New Lenox Safe Community Coalition Hosts 'Your Light Still Shines' Community Awareness Event

NEW LENOX, IL — The New Lenox Safe Community Coalition invites the community to attend Your Light Still Shines on Thursday, Aug, 27 at Lincoln-Way West High School Auditorium. The free community event brings together education, resources, remembrance, and hope while addressing mental health, suicide, substance use disorder, and recovery.

The evening begins at 5 p.m. with a Resource Fair featuring more than 35 participating organizations, including H.E.R.O, Trinity Service, Will County Health Department, Recovery Centers of America, the DEA Chicago Field Office, and many more. Through 6:30 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with these local agencies and organizations providing prevention, treatment, mental health, recovery, and support services.

Additional activities during the Resource Fair include Hidden in Plain Sight interactive trailers, an Unwanted Medication Take Back, and informational and memorial tables offering attendees an opportunity to remember and honor loved ones impacted by mental health challenges, suicide, and substance use disorder.

Beginning at 6:40 p.m., the event will transition to its main educational presentation featuring Dr. Sterling Elliott, who will discuss 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) from a medical perspective. The presentation will provide attendees with timely information and a better understanding of this increasingly relevant substance and its potential health implications.

Following the presentation, attendees will hear from a discussion panel bringing together individuals with professional expertise, lived experience, and recovery-related experience. The panel will offer multiple perspectives on substance use, mental health, recovery, prevention, and the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations within families and the community.

Your Light Still Shines is designed for anyone interested in learning more about mental wellness, suicide prevention, substance use disorder, and recovery — whether they are seeking information for themselves, supporting a loved one, working in a related field, or simply hoping to become a more informed and supportive member of the community.

The event is free and open to the public, and raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. Attendees must be present to win.

Event Details

Your Light Still Shines
Thursday, Aug. 27
Lincoln-Way West High School Auditorium

5 to 6:30 p.m. — Community Resource Fair

• 35+ community organizations and resource providers
• Hidden in Plain Sight trailers
• Unwanted Medication Take Back
• Informational and memorial tables

6:40 to 8 p.m. — Main Presentation & Discussion

• 7-OH presentation featuring Dr. Sterling Elliott
• Discussion panel featuring professional, lived-experience, and recovery-related perspectives
• Raffle prizes

The New Lenox Safe Community Coalition encourages residents, families, professionals, and community members to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn, connect, and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorder.

Together, we can encourage meaningful conversations, connect people with resources, and remind those facing difficult circumstances that help is available, recovery is possible, and no one has to face these challenges alone.

Advance registration is encouraged but not required.
Register for free at: tinyurl.com/YOURLIGHTSTILLSHINES

For additional information, contact the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition at scc@newlenox.net.