Peer recovery center offers hope to those with addictions, mental illness
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IDAHO FALLS — A new Idaho Falls recovery center is planning on being fully functional this fall.
“We welcome everybody. It’s a welcoming place. It’s a safe place. It’s a non-judgmental place,” Executive Director Sandy Baiocco said.
The Center for Hope, a peer recovery center and nonprofit organization, officially opened at the end of July. The volunteer-run facility offers free services for those with mental illnesses and substance abuse issues.
She said it’s different from an in-patient treatment facility.
“This is strictly peers who are … helping their peers, who are trying to get into recovery or sustain their recovery,” Baiocco said.
Baiocco said because it’s peer run, the classes and activities will be up to those who are using the facility. She said ultimately, peers will decide what classes will be most beneficial to their recovery.
“Recovery encompasses your entire life. You could have classes on your finances, or maybe job interviewing. How about creative writing? Or a new hobby? We could do anything, as long as it has to do with wellness and recovery,” Baiocco said.
She said members from the community are welcome to go to the Center for Hope and share their skills with those in recovery.
“If you have time to teach a class, we would love you to come down,” Baiocco said.
Currently the center only caters to the needs of adults because of the population they serve. They also have family recovery options. Baiocco said she hopes to implement recovery help for adolescents, and children in the future.
“You’re in recovery when you say you’re in recovery. Please walk in my door and get (assigned) to somebody. As long as you are over the age of 18 and you identify as in recovery, or as an ally of recovery, you’re welcome here,” Baiocco said.
Baiocco said she’s planning on more staff being available to run the facility in September. The Center for Hope is primarily a recovery center, but can also be used as a community center for various groups.
You can contact the center at (208) 497-2397.
Pocatello has a similar facility. Click here to learn more.