History
PRCC opened its doors in 2012 as a small recovery community center on Forest Avenue in Portland with just 3 staff members. In its first few years of existence, PRCC developed a robust array of support groups, social activities, and peer support services, including Telephone Recovery Support (TRS) services and Recovery Coaching. As an independent, grassroots organization, PRCC is part of the movement of recovery community organizations nationwide.
Originally a pilot project of Maine Association of Substance Abuse Services (MASAP) now known as Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health Services, PRCC became an independent nonprofit in 2017. Governed by a volunteer board of directors whose membership is a majority of people in recovery from substance use disorder, the board also includes family members and friends who identify as recovery allies. In 2017, the newly formed Board of Directors embraced a bold vision to help make recovery community centers available in every community in Maine. PRCC created the Maine Recovery Hub and successfully competed for a state contract to support the start-up of new centers throughout the state. Today, there are seventeen recovery community centers in Maine, with other communities forming the beginnings for their own local towns.
In 2018 PRCC began its work as the Maine Recovery Hub, serving as a model and providing support and technical assistance to other communities to start their own recovery community centers. Today there are 19 recovery community centers in Maine, with more in development. The Recovery Hub has trained well over 650 peer recovery coaches and founded the Maine Recovery Coach Certification Board, now an independent certifying body.
In 2021, PRCC purchased and moved into a new building at 102 Bishop Street in Portland. The building is twice as large as its previous home. The community of PRCC members and friends came together to support a renovation project, creating a beautiful new center that will remain the gem of the recovery community for generations to come.
Throughout its existence, PRCC has continued to work to reduce stigma and increase resources for people recovering from addiction, serving as an organized voice of recovery in Maine. The long-term future of PRCC will provide for expansion and greater programming to meet the unmet needs in the community and to help people find recovery from addiction.
Timeline
PRCC opened its doors in 2012
2013 First full year open, signing up 436 members
2014 Opioid epidemic heightens with growing loss of lives.
2015 Scarborough Police Department & PRCC co-found Operation Hope to address opioid crisis
2016 PRCC Staff trained as peer recovery coaches
2017 Hired executive director and establishes volunteer Board of Directors and 501(c)3 nonprofit
2018 PRCC awarded statewide coordination grant, becoming Maine's Recovery Hub
2019 Supported 9 new RCCs; trained first 150 peer recovery coaches statewide
2020 Transitioned to online meetings within 24 hours and connected with 900 members in first weeks of COVID shutdown
2021 New building purchased and began renovations; supported 17 RCCs and trained over 500 coaches
2022 10th year anniversary celebration and launch of new building campaign; PRCC welcomes 2,500 members
