Recovery Support Network

Who we are:  We are a non-profit membership organization comprised of individuals, families, businesses and other organizations.  We are governed by a Board of Directors, elected annually by the members.  Because the intent of membership is to strengthen Washington County’s recovery community, dues may be paid with money or by donating time or materials.  Membership brings with it the right to vote in our annual elections.

We started meeting in 2006, incorporated in 2007, and, with the financial assistance provided by the Maine Lighthouse and a grant from SAMHSA, hired our first employee in early 2009.  In May 2009, our membership was comprised of people from more than fifteen Washington County municipalities.  The significance of our mission leads us to encourage membership from every town in the County.

What we do:  We work with other existing local entities to coordinate – rather than duplicate - services to women in early recovery and their children.  We focus on removing a significant barrier to women’s recovery – that of a shared opportunity to work recovery with other women in a safe, sober, and structured home in Washington County.  The county has opportunities for treatment, individuals who care, and a host of valuable services to foster a healthy and productive life.  It does not yet have homes which would increase women’s access to services and would likely increase the number of positive outcomes for them – we work to change that.

Why we do it:  The effects of substance abuse on Washington County continue to devastate families and communities.  Every child needs and deserves a parent who is present for them, and looking out for their well being. Mothers with alcohol or addiction dependencies are not always able to care for their children as needed. However, with the right tools, support systems, and time they can achieve long term recovery and better care for themselves and their children.  Washington County has too many women and children struggling and in need of a safe, sober, and structured home environment.

What we offer:  We offer a framework for building the capacity and visibility of the recovery community in Washington County; a means by which women in early recovery can stabilize their lives more readily by having access to a sober, structured and safe environment.  From these recovery homes women will be able to use tools to construct better lives for themselves and for their children.   The cooperative relationships fostered by the Network members, supporters, collaborators, friends, and other social, business and financial investors will be mirrored in the relationships that will develop among residents of future transitional housing.

What we need:  We need you to join our network of people who want to empower communities where recovery is encouraged and celebrated, where sober behavior is an increasing norm.  We need you to join us in any capacity in which you are able.  We need you to spread the word about what we envision, and to help us secure the materials we need to build this dream house, making it a reality. . .

Steering Committee

Needs you to help steer our Capital Campaign to its fruitful end—raising the funds we need to secure our first house, staff it, and build an endowment fund . . .

Help with fundraisers like dances, Chinese auctions, sales, coffeehouses, and other social and profitable events. . 

Publicity Committee

Needs you to help spread the word . . . Post written materials, gather contact information, help with database, access media, facilitate “cultivation” meetings . .

Building & Grounds Committee

Needs you to help maintain our building and grounds . . . Perform minor repairs, upgrades, yard work, gardening . . .

Program & Structure Committee

Needs you to help develop policies and procedures regarding transitional housing admission and operations, staffing  . . .

Finance Committee

Needs you to help draft policy recommendations on financial procedures . . . Help develop annual budgets . . .

Fundraising Committee

Needs you to help imagine, organize, and facilitate fundraising events throughout Washington County . . . think raffles, benefit dinners, car washes, dances, coffeehouses, yard sales, Chinese auctions,voluntary tolls, dinners, socials, bake sales . . .

In other words, we need you to help us realize our mission of providing safe, sober, structured home environments for Washington County women in early recovery from substance abuse, alone or with their children!

Download our MEMBERSHIP form Here.

Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.