REGION — Among barriers people face seeking recovery are the financial costs. Establishing stable shelter, food, transportation and even communication are necessary steps for those who may have lost – or had to abandon – theirs when faced with overcoming substance use disorder.
The Norway-based Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative provides tools for people with SUD to start anew as they seek treatment which includes a Recovery Assistance Fund program to hep defray the costs.
“Unfortunately, the fund was fully depleted about a year ago, and we haven’t had the resources to provide that kind of assistance since,” says WMARI Director Kari Taylor. “Originally it was established through a generous foundational grant. We were also fortunate to receive donations from community members who believed in the importance of removing financial barriers to recovery.
“The fund helped cover things like transportation to treatment, food, basic necessities, and costs related to entering or maintaining recovery, the kinds of support that are often difficult to find funding for but can make all the difference.”
Enter Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School seniors Sophia Estes of Hebron and Lily Hammond of Norway, who chose as their senior project a fundraiser to support WMARI’s recovery assistance program.
The two have organized Paddles for Progress, a pickleball tournament, and pledged all sponsorship and registration proceeds to WMARI to fund SUD assistance. As of last week, they have secured $4,200.
Paddles for Progress will take place Sunday starting at 10 a.m., at Harrison’s Field of Dreams at the RADR Complex. The registration fee is $40.
Seventeen teams have registered; Estes and Hammond hope that at least another half dozen sign up.
Choosing WMARI as their senior project beneficiary was the easy part. Choosing pickleball came a bit later, after running, cornhole, basketball and other sports were ruled out.
Athletes themselves – Estes has played on OHCHS’ field hockey, tennis and softball teams and Hammond the field hockey, lacrosse and Nordic ski teams.
“We talked about holding a 5K race at first,” said Estes. “But it was a lot of work – having to go to the town for permission and routes.”
“Pickleball is kind of an up-and-coming sport, it’s becoming pretty popular,” Hammond said. “We wanted something to bring people together, regardless of their age or skill level. We felt like it would be a good way to engage the community.”
Then came the creative process. They chose an apt tournament name, chose to work with Perfect Stitch Embroidery for t-shirt design and put together their marketing campaign – flyers, social media invites, an online registration page and a QR code.
They consulted with Taylor for each step. During the tournament, Taylor and The HILLS Recovery Center staff will manage an information booth for competitors and spectators to learn about available resources in SUD recovery. She is gratified for Estes’ and Hammond’s community and fundraising support, as well as to other youth in the area.
“In past years, students have chosen to support our organization, volunteering their time for planning and at events like our annual Western Maine Recovery Rally and participating in Prevention and Wellness Days at the school,” she said in an email statement. “Even before this formal partnership, they’ve shown up for us in meaningful ways, offering their time, energy, and enthusiasm to help raise awareness and reduce stigma around addiction and recovery.”
Hammond is likely to continue to support organizations like WMARI in her future career. She lists Dr. Lisa Miller, a Western Maine Health physician who is board certified in addiction medicine as a mentor whose footsteps she would like to follow. Hammond is enrolled for fall at Bates College in Lewiston, where she plans to study neuroscience before continuing onto medical school.
