Montgomery County Community Listening Session Highlights Recovery Strengths and Future Opportunities

Community Service Board of Middle Georgia

More than 45 Montgomery County residents, community leaders, and stakeholders gathered on July 9, 2026, at the RISEUP Mt. Vernon Addiction Recovery Support Center (ARSC) for a Community Listening Session focused on strengthening recovery services throughout the county. Hosted by the Georgia Council for Recovery (GC4R) in partnership with RISEUP, the event provided an opportunity for community members to celebrate existing successes while identifying opportunities to expand support for individuals and families impacted by substance use and recovery.

Facilitated by Ken Pinion, RCO Development Program Team Lead, and Annie Clark, RCO Development Program Coordinator, the session encouraged meaningful dialogue around Montgomery County’s

recovery landscape. Participants reviewed local opioid-related data, discussed long-term recovery, and explored the importance of honoring multiple pathways to recovery. Interactive activities also invited attendees to reflect on personal resilience and recovery experiences, creating an environment of shared understanding and collaboration.

Building on Existing Community Strengths

Throughout the discussion, participants recognized numerous organizations, partnerships, and services already making a significant impact in Montgomery County. Community members highlighted the continued expansion of RISEUP Mt. Vernon, growing outpatient substance use treatment services, and the anticipated growth of women’s treatment services through The ARC in Alamo.

Faith-based organizations were also recognized for their ongoing commitment to recovery and community support. Churches across the region continue to provide food assistance, recovery resources, and outreach efforts that strengthen local families. Participants also acknowledged valuable partnerships with healthcare providers, transportation resources, and harm reduction initiatives that increase access to care.

Additional strengths identified during the session included:

• Expanded medication-assisted treatment (MAT) providers serving the region
• Transportation services supporting access to detoxification and treatment
• Mobile healthcare services offering physicals, HIV testing, antibiotics, and primary care
• Community naloxone distribution and overdose prevention initiatives
• Collaboration among recovery organizations serving Montgomery, Toombs, Wheeler, and surrounding counties
• Continued expansion of opioid treatment and recovery support services through CSBMG and community partners

Identifying Opportunities for Growth

While participants expressed appreciation for the progress already being made, they also identified several priorities that could further strengthen Montgomery County’s recovery ecosystem.

Transportation remained one of the most frequently discussed challenges, along with increasing access to recovery meetings and family support services. Participants also emphasized the need for additional housing resources, employment opportunities that welcome individuals in recovery, and greater public awareness surrounding addiction and recovery.

Community members suggested creating more recovery-centered activities—including family events, outdoor recreation, and social gatherings—to foster connection and reduce isolation. Reducing stigma, improving communication between local organizations, strengthening peer support networks, and securing sustainable funding were also identified as important goals for future collaboration.

Looking Toward the Future

During the session, GC4R staff also introduced attendees to the Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES) Academy, highlighting the importance of individuals with lived experience in strengthening Georgia’s recovery workforce. Participants also learned about statewide advocacy initiatives, Addiction Recovery Awareness Day, and the upcoming Georgia Recovers Bus Tour.

Ashley Black of RISEUP concluded the evening by sharing recent accomplishments, including newly secured funding for the Mt. Vernon Extension and plans to expand peer recovery services that will improve accessibility and provide long-term support for individuals seeking recovery.

A Community Committed to Recovery

The listening session concluded with strong community engagement and a shared commitment to continuing collaboration across Montgomery County. Organizers plan to use participant feedback to guide future programming and strengthen partnerships that improve access to recovery services.

By bringing together healthcare providers, recovery organizations, faith leaders, community members, and individuals with lived experience, Montgomery County continues to demonstrate that recovery is strengthened when communities work together. The conversations and ideas shared during this session represent another important step toward building a healthier, more connected, and more recovery-oriented community.