A note from Courtney
Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Partners,
Break out the sunglasses, shorts, and swimsuits – summer is officially here! And with the warmer weather, our daily community clean ups are in full swing. Join us Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Access Center to pick up trash and keep our shared downtown spaces clean. Because being a good neighbor isn't something we just say, it’s something we do. Anyone and everyone is welcome!
And if you ever spot an area of Augusta that could use some extra care, give us a call at 207-248-6033. We're always happy to send a staff member out to help.
Also, can you believe the Access Center has been open for almost a year?!
This time last year we were counting down to our grand opening and putting the finishing touches on a vision that had been years in the making. Looking back, it's incredible to see how much has happened in just eleven months. 💛
We have registered 939 participants, welcomed more than 15,900 drop-ins, hosted 351 recovery support meetings attended by 4,674 participants, distributed 5006 boxes of naloxone, provided 887 showers, supported 58 community cleanups, provided phones and phone cards, and worked alongside more than 123 volunteers! One of our participants also created a theme song for the Access Center! Check it out here. 💛
And to top it all off last week, we reached a significant milestone at the Access Center by supporting our 100th participant in accessing housing or treatment services.
Every connection represents a person taking a meaningful step toward stability, recovery, and improved well-being. While we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on the work ahead and committed to walking alongside community members as they navigate their unique paths.
We are grateful to our staff, volunteers, partners, and participants who make this work possible every day.
There is no team I would rather stand alongside and no community I would rather serve. Thank you, Maine, for the trust, support, and opportunity to do this work together.
In solidarity,
ME-RAP Executive Director
PRIDE month and primary elections
June also is Pride month and primary election season. Over the weekend we had a blast celebrating community, visibility, and joy at Hallowell Pride!
And ahead of tomorrow’s primary election in Maine, check out our voter guide HERE and learn how current Maine lawmakers voted on ME-RAP’s priority legislation HERE.
access center event features!
We're excited to welcome a new Nar-Anon meeting every Friday from 5–6 PM. Nar-Anon is a free, confidential support group for family members and friends affected by a loved one's substance use, offering a safe space for understanding, hope, and healing.
Our Full Center Calendar!
Amanda is six months sober. Her recovery journey started at the Access Center. Today she has a part-time job, sees her children on the weekends, and attends meetings regularly at the Access Center. Hear more about her inspiring recovery journey here!
