The Peer2Peer Recovery Coach Project will reduce substance use and harm by increasing access to Recovery Coaching and other recovery support services for at-risk individuals in New Bedford, MA. - Peer2Peer Recovery Coach Project Abstract Steppingstone, Inc. (SS) is applying to SAMHSA’s TI-21-004 Building Communities of Recovery solicitation for $600,000 total to operate the proposed Peer2Peer Recovery Coach Project for a three-year grant term. The Recovery Coach Project (RCP) will increase access to effective peer recovery support services for priority populations by expanding recovery coaching and improving integration with existing providers in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Project will serve 125 adult individuals with substance use disorders or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (SUD/CODs) over the grant term. The RCP will further integrate and increase access to peer recovery coaches within SS’s existing New Bedford programs, which include an Outpatient Clinic providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT), substance use and mental health treatment, and wrap-around services; an integrated behavioral health and supportive housing program for homeless individuals with CODs; two offender-reentry projects; and permanent supportive housing and street outreach programs for the homeless. The RCP will also utilize MOUs with a variety of providers and community stakeholders to outreach and engage priority populations, which include Hispanics/Latinos, particularly those with limited English proficiency (LEP), individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (CODs), and individuals at-risk of opioid overdose or engaging in MAT. Collaborative partners include PAACA, Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, the New Bedford Police Department, the Greater New Bedford Opioid Task Force, and Seven Hills. RCP services include outreach and engagement, individual coaching and mentoring, peer-led support groups and activities, assessment of recovery capital, individual wellness planning, navigation support, employment coaching and family support. Treatment services will be accessible to RCP participants within Steppingstone’s Continuum of Care (Outpatient, MAT, Residential) or other local providers through Affiliation Agreements. The goals of the RCP are to: increase access to effective peer recovery support services for priority populations by expanding recovery coaching and improving integration with existing providers in New Bedford; reduce substance use and harm by providing peer recovery support services to individuals with CODs, the Hispanic/Latino population, and individuals at-risk for opioid overdose or engaging in MAT in New Bedford; and promote other improved outcomes by supporting participants and connecting them with treatment, housing and other recovery support services. The project will be centrally located and accessible. Project staff include a 1 FTE Project Director, 1 FTE Project Coordinator, 1 FTE Bilingual (English/Spanish) Recovery Coach, and 1 FTE Recovery Coach.
