2 Western Pa. recovery nonprofits seek donations to continue sober space at Stage AE

Janice Olson considers herself living proof that it’s possible to have fun at a concert while sober.

But for people in substance-use-disorder recovery, the heavy presence of drugs and alcohol can take the focus away from enjoying performances by a favorite musician.

Olson, director of operations at Hempfield-based recovery nonprofit Sage’s Army, can still recall her first sober concert experience.

“There were times where I was like, ‘Man, maybe this could be more fun if I was drinking,’ ” she said.

Attending alongside her husband, who also is in recovery, made a world of difference.

“It was very helpful,” she said. “I don’t feel I would have done that well without him.”

Now 13 years sober, Olson is helping Sage’s Army make concerts at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE more welcoming to people in recovery. Working alongside Monroeville-based nonprofit John’s Echo, they’re bringing back for a second season a dedicated sober space at the North Shore venue.

The two organizations launched the space last year, paying Stage AE $15,000 to set up a tent, located inside during outdoor concerts and outside during indoor shows.

Staff from each nonprofit attended a majority of the venue’s summer shows to provide resources and support to those needing a break from the concert party scene. They also plan to offer “mocktails” and other nonalcoholic beverages this year.

Budget cuts sow financial hurdles

But as Sage’s Army grapples with the loss of one of its largest funding sources, financing the sober space comes with a new set of challenges this year.

The nonprofit relied on a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County last year to pay for the venue and other associated costs, such as staffing, transportation and supplies.

Sage’s Army was not able to renew that grant this year, Olson said. Staff learned in March the nonprofit would lose $250,000 from its annual $700,000 federal allocation because of cuts by the Trump administration.

“I think everybody is in this ‘brace for the avalanche to come down’ (mindset) where more (cuts) are going to happen,” she said.

The organization already has spent $70,000 of its federal funding this year, assuming it would be reimbursed, said Kristin Mull, certified recovery specialist supervisor.

“We’re having to scramble to figure out how … to continue doing this,” she said.

Sage’s Army is pulling from its own funds to sponsor the sober space this year, Olson said.

“We’re just going to keep doing that,” she said, “and we’re just going to keep having hope and faith that we’re going to keep doing it.”

Stage AE dropped the sober space fee to $5,000 in light of the funding loss, Olson said, and Sage’s Army hired a company to help the nonprofit apply for three grants. But if those are not awarded, Sage’s Army could be forced to reduce its staff or services, Olson said.

“In the fall, I don’t know where we’re going to be,” she said.

Community donations sought

That’s what inspired the nonprofit’s latest fundraising push, which could land donors with a pair of tickets to an upcoming Stage AE concert.

Those who donate to Sage’s Army and write in the notes field that they are supporting the sober space will be entered into a raffle for concert tickets. Winners, who will be announced at the end of July, will receive two tickets to an August or September performance of their choosing.

To donate, visit sagesarmy.com and select the “donate” tab.

Sage’s Army offers a variety of recovery-related resources, including transportation to medication assisted treatment, naloxone and test strips to identify fentanyl-laced drugs. Its staff hosts bimonthly sober recreation nights at Twin Lakes Park east of Greensburg and opens the nonprofit’s doors to local recovery groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

The nonprofit was founded by Carmen Capozzi in 2012 after the death of his 20-year-old son, Sage, from a heroin overdose. The sober concert space pays tribute to Sage’s musical talent.

“I just miss him. I miss him,” Capozzi said through tears. “I look at pictures of him. He was so talented and he would get up on stage and he had more talent than I had in my pinky and he would demand everybody’s attention.

“I was so proud of him. And I’m never going to experience that again.”

Helping people in recovery enjoy the type of entertainment Sage once provided is one of Capozzi’s passions.

“I live through this,” he said. “I live through Sage’s Army doing it and giving other people an opportunity.”