September is National Recovery Month, and we’re thrilled to highlight and celebrate the work of four of our partners this month. We’ll close this series with Portland Recovery Community Center and CADA. You can read the first post here, and check out Facebook and Twitter for more.
Jordan came to Portland Recovery Community Center (PRCC) straight from the hospital; he was wearing paper hospital pants and women’s sneakers that were two sizes too small. He was homeless and had just been discharged from the hospital after overdosing on heroin.
When Jordan first arrived, he was lost. He didn’t know what recovery was; he simply could not imagine what life could be like. He’d never heard of recovery residences (sober houses), but he was open to suggestions. Through PRCC, Jordan secured a scholarship for his first month of sober living. He came to PRCC every day: He participated in groups, talked with Recovery Coaches, and even volunteered to help the Center and others seeking recovery. PRCC helped him navigate a challenging criminal issue and find a job, where he is still employed and doing well!
Jordan transformed in six months. He changed from a frightened and lost person who was addicted to drugs to someone deeply involved in the community and actively giving back to others. He is full of kindness, trust and caring and delights in being of service to others.
Jordan embraces recovery—and passes it along.
Successes like Jordan’s result from being immersed in PRCC’s loving and supportive community of people who have recovered from addiction and can help others do the same. “Community” is the foundation of all that they do.
Staff share that they have lived the recovery experience themselves, and so when clients come in, they know they’re among others who can truly understand. PRCC offers supportive and nonjudgmental interactions, welcoming anyone seeking recovery from addiction. This support also extends to family members and friends who are living with addiction in their midst.
PRCC provides more than 50 support groups and activities each week, all free of charge, and is active in helping new recovery community centers open across the state of Maine. PRCC also trains Recovery Coaches to work in communities, emergency rooms, jails, treatment centers, and other social service organizations throughout the state.
Learn more about PRCC at portlandrecovery.org.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Stanley is a natural-born leader and charismatic individual who values new and exciting experiences. He first experimented with drugs at age 24 to alleviate boredom and escape stress. “I just wanted to experience another level of fun,” he remembers. His search for fun through drug experimentation came to a halt when his drug use drained his finances and landed him in financial and legal trouble.
And then Stanley met CADA, a nonprofit serving children and adults in the greater New Orleans area with substance abuse education, prevention, case management and referral services.
Stanley was initially referred to CADA’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) after a court-ordered drug test revealed concerning patterns of harmful drug use. Initially, outpatient treatment was a difficult adjustment for Stanley; he didn’t want to participate or stop using drugs.
However, after completing a 28-day residential program and re-entering CADA’s IOP, Stanley became one of the most productive members of his group, using his leadership skills to inspire others and demonstrate healthy coping skills! With a strong support system at home and at CADA, he has been able to maintain his sobriety for 3 months and counting. “Keeping busy and staying on my routine has helped me stay sober,” he says.
Stanley credits CADA’s IOP with helping him learn effective ways to overcome boredom and stress without turning to drugs and appreciates that his case manager keeps in touch with him as he works on growing stronger in his sobriety.
A skilled driver, Stanley working on obtaining his driving certifications while working toward his long-term goals of being a homeowner and landlord.
What makes CADA different is that they celebrate each and every moment of their clients’ wins: When she has avoided starting treatment, and finally shows up! Or when someone who completed treatment comes back to report that they have a new job! They celebrate each of these successes. CADA also places emphasis on peer-led recovery: A Peer Support Specialist is involved in each stage of treatment, from outreach to aftercare and follow-up.
CADA actively works in the community to build recovery-oriented systems of care by leading with the clients’ needs first. They build relationships across sectors so that their robust referral network covers a wide range of client needs. They also ensure all services are offered in a person-centered, culturally appropriate manner.
Learn more about CADA at cadagno.org.
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