R.O.C.K. provides way to end substance abuse

By Virginia Ross

R.O.C.K. uses rocks and rock to get its anti-drug message across.

NEW MIDDLETOWN — At one time, at least five families attending Becky Minamyer’s church were independently dealing with substance abuse. And those families, including her own, were the ones the Springfield Township woman knew about. As the abuse hit closer to home — infiltrating the lives of two of her four sons — Minamyer and her husband, Mike, called upon their faith to battle the enemy of addiction.

“We were hit hard by the realization that one son, and then another son, had been affected by addiction,” Minamyer explained. “It can be devastating for families. We have God, and he got us through. It’s our goal to provide support and, through faith, help others get through it.”

In 2005 the Minamyers established R.O.C.K., a nonprofit Christian-based organization dedicated to glorifying God by bringing awareness to drug and alcohol problems. R.O.C.K. stands for Reclaim Our Community Kids and works to provide support and hope for hurting individuals and their families by providing them an avenue to find help.

At 7 p.m. today, R.O.C.K. will present its annual prayer vigil and rally at St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church in New Middletown. Admission is free.

Prayer warriors and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend, said Minamyer, R.O.C.K director. Pastor Kevin Rauch of Teen Challenge Youngstown will be the keynote speaker. The night will include a time of musical worship.

Social service agencies are welcome to display and distribute materials.

“If you are hurting, if you are concerned, if you can provide some support for those in need, please come,” Minamyer said. “We need you. We need each other.”

Minamyer said the support and prayer she received paid off. Both of her sons are now recovering addicts. She noted that each of the other families that prompted her and her husband to initiate R.O.C.K. are also experiencing recovery.

“Our goal is to continue, and to grow,” she said. “It’s a big war, but we know we can fight it. With God’s help, we can fight it.”

The work will continue next week when R.O.C.K. presents Drug Update 2008. The prevention, awareness and educational program will begin at 6:30 p.m. April 17 at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Beaver Township.

Beaver Township Police Officer Brian Hartman is scheduled to speak on community drug concerns and possible options for preventing addiction.

Meanwhile, little rocks painted with bright colors and the letters R.O.C.K. serve to remind Minamyer of a time in her life when she needed her rock-solid faith.

“I’ve painted, along with my little niece, so many of these rocks and handed them out just for everyone to remember the prayers that are needed and the prayers that have been answered. My hope is to continue as long as it takes. My goal is to help bring an end to the suffering addiction brings.”

For more information about R.O.C.K. or the organization’s events, contact Minamyer at (330) 549-2844 or minamyer1@zoominternet.net.