February 2025 newsletter
Dear Maine Recovery Community,
After four years of incredible growth and learning under the fiscal sponsorship of Mobilize Recovery and the Recovery Advocacy Project, we are proud to announce that we have officially transitioned to operating as independent non-profit organizations: the Maine Recovery Action Project and the Maine Recovery Access Project — collectively still known as ME-RAP.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Mobilize Recovery and Recovery Advocacy Project teams, especially Ryan Hampton and Garrett Hade, for their unwavering support, mentorship, and belief in our mission. Their guidance has been crucial in amplifying the voices of those with lived substance use experiences in Maine, driving meaningful change across communities. We look forward to many more years of friendship, growth, and advocacy together.
Though we now operate under a new structure, our mission, (shorthand) name, and passion remain the same: to ensure that those in recovery, their families, and their allies are heard and supported in every corner of Maine. We are committed to continuing the critical work of action and access for people in recovery and who use drugs, amplifying the voices of those with lived experience, and driving meaningful, positive change.
The Maine Recovery Action Project and the Maine Recovery Access Project serve distinct but complementary roles within the broader mission of supporting Maine’s recovery community. While the Action Project engages in community organizing and legislative advocacy, the Access Project focuses on delivering community-based services, education, and resources to support people in recovery and who use drugs, as well as young people, family members, and allies.
Together, both organizations work hand-in-hand to amplify the voices of those with lived experience, creating a holistic approach to recovery by addressing both systemic change and on-the-ground support.
We are thrilled for what the future holds and remain committed to working with all of you—the incredible harm reduction and recovery community in Maine—as we strive toward a future where everyone has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
With immense gratitude and excitement,
Courtney Gary-Allen
Executive Director
Maine Recovery Access/Action Project (ME-RAP)
Our Team REMAINS THE SAME!
As we move through this transition, we’re incredibly grateful to have the same amazing team by our side! We’re fortunate to be supported by such a fantastic group of staff and board members throughout this process.
Courtney has been at the helm of our team from the very beginning. Jeanne brings her dedication as a family member and ally to the recovery community. Jon plays a key role in supporting our youth and organizing efforts statewide. Tess will continue to drive our policy work in the Maine State Legislature.
Joe and Kay dedicate their time to supporting youth in Penobscot and Washington Counties. Raegan and Amy serve as our board chairs, both longtime friends, family members, and strong allies of the recovery community.
We're launching the Access Center!
We are excited to also announce that ME-RAP will be opening the Access Center in Augusta! The Access Center will be a a hub for recovery support, grounded in harm reduction principles, and a lifeline for individuals transitioning into housing treatment, and employment. It will be a safe, welcoming space where every person is treated with dignity and listened to, no matter their circumstances. We want to thank the Maine Recovery Council for their support of this project!
Starting February 8, there will be plenty of ways to get involved. Here is the first volunteer opportunity!
Youth Caucus News
The Youth Caucuses developed goals for '25-'26
The Youth Caucuses spent part of January reflecting on what they had accomplished last year which was impressive. Each of the three groups tailored their community impact projects to their regions. The Kennebec County group hosted a Slip'n Slide event in an urban park and attracted many neighborhood families. The Penobscot County group celebrates LGBT+ and includes Indigious in their activities. The Washington County group is located in the more isolated part of the state so they created a mini-library filled with books meant to overcome the stygma that comes from not knowing your neighbors.
The youth, motivated by last year's successes, wanted to be more intentional, do more this year and accomplish a goal each month. Their first goal in January was to create their annual plan full of monthly community impact projects and peer-to-peer Naloxone trainings. They will be serving populations that include the unhoused, elderly, area youth and people in recovery. To serve their community, they will be conducting clean-up sessions in their local areas.
Let's not forget, they will also be adding an element of fun and comaderie in everything they do because that is what naturally happens when they get together.
WE TRAIN OUR PEERS.
Our youth caucus members, from all three counties, trained three sessions of peers to administer Naloxone at last year's Myan Conference. They are eager to train more youth during 2025. Please contact Jon@ME-RAP.org.
WE SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES.
Community Impact projects are a major part of what the youth caucuses accomplish every year. The Kennebec Youth Caucus assembles stockings for the unhoused including essential items and a few special things to let them know they are not forgotten during the holidays.
WE VOICE OUR OPINIONS.
Addy Fowler from the Penobscot Youth Caucus, spoke at the Yellow Tulip Project event in Bangor. This project's mission is to create awareness and solutions for teen suicide. Maine Access Project encourages youth to use their voices, especially for causes that are close to their hearts.
If you know of youth who have been impacted by substance use in their families or friends, check out a youth caucus in one of the three locations.
In Kennebec County, contact Jon@ME-RAP.org .
In Washington County, contact Joe@ME-RAP.org .
In Penobscot Country, contact Kay@ME-RAP.org .
We have bottle drives in two counties!
Please save your bottles and donate them to our Youth Caucuses either in Penobscot or Kennebec County. The money they earn helps to fund their community impact projects, keeping your donation local.
