As 2025 comes to a close, Restored Connections Peer Center stands at the intersection of gratitude and growth. This year was marked not just by numbers served or programs expanded, but by the countless moments of connection that happened quietly, consistently, and often when someone needed it most.
Every day, individuals came through our doors carrying their own stories—stories of resilience, grief, hope, uncertainty, laughter, and transformation. In walking beside each person, we were reminded of why peer support matters and how community continues to be one of the most powerful forces in recovery.
Community Space
For years, RCPC envisioned a home for recovery—a dedicated space where individuals could gather not only for support, but also for wellness, creativity, and celebration. A place where recovery didn’t have to look one particular way. Where culture, identity, and lived experience could shape the atmosphere. Where connection could flourish without stigma, judgment, or barriers.
Throughout 2025, that dream quietly took shape. Staff, volunteers, individuals in recovery, and community partners all contributed ideas, energy, and vision. Piece by piece, the foundation was built for something bigger than any one program or service—a true recovery community center led by the very people it serves.
Introducing The Annex
Opening January 2, 2026, at 1200 High Street, The Annex stands as a community-built promise: a place where recovery is welcomed, supported, and celebrated in all its forms.
The Annex is warm. It is vibrant. It is culturally grounded. But most importantly, it was shaped by the voices of those who will gather within it.
Inside these walls, individuals will find space to grow, to reflect, to practice wellness, to engage with culture, and to build relationships that strengthen their recovery. It is a place to breathe, to create, and to belong.
And it represents RCPC’s continued commitment to offering multiple pathways to recovery—including 12-Step, Staff led Recovery activities, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, Wellbriety, and others—while expanding new opportunities for healing and connection.
A New Home for Workforce Development
Alongside community connection, The Annex will become a central hub for peer support training and continuing education.
This year, a dedicated team at RCPC developed a comprehensive lineup of continuing education courses designed to strengthen and sustain the peer workforce across Lane County. These trainings will now be offered in a setting intentionally created for learning—where peers can grow professionally while remaining rooted in community.
Beginning in 2026, all Peer Support Specialist (PSS) trainings will also be hosted at The Annex, further expanding Oregon’s peer workforce and creating accessible opportunities for career development.
The Annex is more than a gathering place. It is an investment in the future of peer support.
Looking Back: A Year of Milestones
As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2025, several moments stand out:
- Individuals across Lane County accessed support, navigated housing, and found stability through peer-led services.
- Culturally specific supports expanded, with Indigenous-led programming continuing to grow in depth and leadership.
- The Overdose Awareness Walk brought record numbers of participants, families, and partners together in remembrance and solidarity.
- Partnerships across the community strengthened our capacity to serve, respond, and advocate.
- New training curricula and professional development tools were created to support the next generation of peer mentors.
- Staff showed remarkable adaptability, leadership, and heart through a year of transition and expansion.
Each of these milestones represents more than progress—they reflect a community that continues to rise together.
Looking Ahead: Strength, Sustainability, and Community Leadership
As we move into 2026, RCPC remains focused on building a sustainable foundation for the future. Our goals for the coming year include:
- Expanding recovery pathways and offering more opportunities for connection and wellness.
- Deepening culturally grounded practices, with continued support for Indigenous-led recovery and community circles.
- Growing our workforce development programs, including PSS trainings and a robust continuing education catalog.
- Strengthening partnerships across housing, healthcare, and community organizations.
- Developing sustainable funding strategies that ensure our programs remain stable, responsive, and accessible for years to come.
Sustainability is central to our vision—not just financial sustainability, but organizational stability, staff well-being, long-term program reliability, and the continued growth of a strong, skilled peer workforce.
With Gratitude
To everyone who trusted us this year, who shared their story, who offered support, who showed up for themselves or others—thank you.
RCPC exists because of this community.
It grows because of this community.
And The Annex is our shared next step—a space built from hope, connection, and the belief that recovery is possible for everyone.
Here’s to closing 2025 with gratitude, stepping into 2026 with purpose, and continuing to build a recovery-centered future—together.
