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SERLC Quarterly Newsletter Autumn 2025
What's been happening at the SERLC?
Gratitude Poster from SERLC Annual Picnic
This summer was filled with a rich variety of in-person events that brought our community together in powerful and joyful ways. From the energetic Annual SERLC Picnic to Pride Month and Juneteenth celebrations, summer outings, and overdose awareness events, each gathering fostered connection, reflection, and collective resilience. These summer gatherings weren’t just events. They were affirmations of our shared values: inclusion, healing, and celebration of lived experience.
SERLC 2025 Annual Picnic
In August, our community came together for our annual picnic, a vibrant celebration of recovery, resilience, and community. Held under sunny skies at Watson Pond in Taunton surrounded by familiar faces, the event brought our 4 RCCs together and offered a joyful pause to reflect, reconnect, and recharge. The day was bursting with energy, creativity, and connection. And the activities were a huge part of what made the day so memorable!
SERLC Community Picnic
We held four exciting raffles: an Artist’s Dream, Crafter’s Dream, a black-light themed living room makeover, and a magic kit with crystals, oracle cards, and a light-changing crystal ball. The picnic tables buzzed with creativity as folks painted rocks with affirmations and symbols of recovery, hope, and resilience. Queer Bingo was a crowd favorite with affirming language and prizes that celebrated identity and joy. The game created space for laughter, learning, and visibility. Lawn games created lighthearted fun. These activities brought color, joy, and connection to a day of celebration.
The annual SERC picnic was more than a celebration. It embodied the resilience, unity, and vibrant spirit of the Southeast Recovery Learning Community. Every moment reflected the power of connection and the beauty of diverse voices coming together. It was a space where recovery wasn’t just supported; it was honored, uplifted, and lived out loud. The picnic reminded us that healing thrives in community.
We hope you can join us again next year!
What's Been Happening at the SERLC?
Overdose Awareness Observances
Each year on August 31st, communities around the world observe International Overdose Awareness Day, a global campaign to raise awareness about overdose, reduce stigma surrounding substance use, and honor the lives lost to this preventable tragedy. This year’s theme, “One Big Family, Driven by Hope”, reminds us that overdose doesn’t just affect individuals, but ripples through families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. Let’s continue to raise awareness and break the stigma. Together, we make a difference!
Brockton RCC and Fall River RCCs showed up with compassion and presence, offering support and resources while standing alongside others in the fight for healing, awareness, and change.
The Brockton RCC attended the Overdose Awareness Vigil in Taunton, joining community members in a heartfelt evening of remembrance and solidarity. The vigil honored lives lost to overdose and uplifted those in recovery through candle lighting, shared stories, and quiet reflection.
The RCC Fall River team showed up to the Overdose Awareness Day event at Battleship Park to host the table in style with custom designed t-shirts made in-house.
What's Been Happening at the SERLC?
RCC Spaces Update
We’ve refreshed our centers with visuals that reflect who we are and what we stand for. On our front doors, we’ve placed small Progress Pride decals. Step inside, and you’ll find pronoun pins available for our members and staff, along with beautiful full-sized Pride flags displayed proudly, celebrating LGBTQIA+ identities and affirming our commitment to visibility and inclusive peer support.
Fall River RCC
These visual updates aren’t just symbolic. They’re part of how we make our spaces feel safer, more welcoming, and more aligned with the communities we serve. Every sticker and flag is a reminder that pride lives here year-round.
Hyannis RCC
These symbols may be small in size, but they carry a big message: our spaces are built with intention, care, and a commitment to showing up for every part of our community.
Quincy RCC
They’re not just decorations, they’re declarations of solidarity and belonging. Whether you're arriving for a support group, a fun event, or just stopping by, know: You are seen. You are valued. You are welcome here.
Brockton RCC
What's Been Happening at the Quincy Recovery Connection Center?
The Quincy RCC came alive with color during the recent tie-dye party over the summer, where community members gathered to create vibrant t-shirts and celebrated connection and recovery.
Janine Ortega held a heart-centered workshop creating vision boards with Janine in a space where creativity meets intention. Participants mapped out hopes for recovery, visualized goals for personal growth, and gave those visions form and color.
