The Maine Recovery Access Project (ME-RAP) invites the public to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Access Center, Augusta’s new grassroots recovery community hub, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4 - 6 p.m., at 47 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330.

This celebration marks the transformation of a long-vacant downtown property into a vibrant, community-led recovery hub. The public is invited to join for remarks from local leaders, a ceremonial ribbon cutting with the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, tours of the new space, and refreshments.

Featured speakers include Courtney Gary-Allen (ME-RAP Executive Director and Augusta City Council), Ryan Hampton (Mobilize Recovery), Mayor Mark O’Brien, Rep. Dave Rollins, Ehrin Simanski (Lisa’s Legit Burrito), Chasity Tuell (Maine Recovery Council), Victoria Abbott (Augusta Downtown Alliance), and ME-RAP Board Chair Raegan LaRochelle. Ribbon cutting by Katie Doherty (Kennebec Valley Chamber).

The Access Center provides a wide range of community-centered support, including recovery meetings like 12-Step, All Recovery Youth, and family-focused groups; youth prevention programs; access to basic needs such as showers, personal storage, and mail services; referrals to treatment; help with housing and employment; a strong volunteer program; and a downtown clean-up program and syringe disposal innitative—along with much more.

The Access Center was made possible by a cornerstone investment totalling $500,000 of opioid settlement funds from the Maine Recovery Council. ME-RAP also thanks The Home Depot Foundation for its nearly $20,000 donation in flooring and installation, Sherwin-Williams for donating all paint and materials, and the many local businesses, volunteers, and neighbors whose collaboration made this vision possible.

The Maine Recovery Access Project (ME-RAP) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2020. The Access Center builds on ME-RAP’s strong five-year track record of peer-led, community-based recovery support. In that time, ME-RAP has knocked on over 10,000 doors through Project Doorstep, distributed 5,489 naloxone kits, and trained more than 3,692 people in overdose response.

The organization has also led three youth caucuses focused on preventing substance use and supported more than 65 youth-led community impact projects. Through over 15 downtown clean-up events, ME-RAP and more than 100 volunteers have removed more than 150 bags of trash and thousands of improperly discarded syringes. Through its sister organization, the Maine Recovery Action Project, ME-RAP has also played a key role in shaping state policy, helping to pass numerous pieces of legislation—including LD 1714, which secured $2 million annually for recovery community centers across Maine.