Dear friends,
“We suffer to get well. We surrender to win. We die to live. We give it away to keep it.” Richard Rohr. No words could better express the nature of recovery from substances and other addictions. Those last words, “we give it away to keep it” especially jumped out to me this month as we celebrate National Volunteer Week.
There is a unique quality to the volunteerism in the recovery community, especially at all of the recovery community centers. At the heart of it, our volunteers are the ones who keep the centers going, filling the space with kindness, welcome, and hope. They are mostly people in recovery who are giving back to others. By giving to others and sharing their hope and experience there is a mutual benefit... people seeking help are supported and inspired, and people volunteering their help are equally uplifted. There is simply nothing else like talking with someone who has been in your shoes and knows what it is to find a way out of the darkness.
Other professional services are critical – medical care, treatment, therapy – but it is in sharing stories and giving time to others as a peer that a resonance and understanding is found unlike any other. PRCC’s volunteers are mostly people in recovery, but we are also grateful for the allies who give tirelessly to help others. The power of allies to help eliminate stigma, support affected others, and champion for loved ones is deeply valued.
Recently, I overheard a parent at the grocery store check out line explaining to the cashier that her son had suffered from addiction and recovered. I don’t know what preceeded the conversation, but felt a rush of gratitude for the courage to speak up and the pride I heard in her voice.
We thank all our volunteers this month, and every month. We appreciate how they share themselves – from serving as greeters, to leading meetings, to keeping the space clean and welcoming. We are grateful for their service and how they “give it away” freely every day so that others can find their own recovery and new way of life.
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Kindly,
Leslie Clark, Executive Director
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Volunteers are the heart of what we do:
In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, PRCC staff extends our heartfelt appreciation to our volunteers who play a vital role in supporting PRCC's mission and spreading a message of hope for recovery.
Throughout Maine, volunteers are the backbone of the recovery community centers. Whether in Bangor or Portland, or the smaller rural centers, volunteers are at the heart of recovery efforts and the recovery movement in Maine. At any center in Maine, you will find volunteers greeting newcomers, sharing their stories, and participating in events and community engagement.
PRCC has roughly 160 volunteers who support the recovery community by providing a positive, safe, and engaging outlet for those in recovery. Volunteers work at the front desk and greet visitors and members, clean PRCC and the grounds, serve as recovery coaches, and provide telephone recovery support. If you’re interested in volunteering at PRCC in Portland, an orientation occurs every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at PRCC. For questions and more info, please reach out to Danielle, volunteer recovery support supervisor at PRCC, danielle@portlandrecovery.org.
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Marie Vicino: "Marvelous Marie," Volunteer of the Month!
Marie Vicino, a valued member of Portland Recovery Community Center, was named Volunteer of the Month for March.
Marie moved to Portland in September 2022 to live in a recovery residence. Soon after, she became involved at PRCC as a volunteer. Marie, who recently celebrated 8 months in recovery, volunteers three days a week. She does a variety of jobs, such as making coffee, cleaning, and supporting PRCC staff.
“Marie brings sunshine into every room she enters,” said Emily Davis, program manager at PRCC. “She has been an extremely hardworking volunteer, willing to pitch in wherever needed. She takes pride in helping others and does it with a smile. We are lucky to know Marie and look forward to seeing her growth and success!”
A native of Massachusetts, Marie works as a crossing guard for the Portland Public Schools guiding kids to and from school near the busy intersection of Anania’s on Washington Avenue in Portland. In her spare time, Marie enjoys volunteering at PRCC.
“I love it all,” Marie said. “I love talking to people in recovery and meeting new people in recovery. I’m getting to know everyone. It’s all about making connections up here.”
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Volunteers making a difference at
Recovery Community Centers across Maine
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Lakes Region Recovery Center, 2 Elm St. in Bridgton, has a dedicated group of 15 volunteers, who host meetings, make phone calls, run the front desk, and represent LRRC in the community. LRRC staff celebrated this amazing group on March 28 with a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and presented certificates of appreciation and golden statues.
