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This month, we’re proud to shine a light on A.C. Inc., a longtime leader in the Downeast seafood industry—and a true champion of second chances.
With more than 70 years of experience, A.C. Inc. operates a processing plant in Beals, a commercial wharf at Perio Point, and seafood-buying stations in Perry and Cutler. But what truly sets them apart is their commitment to people. As the first business to join our Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Network, A.C. Inc. has taken meaningful steps to support individuals impacted by substance use and foster a culture of compassion.
Here’s how they’re leading the way:
- Offering second-chance employment opportunities
- Providing free Narcan at their wharf for anyone who might need it
- Partnering with EMDC and other local programs to support on-the-job training and recovery-aligned hiring
- Fostering a culture of trust, where recovery is respected and supported
President Patrick Robinson puts it best:
“A.C. Inc. has never shied away from helping people in Downeast Maine and the communities we serve. This program fits in well with what we're all about.”
Thank you, A.C. Inc., for showing what it means to lead with heart.
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Your Recovery Friendly Workplace Questions Answered
Q: Do I need to change our workplace policies to become a designated Recovery Friendly Workplace?
A: No, you're not required to change your current policies to become designated. However, many employers find that reviewing their policies through a recovery-friendly lens—especially by using person-first, non-stigmatizing language—can help reduce stigma and strengthen employee support.
| | Above: Examples of person-first, non-stigmatizing language. | | |
You don’t need to overhaul everything. Even small changes—like updating a handbook phrase or adding a statement of support—can go a long way in making employees feel seen, safe, and valued.
Your RFW Advisor is here to help with this process and can provide sample policy language, staff training support, or a gentle review of what’s already working well.
Recovery Friendly doesn’t mean perfect—it means intentional.
Have a question you'd like us to feature next?
Email Dodie at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or info@recoveryfriendlydowneast.org
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Partnership Highlight
The Connection Initiative
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The Connection Initiative (TCI) is a county-wide program hosted by The Community Caring Collaborative (CCC) that helps Washington County residents—including employees and their families—connect to the resources they need.
Whether it’s support for behavioral health, basic needs, recovery, or workforce challenges, TCI offers a confidential and streamlined process for accessing local support.
How It Works
Contact TCI by phone, text, email, Facebook, or through their website
Dante Zanoni, LSW, TCI’s Program Manager, moderates requests, connects individuals to a trusted network of local resource partners, and follows up to ensure needs are met—or identifies service gaps to help improve future support.
Employers can refer staff to TCI or submit a request on their behalf. The platform also includes an online guide to Washington County resources, including a Recovery Resources page conveniently linked from the Washington County RFW website.
TCI also maintains a Youth Resources page and is working to integrate career pathway and training programs to strengthen the local workforce and help individuals support their families.
More comprehensive resource guides are also in development to further expand support throughout Washington County.
Explore resources or request support: www.connectioninitiative.org
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WHAT IS A RECOVERY FRIENDLY WORKPLACE? | |
A Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) is a workplace that prioritizes connection, compassion, and support. It fosters a culture where all team members feel valued—including those impacted by substance use or mental health challenges, whether personally or through a loved one.
Recovery Friendly Workplaces:
- Promote well-being, belonging, and open communication
- Support employees affected by substance use—whether alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances—as well as behavioral health challenges such as anxiety, depression, gambling, disordered eating, trauma, or caregiving stress—without judgment.
- Recognize recovery as a journey of strength, resilience, and growth
- Connect teams with trusted resources, tools, and training that support individual and organizational health
Why It Matters:
- 70% of people with a substance use condition are active in the workforce
- Most employees impacted by substance use don’t feel safe asking for help—until they know support is available
- Employees in recovery have strong retention rates, lower absenteeism, and high workplace engagement
- Creating an inclusive, recovery-ready culture strengthens trust and improves well-being for everyone
It’s About Culture, Not Control
Being a Recovery Friendly Workplace isn’t about control, compliance, or policing behavior—it’s about building a workplace culture where:
- People feel safe reaching out
- Support is visible and stigma-free
- Everyone has the opportunity to succeed
No matter your size or sector, you can be part of this movement to support recovery and well-being in the workplace—and in the lives of the people who make your business possible.
Recovery is real. Connection makes it stronger.
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Strengthen Your Recovery Friendly Commitment at the Statewide Summit 2025 Opioid Response Summit
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Doors open at 7:00 AM)
Location: Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, ME
Join employers from across Maine at the 7th Annual Opioid Response Summit—a full day of learning, connection, and collaboration focused on sustaining progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic.
This year’s theme, “Sustaining Progress through Prevention, Perseverance, and Passion,” centers the voices of people in recovery and highlights strategies Recovery Friendly Workplaces can bring back to their teams.
Why RFW Employers Should Attend:
- Learn how to hire and support individuals in recovery and reentry
- Discover examples of workplace-based wellness, harm reduction, and policy innovation
- Gain insights from national leaders including Ryan Hampton and Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta
- Connect with peers, statewide partners, and recovery resource providers
- Bonus: First 800 registrants receive a free copy of Healing a Village by Mark Lefebvre
Help build safer, more supportive workplaces across Maine. Let’s keep moving forward—together.
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Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier workforce—one workplace at a time. |
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