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