Making Space for Youth Connection Around Recovery

Youth Recovery Coach Alexa Eisworth contributed to this article.

Over the past several months, Healthy Acadia Youth Recovery Coach Alexa Eisworth has hosted a weekly youth support and recovery group at Boatload of Books in Eastport.

The group, which meets every Monday at 3 p.m., provides a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space for people ages 14–21 to share their experiences, talk through challenges, explore solutions, and build meaningful connections. Most importantly, this group gives young people a space to feel heard, supported, and connected as they navigate their recovery journeys. It has also been a wonderful opportunity for youth to invite their friends and help spread the word about this valuable resource.

“In a small community, accessible resources and supportive spaces for young people are especially important,” shared Eisworth. “We are very grateful for the outpouring of support from local businesses and community members who have helped make this group possible.”

Attendance has ranged from one to four people, and we hope the group will continue to grow. The youth recovery team looks forward to continuing to build this space alongside the youth and community of Eastport.

Healthy Acadia’s Youth Recovery Coaching Program provides free, one-on-one peer support to young people ages 14–21 in Washington and Hancock counties who are navigating recovery or are impacted by substance use in their lives or families. Trained Youth Recovery Coaches offer mentorship, encouragement, connection to community resources, and support as young people work toward their own goals and well-being.