HEBCAC implemented Dee’s Place Recovery Center in 2000 to fill an important gap in the continuum of services for substance abusers. Research indicates that attendance at group support meetings such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) is an essential component to a successful recovery program. However, the times of meetings do not meet the needs of all persons in recovery.

Dee’s Place provides recovery support/ NA meetings on a nearly 24-hour basis to persons in recovery at any time the need arises. Often late hours or holidays are the times that former users are the most vulnerable to relapse. Dee’s Place is available during those times to support those individuals in their recovery. For persons who have completed a treatment program, the life-long process of recovery has just begun. Dee’s Place offers the support needed for the journey and the opportunity to identify and address underlying problems that preceded the use of drugs. Staff members assist participants to make linkages with program services needed such as health and mental health services, job training and employment programs, and other services specific to the individual participant.

Dee’s Place is a grassroots effort, depending on community volunteers, recovering substance abusers, and existing support groups for the services and the supportive atmosphere so necessary for the success of the program and to assist participants to maintain recovery and gain greater self-sufficiency. True to the traditions of addiction support groups, the groups are autonomous and establish their own rules. Paid staff does not operate the groups. Staff is available only to schedule the many sponsored group meetings held at Dee’s Place, to address other administrative details outside the group setting and to assist those wishing referral/support services linkages.

For more information contact: DeLois Sparks at 443/524-2592 or 443/524-2596, or by email dsparks@hebcac.org.