Project Live UP is taking more major steps in helping those who are affected by substance misuse.  After months of training and transitioning into a new office, Project Live is ready to conduct group sessions for those who need somewhere to turn while coping with the effects of substance misuse.

            Every Wednesday, Project Live will convene the "Recovery is Possible Group" at 7 p.m. in The Center at 517 Jefferson St. (lower level). Project Live describes the weekly meeting as: "A topic discussion group where all pathways to recovery are welcome. We will explore topics and questions that are common to recovery in a non-judgmental open forum."

            According to Per Hagen of PRO-ACT, which works to reduce the stigma of addiction, "Recovery is Possible" is open to anyone with a substance use disorder seeking recovery and anyone in recovery from a substance use disorder."

            Topics might include: stress and anger management, coping skills, triggers, spirituality, fears and gratitude.

            "Those attending with a substance use disorder will benefit by having an open, safe forum to discuss issues and triumphs, access to resources, peer to peer support model," Hagen said.

            Project Live president Will Pike explained, "Participants will be able to share their stories, provide support to others, receive support from group members, request resources, etc. in a safe environment."

            The first meeting was held this week. All age groups are welcome.

            Call 610-675-4208 or email phagen@counselsepa.org to register.

            PRO-ACT, Pennsylvania Recovery Organization-Achieving Community Together, prepared the group facilitators and is advising Project Live. Ten Project Live volunteers were trained by PRO-ACT.

            Beginning on September 6, Project Live will hold its first Family Education Program meeting at The Center.

            About this meeting, Pike said, "The format will be educational with topics including, understanding the impact of substance use disorder on the family, enabling, how the brain recovers from addiction and self-care.  There will also be an opportunity to ask questions, to share experiences and to procure additional resources."

            The program will meet for five weeks, running from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The meeting is open to family members over the age of 14. Call 800-221-6333 to register.

            On Monday, August 20, Project Live will host Scott Keeney, a 42-year-old father of five and trauma surgeon, who became addicted to opioids after suffering severe injuries when a tree fell on him at a campsite. Now in recovery, Keeney will discuss his experiences.

            "I never would have thought my life would take a path where only death was the one 'end' I wouldn't have to face as a consequence of my disease of addiction," he wrote in an email.

            The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the UPV Ambulance building, 2199 Buck Rd., Pennsburg and is open to the public.

            Project Live is also preparing for the second annual Memorial Evening at an Upper Perk football game on September 14. The purpose of the event is to remember Valley residents who have lost their lives due to substance misuse and to support the families and friends of the victims.

            Last year, members of the community convened on the Memorial Field parking lot to hear from several speakers before lining up to enter the football field for a moment of silence before the game.

            Anyone who would like to participate and/or make sure that a loved one is recognized is urged to contact Project Live at projectliveup@gmail.com, or communicate through the website projectliveliveup.org.

            Project Live also encourages parents to attend a presentation on vaping on September 25 at the YMCA at 6:30 p.m. The group "be a part of the Conversation", in conjunction with Montgomery County and the Upper Perkiomen School District, will discuss the harm being caused by the national trend of vaping.

            Registration for the event can be made at upsdvaping.eventbrite.com.