Dear friends,
The new year is a time for reflection, change, and growth. As I look to 2023, I’m amazed by the growth of PRCC and recovery community centers across the state, and filled with hope and energy for the future.
There’s a growing recovery movement happening in Maine as more and more people find recovery from substance use disorder and other addictions. In communities across the state, there’s a vast network of peer recovery support services, recovery coaches, public education, prevention efforts, and advocacy work by people in recovery ready to help those seeking it. We are always here to help.
It was an exciting year for PRCC and the Maine Recovery Hub, which helped support 18 recovery community centers throughout the state. PRCC celebrated its 10th year of serving people seeking and in recovery throughout the greater Portland area. Our new home at 102 Bishop Street has allowed us to expand our work and help a growing number of individuals and families find help and support. PRCC now offers more than 50 weekly meetings and activities in person and online, and groups that support multiple pathways of recovery.
Together, we make recovery possible. Together, we are building hope and support for people in and seeking recovery throughout Maine.
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Kindly,
Leslie Clark, Executive Director
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PRCC says goodbye to Nancy Cormier as she moves on to new opportunities. Nancy has been at PRCC since the very beginning in 2011, first serving as Volunteer Coordinator and then as Program Manager.
Nancy is much loved by members, volunteers and the recovery community, helping hundreds of people find and sustain recovery. Her office, with its comfy chairs has been a frequent gathering place for people, especially when they were struggling. Nancy always offered a listening ear, compassionate words, and a wise and encouraging suggestion.
PRCC will miss Nancy and we wish her all the best in her new chapter. 💜
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2022 Statewide Highlights |
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In 2022, the Maine Recovery Hub at PRCC worked with communities in Sanford and Norway preparing to open two recovery community centers There are currently 18 recovery centers across the state with several more expected to open in 2023. Each recovery center offers meetings, telephone recovery support and coaching to those who need it. Looking for a recovery community center near you? Visit portlandrecovery.org/recovery-community-centers-in-maine/.
Here are some 2022 highlights from Recovery Community Centers across Maine and aspirations to serve the recovery community in 2023.
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The Bangor Area Recovery Network: |
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- 27,450 visitors in 2022
- Organized a “Recovery Palooza” event with live music, food and fun. More than 400 people attended.
- BARN was recognized at the Cross Insurance Gala in October for their work in the community.
BARN’s aspirations for 2023:
- Launch of “Recovery Justice Program,” which supports people involved in the criminal justice system, and works within the system to provide education and effective diversion, deflection practices.
- Creating a fund to provide financial support for people seeking recovery housing.
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Lakes Region Recovery Center: |
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- Moved into a new location at 2 Elm St. in Bridgton.
- Supplied and distributed Narcan to patients at Bridgton Hospital. Patients were taught how to use Narcan, and provided information on prevention and community resources and support. The program is expanding to Rumford Hospital and Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.
- LRRC held its 2nd annual Recovery Remembrance Walk.
LCRR’s intentions for 2023:
- Providing recovery coaching at two local high schools, who reached out for our help with students struggling with substance use disorder.
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Larry Labonte Recovery Center: |
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- Recovery coaches provided support to students at Dirigo Middle School.
- Started a Peer to Peer Support Meeting at Mount Valley High School.
- Provided Naloxone trainings and outreach in Norway and Mexico.
LLRC aspirations for 2023 include:
- Raising funds to expand and renovate the recovery center.
- Starting SMART Recovery and Recovery Dharma meetings.
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Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative: |
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- WMARI received a HRSA RCORP Implementation grant and works with a consortium to bring resources and implement prevention, and treatment and recovery strategies in Oxford County.
- The center opened at 15 Tannery St. in Norway, and is hiring peer support staff.
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WMARI held the 6th Annual Western Maine Recovery Rally with guest speakers, food, music, games, and resource tables.
- WMARI received foundation grants to provide recovery assistance and expand peer support.
WMARI aspirations for 2023:
- WMARI is opening a new recovery center in Oxford Hills.
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New Year's Celebrations in Recovery |
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Recovery communities across Maine celebrate the new year. PRCC hosted an Alcathon with meetings, fellowship, dancing and fun. PRCC welcomed the new year with the brunch, meetings and fellowship.
Emily Davis, Peer Recovery Support Specialist at PRCC, said it was a wonderful turnout.
“Lots of excitement, fun, friends, and dancing. It’s just such a special thing to have people come together in recovery and make a fool of themselves while still having fun. It warms my heart and I couldn’t love it more!”
- BARN held a sober party which drew about 55 people (photo above)
- People in recovery attended Alcathons in Sanford and Lewiston
- Roads to Recovery Community Center in Caribou held a Sober’s Eve Celebration
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PRCC
Green Mountain Alumni was renamed So Fresh So Clean. The group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. on Fridays at PRCC, 102 Bishop St. The meeting offers a safe space for anyone new to recovery, fresh out of treatment, or anyone looking to live clean. For more info, 553-2575.
Larry Labonte Recovery Center
SMART Recovery meetings are held at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays at LLRC, 412 Waldo St. in Rumford. For more info, call 418-4983.
DownEast Recovery Support Center, Machias
SMART Recovery meetings will start in February at 11 Free St. To learn more, call 259-6238.
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YPR-Portland, ME Chapter held an informational meeting on Jan. 5 for people interested in learning more about Young People in Recovery and joining the Portland chapter.
The meeting drew 15 people who sat together, ate pizza, and talked about recovery.
(YPR) is a national recovery support organization dedicated to helping young people in recovery or seeking recovery. YPR-Portland offers alternative peer groups, life-skills workshops, recovery meetings, and pro-social activities including Legislative advocacy.
“I remember being in early recovery and fearing that quitting alcohol and other substances meant that I would never have fun again,” said Tess Parks, Recovery Rising Coordinator at PRCC. “Joining a group like YPR dispels that fear by giving young people opportunities to find joy and connection again. We have fun, we advocate for recovery-friendly policies, and we give back to our communities”
Since June, YPR-Portland held three events including a cornhole tournament, a field day/BBQ, and a trivia night/pasta dinner.
To join YPR-Portland or get more info, give us a call, 553-2575.
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Volunteers are at the heart of what we do. Interested in service work? Here are some ways to support the recovery community.
The BARN, Bangor Area Recovery Network
WMARI, Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative
LLRC, Larry Labonte Recovery Center
LRRC, Lake Region Recovery Center
DownEast Recovery Support Center, Calais
Inspire Recovery Center
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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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