By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

Moving into the downtown neighborhood has increased the Lake Region Recovery Center’s presence in the town.

The recovery building next to the post office is much more visible as well as easier for people to get to. The relocation took place in October 2022.

In the year-plus since the move, there have been some welcome changes.

Before the calendar page for December 2023 are turned to a new month a new year, LRRC Executive Director Tracey Martin took a few moments to share what accomplishments have occurred at the center during this past year, and what goals

B-News: LRRC moved to its new location about 14 months ago, what are some of the benefits of moving to a more centralized location?

Martin: One of the benefits is that we are within walking distance from anything in town. LRRC is more visible in the community. Our recovery community has more access to other non-recovery  community events. Being in town has given people the opportunity to stop by and check out our new space. We have an open door policy and welcome anyone that is recovery curious — for themselves or for a loved one.

B-News: Since the center moved, have there been more meetings and activities on the calendar?

Martin: Yes, because  of our ability to accommodate more people, we are able to offer groups that run consecutively. We also have additional spaces to hold smaller groups. We have had more community involvement and more people realizing that we are truly a “Recovery Community Center.” Recovery looks different for everyone. It is not just for substances.

B-News: There is Narcan lock box outside the LRRC building. When and why did that happen?

Martin:This is a new addition to LRRC. There has always been a need for Narcan, but the thought was, “Where, and how are people going to access this life saving tool when we are closed?” So I made the decision to put up an outside Narcan box. Within the first few days, it had been being used. The stigma that goes along with asking or accessing Narcan will keep people from getting it. This way,  it eliminates that feeling of shame. A person can just take it if they or someone they know needs it — no questions asked. We are the only recovery center that has this available. We will be providing one to be put up outside of Crooked River Counseling, also in Bridgton. In the future, we will see more up around the state.

B-News: What are the recovery center’s goals for 2024?

Martin: We have a tall order for  2024. We have asked the state for additional funding, which would help us create more jobs, which would then allow us to stay open later and offer more support on the weekends. We have created more programs for our young people. Our young people are struggling themselves and/or with family members and we  have a responsibility to be a support system to them. LRRC will be offering support  in the local high schools with a January start date. LRRC is planning on hitting the road and attending more events to offer resources and information about who we are and what we do — just to name a few objectives for the coming year.

B-News: Is there anything else you would like to share with The Bridgton News’ readers?  

Martin: We ask that people who have never been here or have never heard about us, to stop in, see what we do, see how we operate. Don’t be afraid to get involved. If you don’t know how to support us in the community, consider making a donation. All donations are used to help keep us operational, among other things. We will have two big events this year and others as they may come up.

Our first big event will be our Mental Health walk in May and our Recovery Rally in September.

If anybody wants to receive the center’s monthly newsletter, send your email address to info.lrrcbridgton.org@gmail.com