Building Recovery Ready Communities - Building Communities of Recovery (BCOR) is a peer-led initiative of Lost Dreams Awakening (LDA), designed to strengthen recovery-ready communities in Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties, Pennsylvania. The project supports individuals aged 25–64 who are navigating substance use disorders (SUDs), often alongside co-occurring mental health conditions, housing instability, or involvement with the justice system. LDA aims to serve 150 individuals annually—over 450 throughout the project—through coordinated peer support, outreach, education, and linkage to services. Rooted in the belief that every person deserves equal dignity and respect, LDA engages trained Recovery Coaches to deliver person-centered recovery support services. Participants are connected to peer mentors, receive referrals to clinical and recovery-focused programs, and are invited to engage in community outreach events, family-friendly activities, and skill-building workshops. The initiative supports the development of a safe, welcoming environment where individuals can access resources, build relationships, and sustain long-term recovery. Core strategies include: Delivering peer recovery support services (PRSS) through a diverse team of trained Recovery Coaches Providing direct linkage to clinical services, recovery programs, and community-based supports Launching and sustaining a Recovery Café as a space for informal support and connection Hosting seasonal community events, such as recovery walks, parenting classes, and volunteer programs Leveraging digital communications to increase awareness and reduce stigma Utilizing a Power BI dashboard and GPRA tracking to measure progress and inform improvement The initiative has consistently exceeded service targets, with 165 GPRA intakes logged this year and over 850 service linkages provided. Positive outcome trends include significant reductions in substance use and mental health symptoms, increased employment and school enrollment, and improved housing stability. Data from GPRA follow-ups shows improvement in abstinence (from 58% to 85%), employment/school attendance (from 52% to 67%), and reductions in depression (from 60% to 35%) and anxiety (from 72% to 43%). The program also launched a volunteer sign-up system, developed MOUs with local providers, and began building a sustainability pitch deck to support long-term growth. With continued funding, LDA will deepen its data-driven approach, expand peer-led support, and cultivate recovery environments that celebrate human potential and promote whole-person wellness. This project offers a replicable, locally informed model for community-based recovery support—one grounded in service, accountability, and shared humanity.
