Founded in January 2021, Recovery All Ways (RAW) is a human service agency with “Homebase” located in the heart of Rochester’s 14621 neighborhood, an area hard hit by the opioid crisis. Our founders and volunteers consist of those that identify as a person in recovery, are seeking recovery, has been impacted by substance use disorder (SUD) in their own family, and those who are simply passionate about the issue. With these various perspectives guiding the way, we meet our clients where they are at, with no shame, no judgment, and no requirements to receive our services. 

Every Saturday from 9:30am to 2pm – rain, snow or shine – a dedicated team of volunteer staff offers health resources, a hot meal, bagged lunches, hygiene kits, blankets, and seasonal clothing for folks facing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and/or are homeless. For those we serve, these things often go hand-in-hand.

RAW also goes out into the community, to make wellness checks on those living in abandoned homes, and distribute bagged lunches, personal care kits, Narcan, 24/7/365 emergency hotline information, and clean up used needles in “hot zones” – public spaces, parks, parking lots, and abandoned properties.

The neighbors that we serve are faced with many roadblocks daily. They are often met with shame, judgement and treated poorly to say the least. Our space is a safe space. Everyone is allowed to be their unapologetic selves. It’s the only thing that we demand (politely and respectfully of course).

We treat our neighbors with the utmost respect and dignity. Why does this matter to us, to them, to you? We truly meet our neighbors where they are at. No expectations. No requirements (other than be yourself). We hope to give them a little reprieve from their daily struggles, provide a little hope, show them that we care, that they matter and that they are worthy of whatever road to recovery they choose, if they so choose.

This past Thanksgiving at La Marketa, one of our volunteers heard two neighbors talking in the stalls in the bathroom. They were saying how great they had felt. That this was the first time in an extremely long time that they had felt human. The very same day they started talking about going to treatment.

This right here is what we can achieve together. We can be the light at the end of the extremely dark tunnel. We can be that support, the ear to lend and the shoulder to cry on. We focus on the connections, building trust, providing tools needed to stay safe, and sometimes alive. We do so along with a little bit of education into the conversation. This allows them to make more informed decisions. Harm Reduction is “Any positive change”. 

Are you willing to lend an ear, be that shoulder to cry on. Do you have love in your heart to give? 

We will be waiting to welcome you with open arms.

🤟🏼