PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - People who are overcoming addiction or who have recently been released from prison have a new place to find support in Somerset County.
The new Somerset County Recovery and Re-Entry Center opened its doors Thursday morning serving what counselors say is a growing need.
"One in five children in this area has a parent who is currently incarcerated or on parole," said peer support specialist Sheri Temple.
Temple herself is a recovering addict who knows firsthand that getting off drugs is just the first step in the process. She says what matters even more is that recovering addicts get connected to the people and services that will keep them off drugs.
"The recovery process starts when you make those changes that are conducive to living a better life," said Temple.
Executive director Rota Knott agreed and emphasized that the center is not focused as much as drug treatment as it is on providing support.
"The recovery center is about peer support and providing connections to resources in the community," said Knott.
The center is located near downtown which provides easy access to people who may have no transportation. Temple encourages clients and their families to take advantage of the services the center offers.
"You meet with them when they're in teratment and you say 'I'm here for you. When you come out call me and we'll get together and we'll talk about what you want to do now and how can I help you?'" said Temple.
