MOA Celebrates Their 10 Year Anniversary

Special to The Advocate

Malden Overcoming Addiction celebrated its 10th anniversary last Saturday with a festival-like party held at the Bridge Recovery Center.

Food trucks, face painting, great music from the DJ and a photo booth were just some of the attractions.

MOA Board member Karen Andrews said; “What a wonderful day we had on Saturday to celebrate all MOA has accomplished in 10 years and so proud to be part of this organization and this board. I continually learn from all of you.

Shout out to Linda Cochran who was the lead on this and did a fabulous job!” From its humble beginnings Malden Overcoming Addiction has become a force in the recovery world in Malden and beyond. Over ten years people have benefited from recovery coaches, sober homes, training, programming, and more to support recovery. On Saturday, many were on hand to wish MOA continued success.

As part of the speaking program Dawn Zanazzo and PJ Bell told personal stories and recounted the ways MOA had impacted their lives and the lives of those around them.

Senator Jason Lewis and Mayor Gary Christenson spoke to the crowd and highlighted the accomplishments of MOA. Each pledged their continued support with Senator Lewis

announcing that $40,000 was set aside in the state budget to support MOA and the Bridge Recovery Center.

Pastor Gerry Whetstone of Nazarene Church in Malden highlighted the partnership between MOA and the Malden Warming Center.

Concluding the speaking portion of the program MOA President Paul Hammersley spoke of the humble beginnings of MOA and got emotional when talking about his parents and about former Board Member Dom Disario and his early impact on the organization.

Inside the Bridge Recovery Center, the detailed storyboard created for the event told some of the story. The photo collages stirred up great memories.

What stands out are all of the people MOA has supported over the years, doing life-saving and life-changing work. Congratulations to MOA on a great first ten years!

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