Healthy Acadia's Maine Alliance for Recovery Coaching Recognized with Outstanding Community Partnership Award
Left to right:Stacy Austin Maine-ARC Recovery Coach Coordinator, Kennebec County; Terri Woodruff, Denise Black, Maine-ARC Program Co-Directors ; Gordon Smith, Maine Director of Opioid Response; and Patricia McKenzie, Administrator, Outpatient and Substance Abuse Services, Kennebec Behavioral Health
In a significant acknowledgment of their exceptional vision and leadership, Denise Black and Terri Woodruff, Co-Directors of Healthy Acadia's Maine Alliance for Recovery Coaching (Maine-ARC), were recently honored with the Outstanding Community Partnership Award from Kennebec Behavioral Health. The award ceremony took place on June 22, 2023, during Kennebec Behavioral Health's Annual Meeting held at the Senator Inn in Augusta. This prestigious recognition highlights the remarkable efforts of Healthy Acadia and Kennebec Behavioral Health, who have joined forces for four years to establish free Maine-ARC recovery coach programming in Somerset and Franklin counties.
Recovery Coaching - Empowering Individuals on the Path to Recovery
Maine-ARC's recovery coach programming is designed to offer guidance and assistance to those navigating the challenging journey of recovery. Recovery coaches serve as trusted mentors, providing much-needed support and resources to individuals and their families affected by substance misuse disorder. By fostering a compassionate and understanding environment, these recovery coaches encourage and empower individuals on every step toward their journey toward sustained recovery.
Healthy Acadia’s Maine Alliance for Recovery Coaching (Maine-ARC) is now in it’s tenth year. Instrumental in the program’s launch, Denise Black and Terri Woodruff, as Co-Directors of Maine-ARC, have played a pivotal role in the success and expansion of the community-based volunteer driven recovery coaching program. Their exceptional vision and leadership have been instrumental in bringing together various stakeholders and forging partnerships to ensure the effective implementation of recovery coach programming. Their dedication and commitment to the cause have been recognized through the Outstanding Community Partnership Award.
A Collaborative Approach to Recovery
Healthy Acadia and Kennebec Behavioral Health have forged a powerful partnership aimed at supporting individuals seeking recovery from substance misuse, as well as their affected family members. This collaborative effort has seen healthcare providers, treatment centers, jails, treatment courts, pre-release sites, social services, and law enforcement agencies coming together to implement Maine-ARC recovery coach programming. Thanks to the generous funding from the Maine Office of Behavioral Health, this invaluable support has been made available to the community.
The collaboration between Healthy Acadia and Kennebec Behavioral Health, as well as organizational partners across northern and eastern Maine has resulted in transformative outcomes for individuals and communities in ten of Maine’s sixteen counties. By integrating peer-to-peer recovery coach programming into existing support systems, individuals seeking recovery have access to personalized assistance, guidance, and encouragement. This holistic approach not only supports individuals but also strengthens families and communities by fostering a network of understanding and empathy.
This award not only honors their efforts but also highlights the transformative impact of collaborative initiatives in promoting recovery and building resilient communities. As the program continues to grow and expand, the positive impact on individuals and communities affected by substance misuse will only continue to deepen. Through their shared commitment and dedication, Denise Black, Terri Woodruff, and the entire team involved in Maine-ARC are paving the way for a brighter, more supportive future for those in need.