Reviving Hope in Our Backyard

Reviving Hope in Our Backyard is an annual community event focused on addressing substance use and trauma in our region.
About this Event

Supporting Recovery: It's the right thing to do. It's the smart thing to do.

This free community event explores how supporting recovery strengthens families, grows the workforce, improves public health, and builds more resilient communities. Together, we'll examine what it takes to create a recovery-supportive ecosystem in Southwest Virginia—because supporting recovery isn't just the right thing to do; it's one of the smartest investments a community can make.

Visit https://ac4hope.org/2026-reviving-hope-event for more information.

Who Should Attend?

Creating a recovery-supportive community takes all of us. Whether you work directly in prevention, treatment, or recovery—or your work shapes the health and vitality of our region in other ways—you have a role to play.

Reviving Hope in Our Backyard brings together leaders from across sectors to explore how supporting recovery strengthens families, expands workforce participation, improves public health, and contributes to stronger, more resilient communities.

This event is designed for:

• Business leaders, employers, human resources professionals, and economic development organizations interested in building a stronger workforce and supporting recovery-friendly workplaces.
• Healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, peer recovery specialists, and public health leaders working to improve health outcomes across our region.
• Educators, school administrators, and youth-serving organizations committed to supporting children, families, and future generations.
• Local government officials, community planners, housing organizations, and policymakers shaping the future of Southwest Virginia.
• Law enforcement, first responders, courts, and public safety professionals working to improve community well-being and public safety.
• Faith leaders, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and community volunteers who want to strengthen connections and expand opportunities for recovery.
• Individuals with lived experience, family members, and community advocates who believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.

No matter your profession or background, you’ll leave with new ideas, meaningful connections, and practical ways to help build a stronger recovery ecosystem in Southwest Virginia.

Thank you to our sponsors, Bank of Marion, Locus, Anthem, and Wytheville Community Collge!