We’re back with the October recap. As always, we are deeply grateful to our collaborators and team for their consistent, meaningful efforts in bringing essential services and resources to individuals and families across the county.
If you know someone in Essex County who needs recovery support or services, or a family member who needs help supporting a loved one, please reach out to us at 978-961-7388.
RESOURCES AND SERVICES DATA OCTOBER 2025
This past month, ECO collaborated with local police departments and community partners to deliver services and resources to Essex County residents, including both housed and unhoused individuals. Below is a snapshot of our activity for October 2025.
Rides provided: 3
For clients facing transportation barriers, ECO provides rides to recovery-related destinations, including detox centers, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, clinics, AA/NA meetings, hospitals, court, doctor’s appointments, and more. Ride requests were lower than usual this month. Please help us spread the word about this valuable resource to your community members and partners.
If you would like to apply for a ride voucher, please request an application through our contact form or get in touch with one of our Recovery Coaches.
Scholarships provided in 2025: 70
As of this month, ECO has provided 70 unique individuals with sober living scholarships, totaling $35,250 in awarded funds. We want to thank our sober home partners for all of the work they do creating a safe and sober space for those who need it.
Outreaches conducted: 200
ECO conducts outreaches in person, alongside police officers, at shelters, on the street, in the community, at community events, through service projects, etc. This month, we have full representation in data from all of our coaches. It’s great to see the work they’ve done.
Clients who accepted services: 135
Out of 200 physical outreaches conducted in the month of October, 135 clients accepted services, which is over 50%. This does not account for the number of individuals who initially decline services, but circle back weeks or months later to connect and get support.
Follow-ups/client engagements: 405
After an initial outreach, ECO follows up to engage with clients and ensures they are properly connected to services and resources. It is our hope that clients will utilize ECO Recovery Coaches long-term; in many cases, this happens. Due to the hard work of our team and collaborative efforts, we consistently have high numbers of follow-ups and engagements. Please note, this number includes each unique engagement had with clients.
Please note that the data presented represents estimates intended to provide a general snapshot and may not account for all activity.
OCTOBER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ECO had a productive month of trainings, HUB meetings, and STAR graduations. What you’ll see below are just a few highlights from October. For additional updates, events, and news, be sure to visit our Facebook page, where we share stories, resources, and news about ECO and organizations we work with.
STAR Lawrence Graduation | Lawrence, MA | October 20th, 2025
On October 20th, ECO gathered with Supporting Transitions and Re-entry (STAR) and community partners, families, and friends to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of several participants in the STAR program in Lawrence. Many of this month’s graduates will continue to attend STAR for additional opportunities, and some are even stepping into leadership roles themselves.
Rashad, this session’s class speaker, shared how STAR’s flexible evening schedule has allowed him to work, support his family, and pursue his real estate license. His message to fellow participants was simple and powerful: “You have to do the work. If you don’t, you’ll leave empty-handed.” He described STAR as a “blessing.”
STAR is a community-based program with locations in Lynn and Lawrence, supporting justice-involved individuals in gaining the tools, skills, and encouragement they need to break harmful cycles and build a stronger future. It is our honor and pleasure to work with STAR and help mutual clients keep moving forward in their journeys.
Struggle Well Training | Beverly Police Department | October 23rd-24th 2025
Some of our Recovery Coaches attended the two-day Struggle Well training at Beverly PD this month on October 23rd and October 24th. SW is a prevention-focused program based on the science of post-traumatic growth (PTG), guided by two goals: 1) to normalize the struggles part of every service member and first responder’s life, and 2) to democratize their ability to “struggle well.” Struggle Well partners with first responder agencies and active serving military units with the goal of fundamentally changing the culture from the inside-out.
QPR Training with NAN Project | Beverly Police Department | October 24th, 2025
On October 24th, ECO staff participated in a suicide prevention training hosted at the Beverly Police Department, led by the NAN Project. During the session, participants learned and practiced the QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) method, a widely recognized approach for supporting individuals who may be at risk of suicide.
The technique emphasizes three key steps: 1) asking thoughtful, direct questions to assess risk, 2) persuading the person that their life is valuable and that help is available, and 3) referring them to appropriate resources and professional support.
ECO staff left the training better equipped to recognize warning signs and connect community members to the help they need, strengthening our ongoing commitment to public health and safety.
Beverly HUB and Salem At-Risk Meeting | Beverly and Salem, MA | October 2025
In October, ECO Recovery Coaches participated in HUB and at-risk meetings hosted by Beverly and Salem Police Departments. These gatherings bring together a variety of community providers and partners, all working collaboratively to support individuals facing substance use and other challenges.
By coordinating resources and sharing information, these meetings help ensure that community members receive comprehensive, wraparound care and timely access to treatment and services. ECO is proud to be part of this network, helping bridge the gap between public safety and public health to better serve Essex County.