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PIR2Peer Recovery Center, 2323 Medway Rd. in Medway, has 13 volunteers. These amazing volunteers answer the phone and welcome visitors and members as they walk through the door. Nioka Q. said volunteering gives her purpose.
“When I'm able to get out into the community, I get to talk about recovery and promote a place that is very special to me, a place that saved my life, and that place is PIR2Peer,” Nioka said. “There is so much stigma everywhere that it gives me pleasure to show them a fresh face of recovery.”
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Save a Life Recovery Resource Center, 19 VFW St. in Lincoln, has about 12 volunteers.
Ashleigh Auger was recognized as the recovery center’s first Volunteer of the Month.
Ashleigh has been a recovery coach since Save a Life opened in 2021.
“Her bright demeanor, honesty and dedication to helping people find recovery without judgement is so very appreciated. Thank you for all you do.” said Kelly Cookson, director of SAL.
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Bangor Area Recovery Network, 142 Center St. in Brewer, has about 55 volunteers, who serve over 1,000 hours a month. Volunteers provide peer-based services, education, outreach, and advocacy. Volunteers support BARN staff to maintain a safe haven for those seeking recovery, their loved ones, and their communities.
BARN recognized Jeffery Joseph as Volunteer of the Month for March.
“Jeff has repeatedly stepped up to cover shifts when others are unable to be here,” said Joe Hartel, volunteer coordinator at BARN. “During a snowstorm he walked many miles to get here for his shift! He loves playing music for our patrons and he’s actively involved in our Community Garden Project. He is always willing to lend a helping hand. Oh, we can’t forget, that Jeff loves the Grateful Dead.”
“Helping people helps me in more ways than I can say,” Jeff said.
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Two volunteers join PRCC's Recovery World Café
Hanul Moon joined the PRCC staff as outreach coordinator for the Recovery World Café project. Hanul is passionate about recovery and brings professional experience in project management and team leadership.
Kiesha Sellers also joined the staff as a kitchen coordinator for Recovery World Café. Kiesha is bilingual, passionate about recovery, and has extensive experience as a chef including work at the White House.
Hanul and Kiesha have been wonderful volunteers and we are so fortunate that they are joining the team.
Recovery World Café is a new project that will bring together a series of events for community conversations with diverse communities in recovery and curious about recovery. PRCC will also host a weekly breakfast or lunch that facilitates mini meetings with various topics and special guest speakers.
Stay tuned for updates about this exciting project.
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Recovery Coaches: Helping people in recovery
to live joyful lives.
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In April 2021, Gillian was at risk for homelessness, struggling with substance use disorder, and almost lost her son. She reached out for help and called Portland Recovery Community Center.
Gillian met with a PRCC staff member for coffee, and they talked. Soon after, she was paired with a Recovery Coach, who helps guide Gillian in her recovery pathway to live a meaningful life.
“The second I met her, we clicked,” Gillian said as her voice trembled holding back tears. “She has really helped me. It’s kind of like being able to talk to your best friend on a sunny day. She inspires me to be the best person I can be. She gives me confidence saying, ‘You’re amazing.’ She inspires my soul, literally.”
Recovery Coaching is an innovative, peer to peer support service that helps individuals in recovery to find their own unique recovery pathway to live a joyful life. Recovery Coaches help guide Recoverees by removing barriers, and connecting them with recovery support and resources so that the Recoveree is empowered to recover.
PRCC offers CCAR (Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery) certified Recovery Coach Academy trainings throughout the state. This intensive 5-day training provides individuals with the skills they need to guide, mentor, and support people seeking to enter recovery or sustain long-term recovery from an addiction to alcohol or other substances. PRCC provides Recovery Coach trainings free of charge.
To read the full story and learn more about Recovery Coaching, go to PRCC.
