Have you been affected by a substance abuse disorder or mental health issue? Everyone has. If not personally, you know a family member or friend. The Virtue Center's mission is to provide treatment, help, and hope to individuals and families in our community and SMASH THE STIGMA associated with addiction and mental health.

Join us on May 13, in honor of mental health awareness month, and June 10 in collaboration with the Second Friday Art Walk and the Norman Arts Council in a powerful display of intervention art!

On May 13, at 7:00 pm, we will gather on James Garner Blvd. to the north of Benvenuti's on the west side of the railroad tracks. We will hear from Virtue Center staff and past clients. Then at 7:30 pm, we kick off our project with spray paint artist Andy Jacobs. Then anyone who wishes can take a turn writing a story on a car.

On June 10, at 7:00 pm, we will gather once again to take turns smashing the car, SMASHING THE STIGMA, and letting go of any stereotypes or shame we have felt while struggling with the disease of addiction or mental health challenges.

Swing the hammer for yourself or someone you know, and participate in this moving display.

Fifty years ago, the founder of the Virtue Center, Dick Virtue, who had faced the devastating impact of addiction, began a grassroots effort to change how Oklahomans could access help for substance use disorders.

Help as we work to carry on Father Virtue's vision for our community by supporting our building campaign.

The Virtue Center has received a $655,000 grant from the Mabee Foundation to match every dollar you donate if we exceed their goal. We are still $570,000 away. Please consider a donation of $50 for five years or any amount so the Virtue Center can serve more people with improved services in a facility clients deserve. These funds will not come to our community if we don't raise enough funds.

Smash the Stigma is a free event, but donations will be accepted.