October 2025

As the leaves turn across Washington County, we’re reminded that every season brings new opportunities to strengthen our workplaces—the heart of our communities. The Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) Network continues to grow, thanks to the incredible commitment of local employers, partners, and neighbors who believe that wellness and recovery belong at work.

This month, we’re celebrating that spirit of growth with a new member spotlight, upcoming community events, and conversations focused on workforce, wellbeing, and connection.

Washington County is home to some incredible small businesses that put both craftsmanship and community at the heart of what they do—and Quoddy Spray Foam is one of them.

This Native-owned business provides expert residential and commercial spray foam insulation services across Eastern and Northern Maine. As a registered Efficiency Maine vendor, Quoddy Spray Foam is known for delivering top-quality insulation that promotes energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings.

Beyond their technical excellence, Quoddy Spray Foam stands out for its commitment to people. As a proud member of the Recovery Friendly Workplace Network, they foster a supportive, stigma-free environment where individuals are valued for their work ethic, integrity, and resilience. Their example shows that strong businesses and strong communities grow together.

Thank you, Quoddy Spray Foam, for leading by example and showing that excellence in business and compassion in community go hand in hand.

The Community Caring Collaborative (CCC) invites everyone to the 7th Annual Family Harvest Meal, a free community dinner at the Lee/Pellon Center in Machias during Trick or Treat Down Main Street.

Enjoy a warm roast turkey dinner catered by Angie’s Comfort Kitchen, with help from community partners like Cobscook Institute, Lubec Community Outreach Center, Healthy Acadia, and many others who make this event such a special Downeast tradition.

This celebration is all about connection, gratitude, and good food—bringing families, friends, and neighbors together to share in the harvest season.

💌 Want to get involved?

Contact Julie at jredding@cccmaine.org to volunteer or share program materials.

🔗 Help spread the word: Download the event flyer

The 2025 Washington County Economic Summit will bring together employers, educators, nonprofits, and community leaders to explore real-world strategies for attracting, retaining, and developing a workforce that works in rural Maine.

Agenda at a Glance:

Topics include workplace culture, housing, childcare, youth engagement, entrepreneurship, and community partnerships—all closely connected to the Recovery Friendly Workplace goals of supporting people, families, and strong local economies.

🔗 View the full agenda and register here: Washington County Economic Summit

Join Sunrise County Economic Council for an afternoon focused on two essential small business topics:

• 2:00–3:30 PM: Navigating the Legal Landscape at Startup
• 3:45–5:00 PM: Hiring Essentials

You can join one or both sessions, and if you can’t make it live, you’ll receive the full recording.

🔗 Register here: All Things Legal Workshop

Prefer a broader business learning series? Check out Partners in Entrepreneurship—a free program with multiple sessions designed to help entrepreneurs at every stage grow their skills and confidence.

Network Q & A

How Can Small Workplaces Get Involved?

You don’t need to be a large workplace to be part of the Recovery Friendly Workplace Network. Small businesses and entrepreneurs play a huge role in building community and connection.

Joining the RFW Network is free and flexible. You can start by:

• Sharing resources with staff or customers
• Attending a training or community event
• Displaying the RFW badge to show support
• Building small practices—like open conversations and second chances—that make a big difference.

It’s about progress, not perfection, and every step counts.

🔗 Learn more: Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network

As we move deeper into fall, let’s carry forward the energy and hope from National Recovery Month into everything we do—at work, at home, and in our communities.

Thank you for being part of the Recovery Friendly Workplace Network. Together, we’re showing that workplaces are where wellness and recovery take root, strengthening not just businesses, but entire communities.