The Western Tidewater Community Services Board wants people to know that recovery from substance abuse is possible.

“We really want people to understand no matter how bad things can look, recovery is still there,” said Karen Nicely. “Treatment works, and people do recover. We want to be the face of that recovery.”

To help raise awareness of the possibilities, celebrate people who are in recovery and encourage people who are on their way to recovery, the organization is hosting the Walk for Recovery this Saturday.

The walk will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and begin at the organization’s 135 S. Saratoga St. office. It will head to Constant’s Wharf, where kids’ activities, health screenings, music by Stronghold, food and other activities will be held until 2 p.m.

“The Walk for Recovery is all about raising awareness,” Nicely said. “I think so many people don’t remember you can work hard for something and accomplish a goal.”

Nicely said the walk is family-friendly because children and other family members often are a vital part of recovery.

“When you’re using, you abdicate your responsibilities as a parent, spouse, citizen and employee,” she said. “There’s nothing better than being able to be there and be a parent to the kids, and there’s nothing they want more. Recovery is a family affair.”

Nicely, who has been in recovery from alcohol abuse for 25 years herself, said the walk can encourage people to get clean even though it is hard.

“It’s not just about stopping using,” she said. “You still have to do the hard work. But we don’t tell people enough what you’re going to get out of it.”

Nicely encouraged anyone to come out and support the walk. It is partially funded by the Obici Healthcare Foundation.

“It is open to the public,” she said. “We want to see everybody at the event.”

For more information on the walk, call 925-2222.