January 2026

The start of a new year brings a quiet kind of hope. January is a time when workplaces pause, reset, and ask important questions about what comes next. How do we support our teams? How do we build stability? How do we move forward with intention?

The Recovery Friendly Workplace Network begins this year grounded in a simple truth: strong workplaces are built through connection, care, and practical support. This month, we’re focusing on learning, skill-building, and people-centered approaches that help workplaces strengthen both culture and confidence for the year ahead.

That's why we are super excited to be hosting . . .

Every Workplace Counts: Supporting Recovery Friendly Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses

Wednesday, January 28 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Zoom

Whether you run a business of one, a growing team, or something in between, your workplace matters—and you belong here! This 90-minute virtual session is designed for entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and small business owners who want practical tools, real conversation, and people-centered approaches that fit the realities of small operations.

Together, we’ll explore what it means to create a healthy, supportive, and recovery-friendly workplace at any size—how to take care of yourself, your people, and your business at the same time. Participants will also have the option to take next steps toward Recovery Friendly Workplace designation. 

Washington County Community College plays a vital role in shaping opportunity across our region. As a Recovery Friendly Workplace, WCCC models what it looks like to invest in people while responding thoughtfully to workforce needs.



Through accessible education, workforce training, and strong employer partnerships, WCCC helps learners and workers build skills, confidence, and pathways toward long-term stability. Their work recognizes that education is not just about credentials. It is about belonging, possibility, and meeting people where they are.

WCCC’s commitment to supportive learning environments reflects the heart of the Recovery Friendly Workplace approach. When workplaces and educators work together, the result is a stronger, more resilient workforce for Washington County.

January is a natural time to focus on learning, skill-building, and setting up supports that carry workplaces through the year ahead. These trainings, events, and funding opportunities are designed to help workplaces and individuals build confidence, capacity, and momentum. Choose one opportunity or explore several — all are designed to meet workplaces where they are.

Healthcare Workforce Summit

Tuesday, February 3 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Washington County Community College



Are you an employer, educator, or community partner connected to healthcare, behavioral health, wellness, or animal care? This collaborative summit brings together partners from across Washington County to strengthen pathways into health-related careers.

This free event will include voices from medical care, mental and behavioral health, recovery services, EMS, dental and vision care, therapy and rehabilitation, veterinary and animal health, public health, and wellness education.

What we’ll do together:

• Explore workforce challenges and opportunities across Washington County’s health sectors
• Share existing training, job shadow, and internship pathways for students
• Identify the skills and preparation students need to succeed in health careers
• Strengthen collaboration between employers, schools, and post-secondary partners

Whether you’re part of a hospital or clinic, local practice, EMS or recovery service, veterinary clinic, school, or training program, your perspective is essential to this conversation.

Lunch provided | No cost to attend | RSVP by January 26

Together, we can strengthen the pipeline connecting local students to meaningful healthcare careers and help build the next generation of Washington County’s workforce right here at home.

Partners in Entrepreneurial Pathways 2.0: Beyond the Business Plan

Sunrise Scholarship Fund

Do you or someone on your team need training for employment or job advancement? The Sunrise Scholarship Fund provides scholarships of up to $500 for Washington County residents of low-to-moderate income who are pursuing training or certification that leads to immediate employment or job advancement. Funds may be used for tuition and must be used within six months of approval. Applications are reviewed monthly.

Maine Workforce Development Compact

The Maine Workforce Development Compact brings together employers, nonprofits, associations, and municipalities to strengthen Maine’s workforce through shared investment in training. Membership is free and open to all Maine businesses. 

Benefits include:

• Financial support of up to a $1,200 match per frontline worker per year
• Community college scholarships for degrees or credentials
• Advising support to help employees succeed in training
• Help tracking training and credential records
• Flexible training options through community colleges, third-party providers, or employer-based programs

January is often when workplaces take a breath and reset. Not to overhaul everything, but to get grounded and steady. For many, that means asking practical questions:

What support do we need right now?

What feels heavy for our team?

What would help us start the year steady instead of reactive?

The Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network exists to support workplaces in moments like this. Available at no cost, the Network is designed to meet workplaces of every size— from entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals to small teams and larger organizations— exactly where they are.

Recovery Friendly does not mean having all the answers. It means choosing intention, connection, and care as part of everyday work life. If your workplace is beginning the year thinking about culture, stability, wellbeing, or how to navigate challenges with less stress and more clarity, the RFW Network is here to walk alongside you.

The start of the year is a natural time to take that first step. We would be glad to connect, answer questions, and help you decide what makes sense for your workplace. 

As January invites us to move forward thoughtfully, thank you for the care, intention, and leadership you bring to your workplace and to this region. Together, we are building workplaces where people feel supported, valued, and able to succeed. That work matters, in every season.

Wishing you steadiness, connection, and momentum in the year ahead.