West Virginia Recovery Fair Quadruples in Four Years

Four years ago, veteran Robert Lloyd walked into a small recovery event at Jackson Square in Clarksburg, West Virginia, hoping to find help. This year, he returned as a speaker, addressing a crowd four times larger than the one that welcomed him.

The city's National Recovery Month celebration has transformed since 2019. What began as a modest gathering now brings together 60 attendees and dozens of organizations offering mental health support, housing assistance, and job resources.

Clarksburg Mayor Wayne Worth signed a proclamation recognizing September as National Recovery Month, kicking off the community event. The fair combines morning continuing education sessions for social workers with afternoon community outreach.

Karene Moses, a senior social worker at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center, has watched the event grow from 40 continuing education participants to nearly 90. The expansion includes not just veterans but the broader recovery community, creating a network of support that reaches across the city.

The event paused during the pandemic but came back stronger. Organizers added an invitation to the wider recovery community last year, welcoming anyone seeking help or hoping to support others on their journey.

The Ripple Effect

Lloyd's transformation from attendee to speaker captures the event's power. He now uses his platform to remind others that recovery isn't a solo journey.

"To conquer this fight, you have to do it in numbers," Lloyd told the crowd. "Talk to a friend. Talk to a family member. Get to the VA. And just ask for help."

His message resonates because he lived it. Lloyd moved to the area specifically to access VA services, watched others share their stories, and imagined the day he could do the same.

Moses credits the growth to community commitment. "We cannot do it on our own," she said. "This community has really come together to support this event and our veterans."

The fair included a memorial display honoring veterans and community members lost to suicide or overdose. The tribute serves as both remembrance and motivation, reminding attendees why this work matters.

Lloyd sees his role clearly now. Every story he shares, every veteran he connects with, represents another chance to show someone that change is possible. "There is a better life out there," he said.

The event continues to expand each year, with Moses encouraging more community members and veterans to get involved. Information about next year's fair will be available through the VA Medical Center's social media channels.