
Recovery Happens 2025!
Recovery is REAL: Restoring Every Aspect of Life.
Since September 2014, Voices of Recovery, has sponsored National Recovery Month in San Mateo County. This event brings together hundreds to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and to celebrate individuals who are recovering.
Candlelight Vigil
September 5th, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
400 County Center
Redwood City Courthouse
The Candlelight Vigil marks the commencement of Recovery Happens. Candles guide us and cast light upon the space overhead, serving as our declaration against the dark and an affirmation of life. In a global act of unity, families will confront the shadow of substance use and declare their hope through a candlelighting ceremony at this event.
Join us as we light candles to:
• Honor our loved ones in the bondage of active addiction
• Give our gratitude for those who have found their way out of addiction.
• Remember and honor the lives lost to addiction.
• Raise Awareness and Promote Recovery


Recovery Art Show
Center for Creativity
Historic Hotel Sequoia
800 Main Street, Redwood City, CA
Throughout the month of September, we are virtually showcasing the many community resources and the creative talent in the Recovery community by hosting our Art Show.
Recovery Happens Brunch & Walk of HOPE
Proclamation
September 9, 2024 - 9:30 AM
400 County Center, Redwood City 94063
San Mateo County Board of Supervisors declare September “Recovery Happens Month 2025”
Breakfast/Philomena Walk of HOPE
September 9, 2024 - 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM
This year, we're changing things up!
Come and enjoy brunch at the Redwood City County Courthouse, accompanied by music from John Jessu. Afterward, take part in "Walk of Hope," a walk around Redwood City named in honor of the remarkable Philomena. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to supporting the Recovery community and, sadly, was a victim of domestic violence.
Join us to celebrate her legacy.
The walk begins at 400 County Center, loops to pass by the VORSMC Recovery Connection Center, and then returns..
Speakers:
- Special Prayer: Rev Mary Frazier
- Dr. Jei Africa, Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services,
- David Canepa, Board of Supervisors
- Tatiana Lyulki will present us with a poem
- Freda Anderson with a tribute to her sister, Philomena Anderson-Ashford