Recovery works. Support systems, education and prayer can help.

That was this morning's message of a drug awareness walk through downtown Butler.

About 125 people participated in The Walk of Hope, which started at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. and trekked up Main Street.

The walk, which is in its fifth year, was coordinated by the Mount Chestnut Presbyterian Church's Hope for Broken Hearts support group.

Organizer Charlene Eckert said she wants the event to bring attention to the drug problem and hope to both addicts and their families.

“It's important for people that are using drugs to go through recovery and get better,” she said, “but it's just as important for families that are hurting and need support, to know they have somewhere to go and talk confidentially and openly about what they are going through.

“Everyone's journey is different.”

Participants in the walk made their way in a light rainfall to the front of the Butler County Courthouse where a prayer was offered up to give strength to those battling addiction.

The walk continued onto the Butler County Prison on South Washington Street where Shawn May of Teen Challenge delivered a testimonial about his addiction to heroin, and remaining clean for four years.