Talent show brings hope

A night of talent, recovery and hope was held Friday night at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea.

Recovery’s Got Talent featured the talents of individuals recovering from the grip of addiction. The night was also meant as a beacon of hope to those who are in the throes of addiction or in recovery.

Those in recovery read poems they had written and sang songs, including Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” Elton John’s “Your Song,” “Thinking out Loud,” by Ed Sheeran and “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” by Bon Jovi.

The night was seen by those in recovery as a sign of better things to come.

“This means having fun in recovery and getting out in the public and not being afraid of my addiction,” said Ric Staloch, who is in long-term recovery from alcohol and drug abuse.

He said the talent show also provides him with an opportunity to mend some wounds.

“Looking back at all the pain I caused my family in my addiction, you start to get that back,” he said. “You make them proud of you. Recovery is possible.”

Staloch said the talent show also showcased the talent, fellowship and families of recovering addicts. According to Staloch, it showed that those in recovery can be productive and be courageous enough to get on stage and do something everyone can be proud of.

The event was held in connection with September’s Recovery Month.

“Last year when I sat in this room and felt the power of people coming together, not judging or placing a stigma on them, it was powerful,” said Jenine Koziolek, outreach specialist at Fountain Centers. “I wanted to do it again.”

Jason Lennox, who has struggled with alcohol abuse in the past, shared his story of addiction and recovery.

“There’s a life to live and it’s much better than what most of you could probably imagine,” Lennox said.

There are three other Recovery’s Got Talent scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday in Northfield, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 in Rochester and a grand finale at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 in Rochester that will include all finalists. The top three finishers of Friday night’s event advanced to the final round.

“Recovery has gone karaoke with a lot of excitement and freedom that people in recovery are expressing,” said Jack Wittkopp, master of ceremonies and clinical supervisor at Fountain Centers. “For the last couple of years it’s been excitement, fun and people cheering for others to do their best.”

He said recovery consists of two words: freedom and gratitude.