Walking Together for Recovery and Safe Beginnings in North Platte

guest blog by Jessica Vogt, Coordinator
Families 1^st Partnership (community collaborative providing services to Arthur, Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Lincoln, Perkins, and Red Willow Counties)

In September, Families 1^st Partnership hosted a Recovery Walk in North Platte to recognize the courage of individuals and families in recovery and to elevate the network of supports that walk alongside them. The event brought together community members, service providers, and advocates to celebrate resilience, reduce stigma, and promote healing.

In the planning phases, the Straight Up Advocates and Families 1^st Partnership identified three goals to achieve with the Third Annual Recovery Walk:

1. Creating a space that would cultivate a sense of belonging where recovery was celebrated rather than hidden.
2. Promoting access to services available in an approachable, casual environment.
3. Reinforcing the principle that supporting recovery is a community-wide effort.

Nearly 30 people participated, representing a good cross-section of our community. Families and individuals in recovery walked alongside representatives from Deborah’s Legacy, Nebraska Department of Labor, Region II’s “Arm in Arm” program, and Oxford House. Popcorn and water were donated by Les Swab, and a popcorn machine was available from Dusty Trails. The turnout reflected a shared belief that recovery is not just a personal journey, but also a community responsibility rooted in connection and compassion.

The Recovery Walk was designed to honor the hard work that families and individuals are doing to build healthier, safer, and more stable lives. Recovery is often portrayed as an individual struggle, but for many families, it is deeply shaped by community relationships, systemic supports, and meaningful access to services.

Throughout the event, participants shared their experiences walking through recovery – speaking candidly about moments of doubt, and openly about successes that didn’t come easily. Several attendees brought their children, symbolizing both the impact of substance use on families and the powerful role family connection can play in healing.

There was laughter, storytelling, quiet reflection, and moments of solidarity. People walked in groups, sat together on park benches, and took time to connect with each other and with local agencies that support their recovery journeys.

For many, the walk was a reminder that there are no perfect stories, only real ones.

A component of the event was sharing information on the Prenatal Plan of Safe Care, a family-centered plan designed to support pregnant and parenting individuals affected by substance use. It aims to connect families to the services they need early, encourage safe and healthy child development, and prevent situations where families feel afraid to seek help due to stigma or fear of punishment.

During the event, Mindi, a SUA and Prenatal Plan of Safe Care Peer Representative, shared information with attendees about how the Plan of Safe Care works and what their role can be in the process. Materials were available explaining key supports available to families, including a binder they could explore and see for themselves. The Plan of Safe Care isn’t about surveillance – it’s about support.

One of the most encouraging outcomes of the event was seeing agencies and community members engage with one another in a shared space, shoulder to shoulder, within the community. Agency representatives shared what they offer, from second-chance employment to supportive relationships. Peer-support leaders shared stories with clinicians about what recovery looks like outside of treatment settings. Together, these interactions reflected interest and momentum.

While the Recovery Walk lasted only two hours, its effects will continue well beyond the event. Families 1^st Partnership and the Straight Up Advocates are exploring opportunities to:

• Provide training and/or information sharing on the Plan of Safe Care for healthcare and legal professionals
• Continue resource navigation and referrals for families impacted by substance use, and,
• Encourage more agencies to collaborate outside of traditional systems.

There’s still work to do, but the event underscored that North Platte is not starting from scratch. The determination, compassion, and expertise are already here.

The Recovery Walk served as a visible reminder that recovery is not a solitary path. It’s a journey walked by parents, children, providers, advocates, and neighbors, each taking steps that matter. By coming together in September, our community affirmed that every family deserves a safe start, a supportive network, and the chance to build a future they’re proud of.

And sometimes, the most powerful step forward is taken together, one sidewalk at a time.

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Families 1st Partnership is one of 19 community collaboratives across the state that are part of the Bring Up Nebraska prevention network supported by Nebraska Children and Families Foundation and other state and national partners. Learn more at BringUpNebraska.org.