Volunteer Spotlight: Billie Jo Warren

Billie Jo Warren has been serving as a member of Maine RecoveryCorps since June 2020. She was inspired to serve by a very personal experience. “I had a significant loss in my life and I wanted to be able to reach out and help others," she shares. "Back in August of 2019, I lost my oldest son, Cameron, to suicide."

Billie Jo originally wanted to serve in the area of suicide prevention. However, she quickly realized the significant links between substance use disorder and suicide, which motivated her to explore programs that focus on recovery.

“I started volunteering for Project Hope,” says Billie Jo, referring to a partnership between Ellsworth Police Department and Healthy Acadia that connects people seeking recovery with support services. “I felt happiness that I never thought I’d feel again since losing my son.”  

“I’ve never been in recovery but still felt the urge to connect and help. After some time and careful consideration, I signed up for AmeriCorps and completed the recovery coach training. As a recovery coach, I have gained an understanding about what exactly it is that people in recovery experience on a day-to-day basis. I deeply enjoy being a support to someone in their recovery and being there when they just need someone to talk to.”

Billie Jo is so passionate about this work, she is studying to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor through Washington County Community College.  

When asked what she would tell others who are considering becoming a Recovery Coach, Billie Jo said, “I would strongly encourage that. It is a wonderfully rewarding opportunity to help members of the community along their path to a substance-free life.”

Contact Billie Jo by email at BillieJo.Warren@mainerecoverycorps.org. 

Billie Jo serves as a recovery coach with Maine RecoveryCorps, an AmeriCorps project of Healthy Acadia.

Healthy Acadia is seeking individuals to join the Maine RecoveryCorps team this summer. Click here to learn more.

Recovery Coach Academy is free and open to anyone seeking to learn more about substance use disorder and is also the first step toward becoming a recovery coach. Learn more about the program and/or register for an upcoming session here.