Speaker Jam, the annual gathering of Butler County social service agencies and nonprofits, couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.

The event, which allows people to share their stories of recovery, took place Aug. 25. The event also served as an opportunity for groups, such as the Grapevine Center and NAMI Butler County, to publicize their services

The event offered sharing, community connection and celebration of long-term recovery

It took place in Alameda Park just one day after Community Partnership Inc., a nonprofit that helped distribute food to county residents, announced it was permanently closing.

Speaker Jam put a spotlight on the fact that there are still organizations offering aid in other areas to those who need help, whether it is addiction, mental health struggles or traumatic injuries. People may not have known they had such resources available to them without the event.

In a time of rising prices and more restrictive guidelines for all types of assistance, Speaker Jam provides a vital service in getting the word out about the help that is still available.

Perhaps the nonprofits and government agencies behind Speaker Jam should consider making the event more frequent or collaborate on a social services ‘expo’ to publicize all their services and how to apply for them.

— JP