Restored Connections Peer Center kicked off the new year with strong momentum, renewed energy, and a shared commitment to the recovery community we serve. Staff, volunteers, and community members entered 2026 ready to support one another and continue building pathways for people seeking recovery and reconnection.
One of the most exciting milestones this year has been the Grand Opening of the Annex, a space dedicated to expanding opportunities for connection, learning, and healing within our recovery community. Over the past 60 days, the Annex calendar has continued to grow, offering a variety of recovery meetings, cultural programming, and community-led activities. The space is also being used to host continuing education trainings that support the professional development of peer support workers and others working in the substance use recovery field, helping strengthen the workforce that supports recovery in our community.
The response from the community has been incredible. People in recovery have not only participated in these activities but have stepped forward to bring their own ideas, leadership, and talents into the space. Community members have truly shown up and shown out, helping create meaningful opportunities for connection and support.
Another area experiencing exciting growth is our Workforce Development Program, which continues to expand rapidly. This program helps individuals in recovery build confidence, develop job skills, and re-enter the workforce with purpose. As more individuals move forward in their recovery journeys, the need for a strong workforce within peer support and the substance use recovery field continues to grow. Programs like this help create pathways for people with lived experience to step into meaningful roles that support others on their recovery journey.
Funding remains an important topic across the recovery community. In February, representatives from Restored Connections joined some of our strongest community partners and traveled to Salem for Advocacy Day, meeting with legislators to discuss the importance of sustainable pathways for peer-led recovery services. It was a powerful day coming together as one voice.
As the year continues, Restored Connections remains focused on strengthening recovery pathways, expanding opportunities for connection, and supporting the growth of the peer workforce that makes this work possible. The progress we are seeing and support from our community reflects the dedication of the community and the power of people supporting one another.
