Recovery All Ways (RAW) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that meets people where they are at on their path to recovery. Weekly outreach takes place on Loomis Street every Sunday from 10am to 1pm, in the heart of Rochester’s 14621 neighborhood, an area hard hit by the opioid crisis. We also do outreach as needed across the city and county. It is our mission to support anyone affected by substance use disorder, mental illness, and/or homelessness.
Each week – rain, snow, or shine, and without shame or judgment – a dedicated team of outreach volunteers both onsite, and in the community, assist anyone facing substance use disorder, mental illness, and/or are homeless. In addition to health and recovery resources, basic needs, and nourishment, RAW deploys a cleanup team to safely dispose of used needles in “hot zones,” (public spaces such as parks, parking lots, and playgrounds) and make wellness checks on unhoused neighbors who have sought refuge in vacant lots or abandoned properties. We also have a specialized team that provides certified Narcan training and community education.
What makes RAW unique is that our founders, board members, and volunteers represent the community we serve – people seeking self-directed positive change (aka, recovery) who are directly impacted by substance use disorder (SUD), mental illness, HIV, Hepatitis C, poverty, and homelessness within their own circle.
Our programs are based on proven, successful, Harm Reduction models that offer multiple paths to recovery. One size does not fit all. We aim to help our neighbors locate the type of treatment that they believe will work for them. Seeking treatment can be intimidating and overwhelming, but we can offer perspective from our own personal experience, and assist with any barriers they may encounter along the way.