Tony Dolce, JHS student organization advisor, said, “The classes had a difficult decision to make this year, as there were numerous great organizations to support. But, with the ongoing epidemic of addiction and chemical dependency increasing, they saw the need to support this worthy cause and hopefully make a change for the future.”

JHS started its 38th year of battle over a month-long fundraising effort by the school, which culminates in a festive competition between all JHS classes in fun events. The event was open to the public.

A Fresh Start fund was started by local resident Kim Carlson in honor of her late son Alex Faulk and is dedicated to helping those affected by addiction and chemical dependency.

For more information about A Fresh Start Fund or the foundation call (716) 664-8423.

(Pictured left to right: Rev. Luke Fodor, Dorothy Carlson, Kim Carlson)

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WRFA’s Jason Sample talks with Rev. Luke Fodor about Alex House, a supported recovery house that will be opening in the city of Jamestown. A community shower is scheduled for Saturday, March. 4 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Community members are asked to bring donations of basic household items to help resource the house. Celebratory food will be served, and information from other community agencies that deal with addiction and recovery will be available. There will be a special presentation at 4:15 p.m.

The Alex House is an Oxford House – a democratically run, self-supporting drug and alcohol free home. First established in 1975, the Oxford House concept has proven to be a “remarkably effective and low cost method of preventing relapse.” Oxford Houses provide a time-tested, solid foundation for all aspects of recovery.

The Jamestown house is named in memory of Alex Foulk, a young community member who died last year of a heroin overdose. The opening of the first Oxford House in Jamestown is the work of Alex’s mother and recovery advocate, Kim Carlson and ‘A Fresh Start’, a local nonprofit organization designed to promote awareness and encouragement based on personal experiences.

Working directly with UPMC Chautauqua WCA, the Mental Health Association, CASAC and other organizations, the group’s goal is to help people get comfortable with conversations about addiction and alcoholism so that they can get the help they need. A Fresh Start is also open to assist family members who have lost loved ones to addiction or who currently suffer with the disease.

“Our goal is to help people open up to and talk about substance abuse disorders, addiction and alcoholism. So many people don’t get the help they need because of stigma and not knowing where to go,” Carlson says. “Alex had a zest for life. He was hard working, well mannered, physically fit, and by all accounts a happy and healthy 26-year-old man. I knew that if this could happen to my son, our family, that it could happen to anyone. I had to take a stand to find a way to bring light to this situation. Losing a child is the most horrific pain a parent will ever feel. I say that I talk about my child so people can talk to their children. Through our experience, communication, knowledge, open minds and open hearts we can bring change so that others might not feel our pain.”

St. Luke’s has collaborated with A Fresh Start to serve as an operational base by offering meeting spaces at its 410 North Main Street location. The shower and presentations are the first of many expected to be held there.  The purpose of the shower is not only to help resource the home to be ready to support the daily needs of the residents, it is also to help educate the community about the Oxford House program and how it can help the area.

“We are thrilled to assist the work of recovery. We are a non-judgmental community that welcomes and supports people in recovery, helping them to grow into their best selves.”   says the Rev. Luke Fodor, Rector of St. Luke’s.

“Kim’s work is a manifestation of resurrection in action—she has turned death into life We are honored to assist with the establishment of the Alex House; a timely celebration of new birth almost one year after his death.”

Alex was a Jamestown resident who lost his life earlier this year due to a heroin overdose.  His mother Kim Carlson is partnering with the Arena to present the event, entitled “Alex: Celebrate the Life, the Smile.” The event is intended to celebrate Alex Foulk’s 27^th birthday, which would have been Oct. 4.

The afternoon will raise awareness of substance abuse disorders and funds for the Alex Foulk Memorial Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, which was established to raising funding for transitional housing for those recovering from drug addiction.

The doors open at 1 p.m. and two charity hockey games will take place at 2 and 3 p.m.  After the second game, at about 4 p.m., a red carpet ceremony will honor families who have lost loved ones to drugs or alcohol, as well as recognize those who are in recovery. Following the ceremony, popular local band TPT will perform and there will be open skating in the rink until 6:30 p.m.

Throughout the day there will also be representatives and informational materials from Chautauqua Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Council, Evergreen Health Services, HOPE Coalition, Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, and more.

Tickets are $10, $5 for children ages 6-10, free under age five, $25 for a family of four or more.

The ‘Be Part of the Solution’ event is happening at Shawbucks (212 W. Second St.) at 5:15 p.m. and will feature area resident Kim Carlson, whose son, 26 year-old Alex Foulk, died in February after smoking heroin laced with fentanyl.

Kim and her family were unaware Alex was using heroin and never saw this coming. In honor of Alex, Kim would like to help bring drug addiction awareness and recovery to our area.

The event is open to the public and anyone interested in learning more about fighting addiction in Chautauqua County and Jamestown is invited to attend.