Hardin County’s Second Annual 5K Run for Recovery

On Saturday, May 24, 2014, Reclaiming Futures Hardin County hosted their second annual Run for Recovery, one of their premier fundraisers for the Hardin Community School and Reclaiming Futures. 135 participants gathered in Kenton, Ohio to support the 5K Run/Walk & Kids Dash. Many more people supported the cause by volunteering for the event and cheering for the participants during the race.

They were able to raise $5,300 ($3,450 after expenses) in contributions which will be used for projects and activities for Hardin County youth in recovery. Khrystal Wagner, Project Director, shared that "having an event like this to bring the community together in support of recovery from mental illness, substance abuse and school credit recovery is exciting and gives me hope that our youth will have sustained support and guidance."
Leaha Archer, Community Fellow and event organizer, said that they had 30 groups/organizations sign up to support the 5K. State Representative Robert Sprague was a new sponsor this year and expressed his interest in increasing his level of sponsorship next year. Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and Kenton Police Department provided safe conditions for the runners and walkers. Hardin Community School 4-H Club signed up for this event as their 4-H service project. Over 40 members assisted by picking up donations and race items, stuffing the participant goody bags, making signage and volunteering for race day.

A few of the youth from Hardin Community School interviewed participants before the race began and when asked “How do you feel about the 5K?," respondents said “I’m excited, ready to run” (Shyla), “It’s going to be fun” (Trevor), “I am glad to see all you guys running it and not me!” (Judge Christopher, Judicial Fellow) and “I feel like I’m going to need a few waffle tacos after this!” (Amanda). When asked the question, “Do you think you are going to win the 5K?," the interviewees stated “Nope, just out here to have fun” (Mark, Community Fellow) and “No, I’m going to do the best I can. I’m not a good runner, my goal is 30 minutes” (Julian).
Tabatha Longeway, a member of Reclaiming Futures Montgomery County, drove from Dayton, Ohio to participate in the 5K with her friend Debbie Beinhart and stated “what a joy to see the overwhelming camaraderie and enthusiasm from the individuals who came out to support the youth of their community. Very uplifting and I can’t wait to come back next year!”
Highlights from the event, including pictures, race results and list of sponsors can be seen on Hardin Community School’s Facebook Page.

As a new staff member at Reclaiming Futures, Christa Myers joins the team as the Fellowship Program Manager. She most recently worked for 5.5 years as the Project Director for Hocking County Reclaiming Futures at the Logan, Ohio site and also served as Program Coordinator for the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court specialized docket. Appointed as a coach by the National Program Office in 2010 to work with Hardin County, Ohio, she expanded her coaching responsibilities to also include Forsyth County, NC and Lucas County, OH in 2012. She received her BA in Biology with minors in German and Russian Area Studies at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, with her main work experience in the area of youth development. Her previous positions include: Ohio State University Extension, Hocking County (4-H program); National Crime Prevention Council, Youth Division in Washington, DC; Foundation for Appalachian Ohio; Sunday Creek Associates (Youth Entrepreneurial Project). Christa has been an active community member and served on many local boards, intertwining her interests in photography, ceramics and travel with creating and sustaining programs and volunteering. A focus of her fundraising efforts has been on the issue of hunger, helping to raise over $150,000 through multiple years participation in the Empty Bowls project.