ATHOL – There’s a stigma that goes along with the word “recovery” that is often associated with people whose lives have spiraled out of control because of substance abuse. The North Quabbin Recovery Center at 416 Main St. is open to anybody on all paths of recovery.
“You don’t have to be an addict to come through these doors,” said Sherry, a Recovery Center board member. Visitors receive a warm welcome and are immediately made to feel at home. The atmosphere isn’t heavy with despair but is instead filled with the positive energy of recovery coach and peer leader Jamie Woods and others in the room.
A program of the North Quabbin Community Coalition, the non-profit center, with the motto “Recover and Discover,” opened in April 2018. The mission of the center, written in blue lettering on a window facing the street, is to provide a “Compassionate, safe space to offer peer support to allow multiple paths of recovery for all.”
Whether you’re fighting addiction or are dealing with a broken ankle, “no matter what, we support you,” Woods said.
Woods spoke about a man who came to the center who knew he wasn’t going to stick around but just wanted to let someone know he’d be gone. The man was told that they would still be there for him when he comes back. “It’s really important to be supportive and non-judgmental,” Woods said. “We’re a revolving door of recovery” led by peer members. “We put ourselves out there, and we use those experiences to [help others] climb out of those negative areas.”
Recovery is also a stigma for those in it, and the center is about easing suffering and supporting one another, Woods said. “We are all suffering from some affliction, from drugs to having a car break down. To know that people understand and have gone through the same experience helps them know that they have hope.” The words “me too,” he said, give him goosebumps.
“It has to do with connection,” said Kelsey. “We all as human beings need connection to people.”
Patty said attending Alcoholic Anonymous meetings have done her “a lot of good.” They’ve given her motivation to work on herself, family, friendships, and her job, and AA has “brought me to a good path” allowing her to “bear witness to feel okay with sharing.”
According to Woods, over 300 people came to the center during its first year. “When it comes down to it, if we can reach one person…and there will be many more.”
“You have to create the opportunity to create change,” Kelsey said.
One day a man came to the center, plopped into the chair, talked and left. Woods said the man “just wanted to talk and have a human experience.” Families and friends of those in recovery are “definitely” encouraged to stop by, Woods said. “We try to build bridges for people to cross. That’s the first step.” Dom said his family now has a better understanding of where he’s at in recovery and that it releases tension and helps establish trust of a repeat offender.
Woods talked about a paraplegic who came to the center angry. “He opened up and it was Niagara Falls.” Dom added, “for everybody.”
On the second Wednesday of every month, a Community Meeting invites people from the outside community to attend. Woods canvasses local businesses to let them know that all are welcome.
At this week’s meeting, Woods began with an “Intro/Ice Breaker.” Each person was asked to introduce themselves and share a highlight of their day. He then led a relaxing “mindfulness journey to the beach,” reflecting a trip some members of the group had recently taken together to Hampton Beach.
Woods held up a colorful card that said “HAPPINESSNOWHERE” which at first glance for some, said “Happiness Nowhere.” Mimicking a magician, Woods held the card behind his back then held it up again for the group to have a second closer look, which this time revealed “HAPPINESS NOW HERE.”
Woods was joined by Brielle, Dom, Sherry, Kelsey, Jen and Patty and guest Maile Shoul from the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. Shoul invited the group to attend a Sept. 13 talk at Greenfield Community College, “Multiple Pathways of Recovery: What Does Recovery Mean to Us?” featuring a speaker from the Recovery Research Institute. “We want it to be an open, thought-provoking event, more than just a list of resources,” Shoul said.
The Recovery Center is also starting a new support group called “ME FIRST!” (Finding Inspiration, Respect, Self-Love and Tools) that covers body image and self-worth. Meetings will be held the second and fourth Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Sept. 12. “It’s about what’s inside,” Woods said.
“This is not like a social service agency where you need a referral,” Shoul said of the Recovery Center. “The general perception is service. It’s peer to peer, not doctor to patient.”
Woods said the group tries to be involved with the community, and has helped with the Clean Green Athol event, the Athol Community Wood Bank, and the Opioid Task Force at the Greenfield Fair. A movie night is held once a month on Saturdays.
The North Quabbin Recovery Center is open on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 978-249-4989, email nqrc@nqcc.org, or visit www.nqcc.org/nqrc.html or their Facebook page.