September 2025

September is here, and so is National Recovery Month—a time to celebrate recovery and the people, workplaces, and communities that make it possible.



In this month’s newsletter, we’re shining a spotlight on education and workforce development, highlighting Washington County Community College and Washington County Adult & Community Education for the vital role they play in opening doors to opportunity, resilience, and second chances.

This month, we are proud to spotlight Washington County Adult & Community Education (WCACE), a true leader in providing opportunities for growth, resilience, and second chances.

Their Adult Education Program is committed to helping adult learners achieve personal, academic, and career goals through a wide range of high-quality educational opportunities. From building essential skills to preparing for college or entering the workforce, they meet learners where they are and support them every step of the way.

Programs & Services:

• Adult Basic Education: Reading, writing, math, and digital literacy to strengthen everyday and workplace skills.
• HiSET Prep & Adult High School Diploma: Flexible pathways to earn a credential or diploma, honoring prior credits and progress.
• College & Career Transitions: Academic skill-building, career exploration, and guidance through the college enrollment process.
• Workforce Training: Industry-recognized credentials such as CNA and CCMA, plus resume and cover letter writing, and hands-on training aligned with in-demand careers.

By supporting learners of all ages and stages, Washington County Adult & Community Education shows how education, wellness, and workforce success go hand-in-hand. We’re proud to celebrate them as an RFW Network member!

📝Learn more: Washington County Adult & Community Education

National Recovery Month celebrates the millions of Americans in recovery and the positive changes recovery brings to individuals, families, workplaces, and communities. It’s also a reminder that recovery is possible—and worth supporting.

Why it matters

A recovery-friendly workplace helps reduce stigma, improves well-being, strengthens retention, and shows both your team and your community that you care. These efforts don’t stop with substance use—RFW workplaces also support mental and behavioral health overall, creating healthier, more resilient teams.

A Few Ideas to Celebrate at Work

• Share recovery success stories (with permission)
• Invite a local recovery coach or OPTIONS liaison to speak with your team
• Post recovery-friendly messages on your website or social media
• Host a “Purple Coffee Hour” where staff can learn about local resources
• (Find more ideas in the toolkits below.)

Recovery Month Resources

• SAMHSA Recovery Month Toolkit - Graphics, social posts, and messaging to raise awareness
• CDC Partner Toolkit - Sample messages and campaign materials for workplaces

Local Supports

• Healthy Acadia – Recovery coaching, prevention programs, and community supports
• Aroostook Mental Health Center (AMHC) – Behavioral health, crisis, and treatment services

Join the Washington County Community Action Team for the 9th Annual Walk for Recovery—a time to celebrate those in recovery, honor families and allies, and come together as a community in the fight against the substance use epidemic that touches so many lives.

Event Details

• The Walk: Gather at the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce lawn, walk down Main Street, and end at Bad Little Falls for an inspiring program with local speakers.
• Reception: Following the walk, join us at MaineStreet Business Building, 19 Main Street, Machias, for refreshments and connection.

💜 All are welcome—families, friends, and community members. Let’s walk together in hope, healing, and strength.

Join us for the First Annual Downeast Maine Fishing Family Forum—a gathering for fishing families along Maine’s Downeast coast to connect, share, and talk about what matters most:

• Safety on the water
• Harvester health & well-being
• Mental health supports
• Community response in emergencies
• Financial literacy & family stability

We’ll provide brunch, lunch, coffee, and childcare—you bring your voice and what’s on your mind!

This is a chance to come together, swap stories, and lift each other up as a fishing community.



Register here: Downeast Fishing Family Forum Registration

Washington County Community College (WCCC) offers over 30 major areas of study—from certificates and diplomas to associate degree programs in high-demand career fields. Beyond academics, WCCC plays a vital role in strengthening our workforce by providing Workforce & Professional Development trainings and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, many of which are available at no cost.

From health & safety training (EMT, Self-Care & Compassion Fatigue) to Google Career Certificates (IT, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Digital Marketing) and CDL/Logistics programs, WCCC helps our workforce gain new skills, advance careers, and prepare for in-demand opportunities.

As an Apprenticeship Intermediary Sponsor, WCCC connects classrooms to careers by combining mentorship, paid on-the-job training, related coursework, and nationally recognized credentials. This approach not only creates pathways for individuals but also builds a stronger, more resilient workforce across Washington County.

Many workplaces are already taking advantage of these opportunities, strengthening their teams while investing in the future of Washington County’s economy. Could your workforce be next?

📚 Learn more: Workforce and Professional Development

Network Q & A

Your Recovery Friendly Workplace Questions Answered

Q: What difference does the RFW Network really make?

A: Recovery Friendly Workplaces promote wellness across the whole work environment, with a focus on supporting needs related to behavioral health, substance use, and recovery. It’s not just about the individual—employers, families, and communities all feel the positive impact when workplaces take part.

Want to see your workplace benefit? Join the Network today!

💡 Did you know?

According to NIOSH/CDC, about 70% of U.S. adults with alcohol or illicit drug use disorders are employed—making workplaces a key place to support recovery.

🔗 Source: NIOSH Science Blog, CDC

Have a question you'd like us to feature next?

Email Dodie at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or send it to info@recoveryfriendlydowneast.org

Supporting recovery at work doesn’t have to be complicated—this toolkit gives you practical steps to start or strengthen your efforts.

From SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), the RecoverMe Employer Toolkit is a free, easy-to-use resource designed to help workplaces support employees in recovery from substance use disorders. It provides practical steps, real-world examples, and customizable materials to help you:

• Build a recovery-supportive workplace culture
• Educate staff and leadership about recovery
• Create policies and practices that reduce stigma
• Connect employees with local treatment and recovery resources

Whether you are new to recovery-friendly practices or looking to expand what you already offer, RecoverMe gives you tools you can use right away.

Access the toolkit: RecoverMe – A Toolkit for Employers

Thank you for being part of the Recovery Friendly Workplace Network. Every step—whether it’s learning something new, sharing resources, or simply showing support—helps build a stronger, healthier workforce here in Washington County.