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Spring is finally here. Get outside and have some fun!
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Bangor Area Recovery Network: |
Got a hidden talent? BARN is hosting a Talent Show from 3 to 6 p.m. April 30 at 142 Center St. in Brewer. Admission is free. If you’re interested in showcasing your talent, send an email to erica@bangorrecovery.org.
Last Chance Motorcycle Club is hosting a spaghetti dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. on April 22 at BARN, 142 Center St. in Brewer. The cost is $10 per person. Kids 12 and under are free. All proceed will be donated to BARN. A dance will be held later that night starting at 8:45 p.m.
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Operation HOPE: PRCC is keeping HOPE alive for Mainers with SUD
PRCC is continuing to provide Operation HOPE at PRCC, 102 Bishop St. in Portland, to connect people seeking treatment for substance use disorder.
On March 1, the Scarborough Police Department ended its involvement with Operation HOPE, which partnered with PRCC to help people find treatment and residential recovery housing. Since 2015, Operation HOPE has helped more than 1,000 people find treatment for substance misuse.
Thanks to generous donations from community members and Cumberland County, which authorized the use of Opioid settlement funds to keep the program going until more funding can be secured, PRCC has been able to keep this important program going. We are so thankful for your support.
PRCC staff is available to meet with participants from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays. Please stay tuned for more information about how Operation HOPE will look in the future.
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PRCC is hiring!
PRCC is looking to hire a Volunteer Coordinator to coordinate its volunteer workforce through recruitment, retention, training, evaluation, and recognition. The Volunteer Coordinator manages data of volunteer hours and activities and works closely with the Peer Support Supervisor to ensure necessary volunteer resources and coordinate coverage. The person hired for this position will collaborate with local recovery-oriented organizations to build relationships and create ongoing volunteer experiences for people in recovery.
PRCC is also hiring a Resource Navigator for Pathways of Hope, formally known as Operation HOPE. The Resource Navigator is a person with lived experience in recovery, who assists people seeking placement for treatment or recovery supported housing through the Pathways of Hope program at PRCC. The resource navigator works with participants from time of placement and continue to follow-up and offer additional support where needed. This position is responsible for evaluation of needs, data collection, and reporting program outcomes.
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Coaching Corner
PRCC is offering two trainings:
Recovery Coaching in an Emergency Department will be held May 25-26. *This class is designed for trained CCAR recovery coaches.
Coachervision will be offered June 22-23. *This class is for trained CCAR recovery coaches who will be supervising recovery coaches.
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Creating a Savings Mindset in Recovery
Managing money is a life skill that many people in recovery may not have learned or lost over the course of their active addiction.
Learning new ways to handle money responsibly is an important part of recovery. Learning to budget and save money are key to creating the financial future you want. For someone in recovery, money can be a powerful relapse trigger or set off a need to spend to replace previous addictive behaviors or uses of money.
By making savings a priority, it may be easier than you think to tweak your spending and save money. Here are a few easy ways to create a savings mindset that can help you develop good money habits and reach your financial goals.
- Live below your means - in other words, spend less than you earn.
- Know where you stand financially – understand your money coming in and going out.
- Identify needs versus wants – a need includes life essentials, and a want is something you can live without.
To learn more, check out the full story on PRCC’s website, PRCC
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Building Recovery Community Throughout Maine
This newsletter allows us to connect with you, our Maine recovery community. Whether you're a person in recovery, family member, or ally, you are part of the solution to addiction. Published on a regular basis and sent via email, this newsletter provides updates and gives you an opportunity to help support recovery and spread the message of hope throughout the state of Maine. To learn more about PRCC, whose programs are funded in part by the Maine Department of Health & Human Services, visit our website. Please send any feedback or information you'd like us to include to newsletter@portlandrecovery.org.
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PORTLAND RECOVERY COMMUNITY CENTER portlandrecovery.org |
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