INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — “If I can do it, anyone can do it,” said Larry Cooper, founder of Starting Life Over, Inc., after being imprisoned six times in his life then turning it around, earning his associates degree.
Proceeds earned from the picnic held Saturday at the Indian River Fairgrounds will go to the objective of having the first rehabilitation house for individuals with the disease of alcoholism and/or drug addiction in Indian River County. The location would be called The Starting Life Over Men’s Rehabilitation House.
The group is a Christian-based, not-for-profit organization, established to help individuals with the “disease of alcoholism and/or drug addiction, who have been institutionalized” – either in substance abuse treatment programs or jail or prison, according to their website.
No violent offenders would be admitted to the house, said Cooper.
During the event, there was music and a variety of performances. Smoke from Johnny “Juice” Coopers grill wafted across vendor lane at the fairgrounds.
“This is a great cause and we’re glad to help,” said Edmund Nolzaro, a volunteer. “God takes care of everything.”
Currently, the group is providing food and clothes to those trying to integrate back into society. The group is looking for volunteers.
For more information visit http://startinglifeover.org/
“Helping one another is the best thing we can do,” said Karen Kozdra.