📰BIDDEFORD | Softball, Hamburgers, and… the Community Coming Together for Recovery! | AccessDirect Recovery Network’s 6th Annual Recovery Softball Barbecue
“We need less division and more collaboration and this event promotes that and creates a space for that to happen…. Recovery has saved and changed lives and supporting recovery means supporting your community… Recovery is possible for anyone.”
By Joshua Wolfe, Biddeford Buzz
October 3, 2026, This past Wednesday, over 150 members of the community attended AccessDirect Recovery Network’s Annual Recovery Softball Barbecue.
The event took place at Martel Field in Rotary Park from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM and brought together the community to share food, fun, and recovery resources from across the state. The night was free to attend and free parking was provided.
An event that initially occurred in 2020, quickly became a staple for the organization with this being the 6th year that they have hosted the function.Â
When asked about the evening, AccessDirect Recovery Network Cofounder and CEO Cynthia Paige stated:
“The annual softball recovery BBQ holds a special place in my heart as it brings together friends, recovery resources, and our community. It's a heartfelt occasion that fosters connections between public safety personnel--like police officers, firefighters, sheriff's departments, and individuals in recovery, all of whom come together to play on the same teams. This event is not just about softball; it's about breaking down barriers and reducing stigma in a warm welcoming environment…. It's a beautiful reminder of the strength and resilience within our community… This is the true victory!"
In addition to the softball game and food, the evening included local organizations with tables set-up showcasing the many resources they offer for individuals seeking recovery.
Important to note, the evening was made possible by the collaboration of the following 24 community sponsors:
Grace House for Women
Maine Recovery Collective
Evergreen Recovery
Portland Treatment
Better Life Partners
Alternative Wellness Services
Granite Recovery Center
Housing FGC
Kaizen House
Wild Acres Campground
Zysk Recovery Partners
Recovery Maine Inc.
Chris Haven of Hope
Nate Libby's Masonry Inc
New Hope Alliance
Courage Center
MARR Maine Association of Recovery Residences
Rise Recovery
Everest Recovery
Bedrock Recovery Center.
Twin City Diner
Saco/Biddeford Rotary
Rapid Rays
Top Homes Group
Concluding the night, we had a chance to speak with Ryan Paige, the Cofounder & Director of Community & Client Relations at AccessDirect Recovery Network. When asked about how the evening went, Ryan responded:
“This night was a community event that brought together first responders, people in recovery, recovery resources and the general public…. This event is important because stigma and lack of understanding and cohesion are major barriers that stand in the way of our community addressing the issues of substance use disorders and finding solutions… We need less division and more collaboration and this event promotes that and creates a space for that to happen…. Recovery has saved and changed lives and supporting recovery means supporting your community… Recovery is possible for anyone and the solution is the community!”
Notably, Biddeford’s Mayor Liam LaFountain and General Assistance Administrator Jake Hammer, both attended the event.
When asked about the event, Mayor LaFountain remarked, “Recovery is possible in Biddeford, and it takes a community committed to helping people get there. Strong partners like Access Direct Recovery, sober recovery houses here in Biddeford, and municipal investments through opioid settlement funds all have a role in helping people find support, rebuild their lives, and stay connected. This work saves lives and helps families heal… Wednesday’s game was a wonderful celebration of recovery and the relationships that sustain it. Thank you to everyone who participated and everyone working each day to make recovery possible in our city.”
In closing, the event was a huge success with the evening demonstrating what has been a continuous theme of the recovery community throughout the state of Maine; working together to make a difference - Strength through partnership.
Located at 275 Main Street, Ryan, Cynthia, and their team continue to “provide direction and connection to individuals suffering with substance use disorder, through fast access to a network of treatment facilities and recovery resources.”
Different from other organizations, AccessDirect Recovery Network is the only SUD organization in the state of Maine that supplies an authentic 24/7 call center. They can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by phone at 207-482-3835.
To learn more about their organization, how to donate, volunteer, or for any questions please visit their website at: https://accessdirectrecovery.org/
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