The Pillars
The Pillars.
You see this phrase over and over again, but what does it mean?
There are two types of pillars that we try to focus on when we are planning our programs and outreach.
Pillars of Recovery
Pillars of Maine Opioid Response Strategic Plan
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These pillars are very important to recovery resource centers. Theses pillars are what centers base all our work upon.
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Pillars of Recovery
In 2010, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defined recovery as a process of change where individuals improve their health, live self-directed lives, and work toward their full potential. Recovery evolves over time and is different for everyone. It is supported by four key dimensions and is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Journey magazine has a wonderful blog about the Pillars.
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Pillars of Maine Opioid Response Strategic Plan
On October 3, 2022, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services outlined a comprehensive approach to addressing substance use disorder through prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Services included education, outpatient and inpatient care, medication-assisted treatment, overdose prevention, and peer recovery support. These resources are available statewide and continue to expand to meet the evolving needs of individuals and communities. You can view the Memorandum here.

HOME
A safe, stable home is the cornerstone of long-term recovery. At Save a Life, we believe the "best" living situation is simply the one that empowers you to keep your sobriety front and center.
How We Support You
We act as your bridge to housing stability. We don't just provide lists; we provide the tools for you to take control of your future.
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Local Expertise: We actively monitor the Lincoln News to maintain an up-to-date list of current housing openings in our community.
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Resource Navigation: We provide the guidance and information necessary to help you find housing. We also have case manager recommendations to help you on your way.
Your housing needs will naturally evolve as you grow. Our goal is to empower you with the tools you need to follow your goals.
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HEALTH
Prioritizing your physical, emotional, and spiritual health is a cornerstone of lasting recovery. Wellness involves everything from medical care and nutrition to fostering deep connections and finding your place in the world.
We provide the tools and resources to help you build a lifestyle that sustains your wellness:
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We offer free recovery coaching and can help you connect with Primary Care Physicians (PCPs), community resources, and case managers who fit your needs.
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Physical Activity: Join our exercise groups to stay active and connected with peers.
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The Greenhouse: Our large community greenhouse is available for you to grow fresh, healthy food. Even if you don't have experience, our staff and volunteers grow produce that is available to everyone in the community.
By empowering you with these resources, we help ensure that your health remains a strong foundation for your journey forward.

PURPOSE
Finding meaning in daily life is essential for long-term recovery and well-being. Whether through professional work, volunteering, or creative expression, having a purpose helps you stay present and connected to the world around you.
We offer a variety of programs designed to help you find your "why" based on your unique interests and goals:
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Creative Groups: Join our art and music programs, or connect with peers in our knitting and book clubs.
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Nature & Growth: Our greenhouse offers a unique way to find purpose by nurturing and growing living things.
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Community Paths: We provide pathways to volunteering and employment to help you give back and build a stable future.
At Save a Life, we are here to help you turn your interests into a meaningful daily routine that supports your recovery journey.

COMMUNITY
Connecting with others who understand the recovery journey offers more than just support; it provides a sense of belonging, healing, and hope. Our center is dedicated to helping you build these vital social networks through a variety of inclusive programs and community-building opportunities.
How We Support Your Journey
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AA and NA host meetings here at the center. We also host All Recovery Meetings.
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Our programs are open to the public, offering a safe bridge to meet new people, learn new skills, and help reduce the stigma surrounding recovery.
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We offer volunteer roles both at the center and within the wider community, tailored specifically to your personal interests.
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We maintain a dedicated job board to help you find employment opportunities that align with your long-term goals.
Pillars of Recovery
Pillars of Maine Opioid Response Strategic Plan
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PREVENTION
The Prevention Pillar of the Maine Opioid Response Strategic Plan focuses on reducing the prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD) by preventing the early initiation of addictive substances among youth and young adults and decreasing the misuse of opioids. It is one of the key focus areas designed to break the cycle of addiction, and promoting community-based initiatives.
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Here at Save a Life we work very hard to reach our youth. We encourage our youth to attend any of our programs, we are one of the only recovery resource centers that have a teen as the teen recovery coach, and we provide many outreach opportunities such as but not limited to:
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School Narcan Trainings
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Teen based programming such as Teen Hive where teens can access resources, receive homework help, and use our space.
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Backpack Drive: We provide filled backpacks of school supplies to make sure our youth have all the tools they need to succeed.
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Dance Clothing: We provide gently used prom dresses, dress clothes, and suits so all teens and youth can enjoy school dances.
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Prom Hair: We style hair free during prom season.
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Drug Free World: We have partnered with Drug Free World to educate the youth on the dangers of all substances.
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HARM REDUCTION
This pillar is designed to engage active users, reduce stigma, and connect individuals with treatment and recovery services. This pillar focuses on minimizing the negative health and economic impacts of substance use disorder (SUD) by making naloxone widely available, providing safety supplies to prevent disease, and promoting strategies that reduce fatal overdoses.
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Save a Life does this by providing NARCAN and Revive nasal and injectable.
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Harm Reduction is a large scope than just Narcan. We work to literally reduce harm. We do this by:
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Providing free Narcan.
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Providing free lock bags to store medications.
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Providing free lockboxes to store medications.
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Providing Deterra Bags so you can safely dispose medication for free at home.
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Offering short term food solutions.
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Providing hygiene items.
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Giving access to gently used clothing.
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Giving away warming bags in the winter.
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Connecting you to local resources.
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Limited safe use harm reduction supplies.
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TREATMENT
This pillar aims to ensure the availability of treatment that is local, immediate, and affordable. This pillar treats substance use disorder (SUD) as a chronic medical condition, prioritizing low-barrier access to care across the state, particularly for marginalized or high-risk populations.
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Save a Life is not a treatment center. We are a community resource center. This means we give you the tools to find treatment centers that work for you. We keep an ongoing list of a verity of options so you can find the treatment that will work for you.
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Save a Life also provides public use computers, WIFI, and limited printing services so you can access the tools quickly to start your treatment journey.
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Save a Life also offers free recovery coaching.
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RECOVERY
This pillar focuses on supporting individuals on their journey of recovery from substance use disorder and opioid use disorder while building "recovery-ready communities" across the state. This pillar aims to reduce stigma, improve access to long-term recovery support, and remove barriers to essential services like housing and employment.
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Save a Life supports this pillar in a verity of ways.
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All our programs are open to the community. This helps reduce stigma.
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We offer a job board and resume writing assistance to help in the employment search.
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We offer community events throughout the year as well as attend community events throughout the year. We use this time to share resources and reduce stigma related to SUD.
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We provide barrier free recovery coaching. Your insurance or finances are never asked for so you can receive recovery coaching.
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We keep an ongoing list of housing opportunities in the area.
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NA and AA hosts their own meetings at Save a Life, this can help your long-term recovery.