This month we introduce one of New York’s newest Recovery Community & Outreach Centers, Anchor Recovery Community Center of Northern New York. Located in Watertown (Jefferson County) the Center provides critical free programs for people in recovery from a substance use disorder and their families. Anchor is run by Pivot and supported through a $1.75 million award from the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).
According to William W. Bowman, Executive Director of Pivot (and a former member of the FOR-NY Board of Directors), “We in the North Country have worked tirelessly to address the heroin, opioid and other drug problems that have challenged our communities. The Anchor Recovery Center will fill a huge gap for individuals and families desperate for help by improving access to treatment, providing a wide range of recovery supports, and tackling the stigma of addiction as we look to turn the tide on this crippling epidemic.”
Anchor Recovery Community and Outreach Center offers peer support, skill building, recreation, wellness education, employment readiness, and social activities in a safe, welcoming, and alcohol/drug free environment. The Center also provides information, education, and assistance to the community on how to access addiction treatment and helps people navigate complex insurance and treatment issues. Additional services include peer-led addiction and recovery support groups; family support and resources; life skills training; linkage with community resources; health and wellness activities (including yoga, nutrition and parenting classes); community service opportunities; and education and vocational services.
As with all OASAS-funded RCOCs, all of the services are free and developed to support and empower the recovery community. The Center is currently open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. (Extended hours including evenings and weekends will be added soon.). For additional information, including contact numbers, address, social media links and a list of specific programs, visit their page on the FOR-NY website here.
Congratulations to Pivot and everyone who worked so hard to bring this critical resource to Jefferson County. We know the hard work and continued commitment of everyone working to build and expand Anchor and all the RCOCs across the state will go a long way to raising awareness, inspiring positive behaviors and ultimately, saving lives.