CFLR to host Black Balloon Day Reception on March 6th Featuring Artwork, Balloon Display and Donations to Support the Erin’s Light Fund

The Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. (CFLR) is proud to announce the hosting of a special Black Balloon Day Reception on March 6th from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at the Rome Life Center located at 201 West Dominick Street to commemorate those lost to addiction and raise awareness about the ongoing opioid epidemic. This heartfelt event will be free and open to the public, featuring a unique display of artwork created by local community members and a moving installation of black balloons, each representing a life lost to substance use.

In preparation for the event, CFLR will be hosting three different H.O.P.E events dedicated to encouraging the community to create artwork to be displayed at the reception. H.O.P.E events provide a space for individuals of all backgrounds to come together and express their feelings, memories and support through creative expression. These will be offered on February 10th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm and February 13th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm at the Rome Life Center in addition to on February 24th from 7:30pm to 9:00pm at Our Saviour Church in Utica. The pieces created during these events will be showcased at the Black Balloon Day reception, allowing attendees to reflect on the impact of addiction and honor the lives of those lost.

Guests at the reception will have the opportunity to purchase black balloons, with all proceeds benefiting the Erin’s Light Fund – a charitable initiative dedicated to providing resources and support to individuals and families impacted by substance use and/or addiction. The black balloons, symbolic of the grief and loss experienced by so many, will also serve as a visual tribute to loved ones lost, allowing attendees to honor those who are no longer with us. For those that cannot make the in-person reception, there will be an opportunity to purchase virtual balloons all day and can be purchased by visiting: centerforfamilylifeandrecoverycflr-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1292201.

“We are excited to host these H.O.P.E events as part of our Black Balloon Day programming,” said Katie Rodriguez, CFLR’s Recovery Coordinator. “Black Balloon Day not only gives us a chance to remember those we have lost but also reminds us that we have the power to make a difference in the fight against addiction. Through these events and the Erin’s Light Fund, we are creating opportunities for healing, support and
collective action.”

Black Balloon Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing addiction epidemic, offering a chance for anyone in the community to contribute to a collective effort to de stigmatize addiction, promote healing and support those affected by substance use disorders. By participating in this event, whether through creating artwork, purchasing a virtual or in-person balloon, or simply attending, you can play a pivotal role in sparking conversations, spreading compassion and inspiring positive change in our community.

For more information about the Black Balloon Day reception, H.O.P.E events and/or the Erin’s Light Fund, please contact Katie Rodriguez, CFLR Recovery Coordinator by calling: 315-733-1709 or e-mailing: krodriguez@cflrinc.org.

Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. is proud to be the area’s leading expert in advocacy, prevention, counseling, and employee assistance programs. Along with supporting individuals and families struggling with addiction and recovery, mental health, and behavioral issues, CFLR’s goal is to inspire hope, provide help, promote wellness, and transform lives. To learn more, visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com

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