A Recovery Friendly Community (RFC) is a community that is aware of the pain of addiction and the hard won joy of recovery and does not shy away from either. A RFC lends a helping hand to those in need and celebrates those who are leading healthy and powerful lives. A RFC makes it as easy to get zoning for a sober living center or event as it does for a distillery or alcohol serving event. A RFC reviews and adapts its criminal justice funding and policies to support the sincere recovery efforts of folks who are incarcerated. A RFC speaks out against shame and heralds steps toward healthy change. A RFC is not US versus THEM…it is only US.
Many of the participants in CRA’s 2021 Community Conversation stated that they think Emmet County is ahead of our peer counties in supporting those in recovery, and we are ready to work together to take the next step. In order to do that we must address the remaining community barriers of:
1. Too many shameful myths around recovery and addiction
2. Lack of affordable housing, transportation, employment, and access to insured medical treatment
3. Need for more supportive services within criminal justice system for those neighbors suffering with SUD or mental health issues.
4. Lack of knowledge of local employers on how to support workers dealing with SUD or mental health issues.
5. Lack of venues and events that support fun and substance free events and gatherings.
In oder to counter this the CRA Community Conversation attendees suggested these Top 5 Action Steps:
- Affordable and Accessible Housing
- Access to a good job
- Good personal fit recover program
- Reliable and affordable transportation
- Positive community attitude and real support: smart criminal justices policies and local sober gathering spaces
(From CRA Survey concerning Recovery Friendly Community Issues – Summer 2021)