Much like walking a long journey, recovery from addiction is done one step at a time.

In the same way, Chautauqua Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Council observed National Recovery Month on Tuesday with many other individuals and organizations for a Recovery Walk in downtown Jamestown.

Starting off at the CASAC office in Jamestown, the large group gathered to walk through downtown until they reached Infinity Visual and Performing Arts.

Melanie Witkowski, CASAC executive director, said it is an important topic to bring awareness to.

“We are doing a recovery walk just to help bring awareness to addiction recovery,” Witkowski said. “There are so many people in the community that are facing struggles with loved ones, co-workers, family members and friendships. It’s really important to let people know recovery is possible, and we’re hoping to let people know we’re here for support if anybody ever needs it.”

She said several organizations were involved, including the Mental Health Association, the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, The Resource Center, Hope Chautauqua, UCAN and Infinity Visual and Performing Arts.

“We have a lot of people collaborating together,” Witkowski said. “We hope to bring people together, share people’s stories and let people know that recovery is possible. It’s happening, and there are social supports in our community. It’s just being able to recognize it.”

She said this is the third walk of its nature that the organization has done, and another is scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Dunkirk office at 324 Central Ave. It will come to an end at the Salvation Army at 704 Central Ave.

Witkowski said approximately 130 people were expected to attend the walk and the program afterward. When the walk ended at Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, the film, “Hope and Healing For Chautauqua” created by Kranky Plate Productions was shown, and the Awareness Theatre Alumni presented a skit on recovery.

Awards were also given out to individuals who have supported the Recovery Move, including Dr. Lillian Ney and others.

Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-C-I-Jamestown, said it was important to him to attend the event.

“It’s really important we show strong community support for those who are wrestling with alcohol and drug addiction and are making progress in recovery,” Goodell said. “I have tremendous respect for individuals who are addressing addictions and successfully moving forward in their lives. Addictions can be so overwhelming and so powerful that it takes a tremendous amount of personal strength, courage, determination, commitment and a lot of community support to make that successful transition away from addiction.”

He said the walk was just one way the community could come out and offer support.

“This is a great showing of community support with members of the community coming out and saying, ‘We’re here supporting you, and we want you to succeed in your efforts to overcome addiction,” Goodell said. “I have a lot of respect for people who are successfully addressing their addiction and I have a lot of appreciation for all their friends, their relatives and community members who are providing that critical support to enable them to be successful in their walk to recovery.”

Co-sponsoring the Walks are the Chautauqua Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Council, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, HOPE Chautauqua, Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, Salvation Army, TLC Health Network, United Christian Advocacy Network, and WCA Hospital.

For more information, call the Mental Health Association at 661-9044.