Milestone Recovery

This building looked a little different in 1967.

What hasn't changed is the reason it exists.

For nearly six decades, Milestone Recovery has been helping people take the first steps toward recovery, stability, and hope.

Over the years, our work has grown beyond this location to include services at our Andover Road campus and our long-term residential program in Old Orchard Beach. Thousands of people have walked through our doors seeking a different future.

Every person who found recovery, every family reunited, every life reclaimed is part of this story.

And we're still here.

Helping people. Changing lives. Since 1967.

Thank you to the Portland Elks Lodge for bringing our community together in support of Milestone Recovery, St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, and the Intercultural Community Center.

We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and generosity that went into making this fundraiser a success. Every dollar raised helps strengthen vital services and creates a greater impact for people in our community who need support.

Thank you for believing in the power of neighbors helping neighbors. We are honored to be part of this effort and grateful for your partnership. ❤️

Portland Elks Lodge 188 presented checks Wednesday evening to three local non-profits as a result of the Basket Raffle Extravaganza held last month.

ER Joe Winschel, and members from the Activity Committee (Margaret Poulin, Patty Amico, Kim Toppi) presented checks to: Harrison Otterbein, President, St Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen ($1,000 and 40lbs of coffee for their coffee closet); Emily Loder, Youth Program Director at Intercultural Community Center and Nate Palmer Ameria Corp Volunteer ($1,900); and Alisa Gibson, Director Mission Advancement, Milestone Recovery ($1,900).

The Basket Raffle Extravaganza, put on by the Lodge's Activity Committee, is a success due to the overwhelming support of the Lodge's members who generously donate gift baskets, buy raffle tickets, and volunteer at the two-day event.

Pictured l-r: Sue Briggs (who also volunteers at St Vincent), Harrison Ottervein, Joe Winschel, Margaret Poulin, Emily Loder, Nate Palmer, Alisa Gibson, Patty Amico, Kim Toppi.

Today is Election Day.

Whether someone is casting a ballot, accessing treatment, finding shelter, or taking the next step in recovery, having a voice matters.

If you're eligible to vote, make a plan to get to the polls today. Small actions can shape the communities we all share.

"Thank you for the ways you shine light into darkness and speak a word of hope to those on the margins."

These words accompanied a generous financial gift from St. Alban's Church, and they touched us deeply.

Since 2024, St. Alban's has been a steadfast partner in our mission, helping ensure that people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder, and other challenges are met with compassion, dignity, and hope.

Financial support like this does more than sustain programs. It helps provide meals, outreach, shelter, recovery services, and the reassurance that every person matters.

To the congregation of Church: thank you for your generosity, your partnership, and your belief in the people we serve. We are profoundly grateful.

🌈❤️ This Pride Month, we celebrate the simple but powerful belief that every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to be their authentic self.

No matter who you are, who you love, or where your journey has taken you, you deserve to be welcomed, valued, and supported.

Hope does not always begin with something big.

Sometimes it begins with a parent teaching their children to care about people they may never meet.

Like this family who spent part of their day making sandwiches for our HOME Team to hand directly to people living outside in our community.

To someone struggling with homelessness, addiction, hunger, or isolation, that simple act can mean:
“You matter.”
“Someone thought about you.”
“Don’t give up.”

That is how stronger communities are built.
One small act of compassion at a time. 🤍

Today, we remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country.

At Milestone Recovery, we also think about the veterans still fighting battles long after their service ends — battles with trauma, homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction.

Recovery, stability, and dignity matter because every life matters.

This Memorial Day, we honor those we lost and recommit ourselves to caring for those still here.

Sometimes the hardest part is taking the first step.

Right now, Milestone Recovery’s short-term residential treatment program has a short wait list, which means help may be available sooner than you think.

If you are tired of surviving and ready for something different, this could be the moment to reach out.

Recovery does not require perfection. Just willingness.

Learn more or get started here: www.milestone-recovery.org/residential

Sometimes the smallest things carry the biggest meaning.

Today, the incredible women of Altrusa International - Portland, Maine Club donated beautifully assembled care bags for women graduating from Milestone Recovery programs — and they were filled with thoughtfulness, dignity, and compassion.

Each bag included full-sized shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, feminine hygiene products, cozy socks, and so many other essentials that help someone feel cared for as they begin a new chapter.

For many of the people we serve, a “fresh start” means rebuilding from almost nothing. Donations like these are more than supplies. They send a powerful message:
You matter. You are worthy of care. You deserve comfort, dignity, and hope.

We are deeply grateful for the kindness and generosity behind every single bag. Thank you for helping women move forward with confidence and dignity. 🤍