Ravenna 'Rally for Recovery' to raise awareness, funds

RAVENNA, Ohio - Generations of Jeremy Taugner's family are battling drug addiction and it's consequences.

"I have a cousin and uncle in prison now because of it. My children's mother is battling with it. Both my brothers," Taugner said.

Taugner himself is a recovering addict. But he told NewsChannel5 he was unable to get the help he needed in Portage County, where he resides.

"I was at the worst of my worst and I asked the judge if I could receive some help and he let me know I couldn't get any help unless I committed a felony," Taugner said.

To get help Taugner said he came to Cuyahoga County and established "residence" in a homeless shelter so he could access rehabilitation services.

Now, Jeremy Taugner is working to start a mens residential treatment facility in Portage County.  He is part of a group called Citizens for Addiction Recovery and Education (CARE).

CARE is holding a "Rally for Recovery" Nov. 18, at the Portage County Courthouse in Ravenna. The event will kicking off a fundraising effort meant to establish a mens rehab center similar to the Horizon House half-way house which serves women in Portage County.

The rally in Ravenna will start at 6:30 p.m. and feature speakers and information on addiction and treatment.  There will be raffles and T-shirt sales to benefit the Damians Endowment fund which has been established at First Place Bank in Ravenna.

"I've got a passion for it," said Taugner.  "I don't want people to go through what I went through - so that's my motivation."

Click this link to view another Portage County family's story of struggle with addiction.