Youth Group Meeting to Discuss Opioid Addiction and Learn about Harm Reduction

Young people, ages 13-18 in the greater Brattleboro area are invited to attend the October service project of a multicultural interfaith youth group on Sunday, October 13 from 5 to 7:30 pm in the fellowship hall of The First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro.

Learning about opioid overdose and what can be done to save a life is the focus of this meeting, in addition to ongoing goals of the group to build friendships and provide peer support to the newest Vermonters, refugees recently resettled in our area.

Harm Reduction is also October’s service project, for which attending BUHS students will receive community service credits.  In a drug overdose, opioids can slow breathing to the point of death so youth and leaders will build Harm Reduction kits containing Narcan (Naloxone) which can reverse the overdose, often saving a life, stated the gathering’s host, Rev. Jeremy Kirk, Pastor of the First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro.

A recent early morning drug raid at a Western Ave apartment near his church prompted Pastor Kirk to propose the topic of Opioid Use Disorder for the upcoming youth group meeting. “How do we promote a message of dignity and worthiness of members of our Brattleboro community who suffer with addiction,” he asked.” What are the experiences of young people in confronting the current opioid crisis and how is it different or the same for our new neighbors from abroad?

In addition to grappling with these questions, attendees will get to know each other through icebreakers; by sharing a spaghetti meal; and several dynamic games.

According to organizers, the purpose of this group is to build a multicultural community through friendships, fun and service– making a difference. Church affiliation or attendance is not expected though numerous religious organizations in Windham County support the effort by hosting the group on a rotating basis and ensuring that all can participate, regardless of their spiritual affiliation or their ability to pay or fundraise.

“The youth group benefits equally from the perspectives of young people who are newcomers to this culture and from the experience of youth who have grown up here,” explained Brian Remer, group facilitator.  Remer describes the group evolution into a dynamic multicultural club for teens who are interested in sharing their cultures and learning about each other.

“This is a good time to bring a friend or attend for the first time,” Remer stated. He explained that each gathering typically features a short community service project for which the youth receive credits toward the 40 community services hours required for BUHS graduation and if there is both interest and commitment, the group can travel to more distant service sites.

“Past groups have tackled community service projects, social justice issues, learned about different faith traditions, canoe and camped together, held overnight “Lock-Ins” locally, attended youth leadership conferences and explored New York City’s diversity and rich traditions,” stated Remer.

“The goal for this group is to build leadership skills and friendships among young people who care and want to make a difference in their communities,” he said.

In the past decade, youth performed community service in places as diverse as New Orleans, Kenya, St. Croix, El Salvador and the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. To ensure wide participation, the group conducts fundraisers leading up to each trip.

The First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro is located at 880 Western Ave and the fellowship hall entrance is around back. Directions: 1-91 to Vermont Exit 2 (Brattleboro), north on Route 9 to just past Academy School.

A $5 contribution towards the food is encouraged from those who can. For information or to reserve a spot, please contact Nanci at (802) 258-8348 or email nanci.leitch@gmail.com.