JULY 2025

This month, we’re lifting up Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC), a longtime champion for Washington County and one of the original partners in the Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Network.

For more than 30 years, SCEC has been doing the deep, steady work of building opportunity in rural Maine from creating jobs and investing in infrastructure, to building partnerships that reflect the grit and heart of this region. As one of the first employers to join the Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network, they continue to help shape what it means to lead with trust, connection, and compassion.

"In large part, Washington County employers already demonstrate recovery-friendly practices; they just might not always call it that. At SCEC, we see how much our business community cares, and we are proud to support them. By helping employers name, strengthen, and share what’s working, we build a more connected workforce and economy. Recovery, strong workplace culture, and economic development go hand in hand," says Denise Cilley, Associate Director, Sunrise County Economic Council

They don’t just talk the talk. They lead by:

• Making recovery values part of their workplace culture, where wellness, belonging, and dignity matter
• Partnering across sectors, such as small businesses, Tribal communities, public health advocates, and non-profit partners
• Believing in second chances
• Sharing what they’ve learned through mentoring other employers and offering meaningful, place-based tools
• Thinking long-term and building solutions with Washington County that strengthen both our economy and our communities

This month, SCEC deepened that commitment by attending the 2025 Opioid Response Summit in Augusta. The theme? Sustaining Progress through Prevention, Perseverance, and Passion. And they showed up with all three!

They didn’t just attend, they brought back new ideas, tools, and connections to strengthen their own workplace and support others across the region. Their presence was a powerful reminder that recovery and economic development aren’t separate goals; they go hand in hand.

SCEC shows that being Recovery Friendly isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a mindset. A commitment. A way of showing up for people and the community. And that kind of leadership matters.

Substance use and mental health challenges impact the workforce in every industry. Employers who understand and support recovery can cultivate a healthier and more resilient workplace. Recovery Coaching is a practical tool that helps employees stay engaged in work while building stability in their lives. Knowing about this resource can help you support staff well-being, improve retention, and strengthen your organizational culture.

What is Recovery Coaching?

Recovery Coaching is a professional peer-to-peer support service for individuals seeking to initiate, maintain, or strengthen their recovery from substance use.  Recovery coaches can also support individuals who may be indirectly impacted by substance use (affected others). Recovery Coaches are trained to walk alongside individuals on their recovery journey, offering encouragement, connection to resources, and strategies for navigating challenges — all grounded in respect, hope, and accountability.

How Can Recovery Coaching Benefit My Workplace?

Supporting employees into recovery leads to positive results. Statistics show that workplaces that actively support employees in recovery help them stay engaged, productive, and healthy. This support can reduce absenteeism, boost morale, and foster a workplace culture that values wellness and recovery. Recovery-friendly workplaces that offer access to recovery coaching demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee well-being, helping individuals thrive both personally and professionally.

How Do I Get Connected?

Washington County employers and employees can access Recovery Coaching through Healthy Acadia’s Recovery Coaching Program. To learn more information or get connected with a trained Recovery Coach, visit: https://healthyacadia.org/spr-marc 

Network Q & A

Your Recovery Friendly Workplace Questions Answered

Q: What does it mean to join the Recovery Friendly Workplace Network?

A: It means saying yes to support, connection, and building on the great work you’re likely already doing.

The Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Network is a free, local initiative that helps employers create workplaces where all employees feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. This includes people managing stress, navigating behavioral health challenges, or working toward or in recovery. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Joining the Network is about learning together and creating space for well-being at work. It’s a commitment to progress, not perfection.

Many employers are already leading the way:

✔️ Checking in with staff

✔️ Offering flexibility when life gets hard

✔️ Showing care and compassion during tough times

The RFW Network offers tools, training, and personalized local support to help you build on that foundation with confidence.

When you join, you’ll receive:

• Access to trainings focused on wellness, recovery, and reducing stigma
• Connections to peer recovery coaches and local resource partners
• A stronger, more inclusive workplace culture built on trust
• Recognition as a Recovery Friendly Employer in both Washington County and the State of Maine

You’ll also become part of a growing network of businesses that care about their employees and their communities. You’ll have the chance to learn from others, access real-world strategies and support, and show your team that their health and well-being truly matter.

As we like to say: “We’re here to support you as you support your employees.”

Ready to learn more or take the first step? Visit recoveryfriendlydowneast.org and submit your Letter of Interest today.

Questions? Contact Dodie Emerson at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or 207-271-2132.

The Downeast Recovery Support Center (DRSC) is a vital community resource with locations in Machias and Calais, offering peer-led support, connection, and recovery resources for individuals and families impacted by substance use.

As part of Maine’s statewide network of recovery community centers, DRSC provides a safe, inclusive space where recovery is respected, supported, and celebrated, regardless of pathway or stage.

Operated by Aroostook Mental Health Services (AMHC), the centers are grounded in the belief that recovery thrives in connection and that everyone deserves access to support, dignity, and opportunity.

Downeast Recovery Support Center is open to all and:

• Provides peer recovery coaching and one-on-one support
• Offers employment navigation, résumé help, and job readiness tools
• Hosts support groups, workshops, and community events
• Partners with employers to support staff and promote stigma-free workplaces

Whether you’re referring an employee or looking to collaborate on a workplace wellness initiative, DRSC is a trusted, compassionate partner in recovery.

Learn more:

Facebook – Downeast Recovery Support Center

Statewide Info – Maine Recovery Community Centers

Curious about what recovery really means—and how to support it in your workplace?

Journey Magazine’s Basic Recovery Education is a free, self-paced online training designed to give employers, coworkers, and community members a clear, accessible introduction to substance use recovery.

This course is ideal for anyone looking to:

• Understand the fundamentals of substance use and recovery
• Learn about stigma—and how to reduce it in everyday interactions
• Build confidence when talking about or responding to recovery-related topics
• Become a more informed ally in the workplace and beyond

The training includes:

• Short videos and real-life stories
• Key terms and definitions
• Reflection questions and practical tools you can apply right away

Whether you're a manager, HR leader, or peer, this course is a great starting point for building a Recovery Friendly culture grounded in compassion, understanding, and hope.

Start learning today: Basic Recovery Education – Journey Magazine