Vermont Recovery

The Peer Recovery Center was born out of traditional
day treatment services at the Black River
Rehabilitation Center in Springfield, Vermont.

In the past, services included a peer-run weaving
shop that sold rugs and a peer-run woodwork shop
that sold furniture. Peers also operated a Cafe in
downtown Springfield that was open to the public.
There were staff-driven groups that were offered to
peers, but they were dependent on staff interests
and ultimately non-sustainable if staff were not
present. Some of these groups included Art, Theatre,
Gardening, and Yoga.

In the early 90s, the workshops and Cafe were closed
down to shift focus toward more community-based
competitive employment, as opposed to employment
dependent on the Black River Rehabilitation Center.

As the recovery movement in the U.S. started to
ignite, the services offered began to transition. By
2002, planning was in place to establish a peer-run
center, and in 2004, peers declared their
independence with a full governing body.

Nowadays, peers operate the center almost entirely,
so much so that staff is rarely needed for its
functioning. A wonderful community has blossomed in
which individuals actively participate in creating their
recovery environment. There are two staff members,
however, who essentially act as consultants. As a
cooperative effort, we all strive to ensure that
activities, efforts, and plans originate from peers and
have sustainable foundations for the future.