MANSFIELD — Ann Mitchell has dedicated years to New Beginnings, from board member to social worker to volunteer.
On Wednesday, she received the first-ever Women’s Heart of Service Award.
The 4th annual New Beginnings Recovery event drew a lively crowd at 741 Scholl Road. The goal is the same every year, celebrate recovery and recognize individuals and organizations making a lasting impact.
“We are all joined together to recognize the beauty of recovery,” said Elaine Surber, executive vice president and director of substance use disorder services for Catalyst Life Services.
Surber then invited Ann Mitchell, one of the founding members of the original board of directors for Catalyst Life Services, to the podium.
“Ann Mitchell embodies the true spirit of service, compassion and unwavering dedication to the mission of New Beginnings,” Surber said.
She highlighted Mitchell for helping lay the foundation of an organization that continues to change countless lives.
Mitchell first joined as a board member before becoming an employee in 2007, where she served as a social worker until retiring in 2017. After retirement, Mitchell returned as a volunteer.
Surber said Mitchell’s work was more than a job, it was a calling.
“Ann Mitchell’s legacy is one of tireless advocacy, deep empathy and a steadfast belief in the power of recovery,” Surber said. “Her life’s work is a testament to what it means to serve with heart.”
Seeing familiar faces and the growth they have made is what Mitchell said is her favorite part of the event.
Jason Hoover received the first-ever 2025 Community Collaboration Award for his collaborative efforts and respect for those that work with him.
Surber also received recognition for her leadership.
“This event would not have happened without Elaine,” said Mandi Whitlatch, residential supervisor of substance use disorder services.
New Beginnings honors recovery through art
The event also celebrated community art and projects that highlight recovery and hope.
The Peace Fellowship Church and The Phillips Foundation funded the 2025 Peace Pole.
Staff will install the peace pole in the sanctuary area of the women’s house.
The client advisory committee chose the words hope, recovery, sanctuary and love. Joel Wintersteller helped to design it.
This is the second year for the peace pole.
Artist Verna Horvath attended the event for the second year, too. Horvath created a tree painting for the women’s house, with paper butterflies that community members could paint and attach themselves.
“The butterfly represents freedom,” Horvath said. “It’s what happens when you’re free from addiction or things holding you back.
“You can leave the tree and fly.”
Horvath said she hopes the painting inspires others to know they can achieve the same freedom.
Along with the tree painting, New Beginnings residents created paintings that were on display.
They were able to attach a paper to their canvas explaining what the painting represents for them.
Mansfield community joins celebration
Catalyst Life Services staff, elected officials and community members gathered to honor recovery from substance use and mental health challenges during National Recovery Month.
“We’re blessed to have community support,” Surber said.
Judge Phillip Naumoff said it is important for officials to be at these types of events to let the community know they care.
Naumoff said he values hearing success stories and shared that one individual credited him with referring him to Catalyst, now maintaining 11 years of sobriety.
Judge Michael Kemerer, also in attendance, said official have a duty to show their support at functions like the New Beginnings recovery event. Judge David Badnell and Judge Brent Robinson were also in attendance.
O’Charley’s donated meals for the third year, Domino’s donated pizza, and dessert was provided by Dan Lew Exchange, Borealis Bites and The Joyful Table.
Community partners that helped to celebrate were Community Action for Capable Youth, Third Street Family Health Services, Mansfield Gay Pride Association, Richland Public Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness Richland County, Starfish Project of Richland County and for the first year, the Catalyst Client Advisory Committee.
Doug Newsome provided music for the fourth year.
Attendees could take part in face painting, crafts, games, door prizes and raffle tickets.
Laura Montgomery, chief executive at Catalyst Life Services, said this year they counted over 200 attendees, including vendors.
“Each year it is so nice to see such a wide array group of people come together to celebrate,” Montgomery said.
(Photos from the 4th annual New Beginnings Recovery event. Photo by: Hannah Martin)
