ROCKLAND – “Rockland really stood out for us as a great community that could really use something like this,” said Randy Morrison, director of Maine Behavioral Health’s Peer Support Center.

As Morrison and his colleagues sought a third location for their peer-to-peer support facility, a few aspects of the Rockland area stood out.

“We know that with the substance use/opioid epidemic, there’s a lot of overdoses here,” he said. “And the rate of substance use disorder here is pretty large in comparison per capita.”

Morrison also cited the recent establishment of a substance abuse program for Suboxone treatment, the resources of Pen Bay Medical Center, and the proximity to PBMC’s Psychiatric and Addiction Recovery Center as further factors.

Peer Centers, according to Maine Behavioral Healthcare, serves “anyone in the community with a self-identified mental health and/or substance use challenge (a ‘Peer’) that is seeking recovery and wellness, and is committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful. There is no required fee to take advantage of offered services. Individuals without a self-identified mental health and/or substance use challenge are not eligible to participate in the program.”

On Wednesday, April 25, Morrison and his colleagues will offer the public a glimpse at the space reserved for area adults who face mental health challenges of any kind.

On its surface, this facility, at 12 Union Street, is simply a nonjudgmental location where individuals facing challenges can be among others who’ve been there themselves. The advisors aren’t medical professionals, but people who’ve been through their own challenges. No one is telling anyone what to do, and though sign-in is expected, real names don’t matter.

Below the surface, however, much more is developing. This is a place for acquiring resources, making connections, and building the communities necessary as individuals in recovery transition to regular life.

The philosophy is balance.

“Folks aren’t just coming here to get support,” Morrison said. “They’re here also to give it. I’ve seen so many amazing interactions of folks here just supporting each other and saying, ‘Yeah, things are hard sometimes. But we really care about you, and we’re so glad you’re here today.’”

In time, that outreach will extend beyond the $1.50 lunches, the game boards, and the focused art projects that, for the Biddeford location will be on display during that city’s Art Walk.

The Cards for a Cause program has been popular for years at the Sanford and Biddeford locations.

“Folks who have been in the hospital before are writing cards to people who are currently in the hospital saying, ‘I know how tough this is. We’re here for you. You have a community that supports you,’” Morrison said. “Those are the kind, sweet things that are really important to hear when we’re in tough spots.”

In the past, the state provided funds for the social club aspect that the Sanford and Biddeford facilities have been using for decades, according to Morrison, who oversees all three locations. Recently, however, the state decided to standardize and create a recovery model requiring more groups, more employment support, and more activities.

From there, Morrison wrote grants for all three facilities, allowing for computer access and assistance for job seekers. All three facilities won the grant.

As the facility gets the word out about their program, a community resource center of referrals and resources will grow, he said.

That resource accumulation will continue from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 25, as Morrison encourages other agencies and providers to drop off their own fliers and pamphlets, and further the network that serves the community. Refreshments and coffee will be provided.

“We’ve all been through so much,” he said. “We’ve all learned so much. We have so much to offer other people, and so this is a space of giving.”

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com