We’re excited to welcome three incredible new team members to the Quincy Recovery Connection Center! Please join us in welcoming:
✨Sam, our new Group Facilitator, bringing warmth, insight, and a passion for peer-led support and gaming.
✨Janine, Peer Bridger, ready to build meaningful connections and walk alongside individuals in their recovery journeys.
✨Alan, our new Community Connector, is here to strengthen outreach, and foster reciprocal relationships.
Their unique strengths and lived experience will help deepen the heart of the Quincy RCC, creating spaces of healing, belonging, and empowerment. Stop by to say hello and help us give them a warm welcome!
Throughout the summer, Quincy RCC served up delicious community meals, creating space for connection, conversation, and mutual support.
In August, we hosted guest speaker, Ziba, from Pop Cannibal on peer support through gaming. The discussion centered around 3 topics: building supportive online spaces, navigating gaming with wellness in mind, and using creativity and connection as tools for healing.
What's Been Happening at the Brockton Recovery Connection Center?
Brockton RCC’s Juneteenth Black Pride Panel was centered around the Black experience in America, with a special focus on the richness and complexity of Black identity across generations and cultures. Panelists reflected on growing up Black-American with foreign roots, navigating identity crises, and embracing both cultural pride and the challenges of belonging. It was a meaningful celebration of Juneteenth, and we hope to continue this tradition in 2026 and beyond.
The Brockton RCC brought community members together this summer for fun outings at Nantasket Beach and Watson Pond.
Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) was offered over the summer. Participants built personalized recovery strategies, and strengthened self-advocacy skills.
This summer, we brought sunshine indoors with our radiant holiday tree adorned with sunflowers, sun charms, and bursts of colorful handmade decorations.
Fall Craft projects are already in full swing at the Brockton RCC! Members are embracing the season with creativity, connection, and cozy autumn vibes.
What's Been Happening at the Fall River Recovery Connection Center?
The Fall River RCC honored Overdose Awareness Week as community members came together to color dozens of purple awareness ribbons, transforming them into beautiful homemade decor. They added a special touch to their year-round holiday tree, making it a symbol of survivorship, support and remembrance.
The Fall River RCC recently hosted a joyful and colorful tie-dye pizza party that brought community members together for creativity, connection, and a whole lot of fun. Check out our reel from the event!📸
🎉Congratulations, Marquee🎉
We’re excited to welcome Marquee Savoy to the SERLC BMC Peer Team! Marquee brings her experience as a Peer Bridger for the Fall River RCC and will work to deepen outreach with marginalized communities that remain underrepresented at the SERLC RCCs.
We’re excited to welcome three incredible team members to the Fall River Recovery Connection Center:
✨Jillian, joining as the Young Adult Leader, bringing lived experience, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting transitional-age youth.
✨Shannon and Marc, stepping in as Community Connectors, ready to strengthen outreach, and build relationships.
Their energy and dedication will help expand our mission of connection, healing, and peer-led support. Be sure to stop by or join on Zoom and give them a warm welcome!
What's Been Happening at the Hyannis Recovery Connection Center?
Hyannis RCC attended the 9th Annual Unity Day on August 2nd at the Hyannis Village Green. It was a beautiful celebration of community, connection, and inclusion. The Hyannis RCC peer team shared information about the SERLC and upcoming events at the Hyannis RCC.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual Ice Cream Social! From scoops to smiles, the afternoon was filled with laughter, creativity, and connection.🍨
We’re excited to share that the Hyannis RCC is now hosting a Peer Support Group every Monday at 11AM at the Hyannis Public Library! This group is a welcoming space for anyone seeking connection, community, and support in their recovery journey. Led by peers with lived experience, it’s a chance to share, listen, and grow together.
🎉Congratulations, Lana!🎉
We’re thrilled to welcome Lana Dankese, Community Connector at the Hyannis RCC, and new Peer Community Facilitator on the SERLC/BMC peer team! Lana is passionate about creating safe, affirming spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. As a young adult with lived experience and a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Lana brings a powerful voice to our peer support work, one rooted in authenticity, resilience, and connection.
The Hyannis RCC is seeking a Program Director and Young Adult Leader!
To find more information and apply, go to southeastrlc.org/careers
