📰BIDDEFORD | Working Together to Make Positive Change
- JW Business Solutions LLC
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
October 2, 2025 | This past Tuesday, over 100+ members of the community attended AccessDirect Recovery Network’s Annual Recovery Softball Barbecue. The event took place at Martel Field in Rotary Park from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. The evening brought together the community to share food, fun, and recovery resources from across the state. The night was free to attend and provided free parking.
An event that initially occurred in 2020, quickly became a staple for the organization with this being the 5th year that they have hosted the function. When asked about the evening, Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman remarked,
“I’m so proud of our recovery community and everything that we have achieved. This is our fifth year doing this and it’s the best turnout we’ve had yet. We have people coming from as far away as Winthrop to be part of the event. Recovery happens in the community and when we get together like this to celebrate each other, it makes it all that much more powerful and effective.”
In addition to the softball game and food, the evening included over 20 local organizations with tables set-up showcasing the many resources they offer for individuals seeking recovery.
Organizations at the event:
Grace house
Maine recovery collective
Everest recovery
Courage center
Housing FGC
Maine Association of Recovery Residences
Tuckers house
Maine Recovery Action Project
The family restored
Maine Access Points
Sweetser Options Program
New Hope Alliance
Milestone
Wellspring
Concluding the night, we had a chance to speak with Ryan Paige the Cofounder & Chief Operating Officer of AccessDirect Recovery Network (the organization hosting the event). When asked about how the evening went, Ryan very eloquently stated the following:
“Tonight was a beautiful example of the power of recovery and the vital role our local communities play in the recovery process. Though this is the end of national recovery month the work continues. The work that meets people where they are at with empathy and compassion. The work that creates opportunities for people to save and change their lives. The work of reducing the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. The work of healing our communities in Biddeford and beyond. Think global, act local. The solution is in the community.”
Other fun moments from the event included a raffle with the chance to win a 2 night stay at Sun Retreats Wild Acres and a $50 gift card to Sea Salt Lobster. There may or may have not been some folks getting hit with pies in the face - go next year and see for yourself!
We would also like to take a moment to do a special shoutout to Cynthia Langlais Paige (Cofounder & Chief Executive Officer, AccessDirect). Although Ryan often serves as the public face of AccessDirect, he is more than open about the reality that Cynthia is the glue that keeps it all together. In his words, “she does more than I can even explain. We are the organization that we are, because of her.” While a superstar behind the scenes everyday, during the event, Cynthia was spotted slaving on the grill the entire evening. Through sweat (but no blood or tears) she prepared food to perfection making sure folks were fed and happy. The real question is, what can’t Cynthia do?
In closing, the event was a huge success. The evening demonstrated what has been a continuous theme of the recovery community throughout the state of Maine; working together to make a difference - Strength through partnership.
Fully operational in their new space located at 275 Main Street, Ryan, Cynthia, and their team are continuing to “provide direction and connection to individuals suffering with substance use disorder through fast access to a network of treatment facilities and recovery resources.”
Remember, 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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