Letter to the editor

Thu, 04/20/2023 - 10:33 am

Dear Editor:

For 167 years, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 12 Hodge St. in Wiscasset has been carrying on its tradition of gathering for weekly worship and then allowing the bright red doors to do the talking during the week. Red doors traditionally have signified a welcome to all. We have sought to live out that welcome in many ways.

For over 30 years, St. Philip’s has been home to the AA recovery program and a safe place to allow each person to move through their own process of healing. For 25 years, St. Philip’s has been served by a Deacon whose ministry has served as a link between the church and the world. Of course, many know of the outreach of the Help Yourself Shelf Food Pantry and the Bargain Basement, both of which serve the community throughout the year.

As St. Philip’s envisions the future, we have partnered with Amistad, a not-for-profit community of people committed to health, mutual support, and recovery. We believe that this partnership is in line with our years of outreach and a fulfillment of what St. Philip’s has long stood for.

In May 2023 Amistad plans to open the Community Resource Center of Lincoln County within St. Philip’s Church, with these stipulations: They will work actively to promote good relationships with the surrounding neighborhood residents; trained Amistad coaches will provide one-on-one help to individuals impacted by substance use, including family members and caregivers. Amistad anticipates a 40hour/week for their staff; coaches will help people in recovery locate and connect with available health social services resources; most work will be accomplished through scheduled appointments, with the Center’s operating hours openly published; this Center will focus on hope and wellness. It will not be a “hang out” place, but will offer some special events and activities for individuals and families in recovery; St. Philip’s will be compensated for use of private office space, access to the kitchen, Parish Hall, and bathrooms; no drugs or alcohol will be permitted in the St. Philip’s building or on its grounds. An outside designated smoking area will be available on the St. Philip’s premises only.