Governor gives nod to Ronan-based recovery organization
Gov. Greg Gianforte honored the Ronan-based Never Alone Recovery Support Services during this annual 12 Days of Giving campaign. (Courtesy photo)
On the tenth day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte encouraged Montanans to support Never Alone Recovery Support Services (NARSS), a nonprofit organization providing long-term, nonclinical recovery support services in Montana for individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness.
With centers in Ronan and Pablo, NARSS offers individual and group peer support, educational groups, mutual support meetings, and other activities to participants struggling with addiction or seeking community support.
“Thanks to the investment and the work of nonprofit organizations like NARSS, Montanans struggling with addiction and homelessness are provided the resources and support to get healthy and stable,” Gianforte said. “We’ve made progress in our overall effort to build up the state’s continuum of care for all Montanans and thank the partners offering support in our rural communities.”
Founded in October 2019, the nonprofit supports community peer support drop-in centers and offers long-term recovery residences for adult men, women, and families. NARSS also works with other organizations to develop recovery-oriented systems of care in Montana communities.
“Everything we do is grassroots community-based. We believe that a healthy community has its roots in healthy individuals and families,” said executive director Don Roberts. “We provide individuals and families a safe space to learn life skills, develop recovery capital, and find their place as productive members of our community.”
The nonprofit currently serves 78 Montanans at their drop-in support centers Monday through Friday.
Through its Recovery Residence Programs, the organization also provides nationally certified recovery housing to 16 men, 19 women, and four families. The program is home to Montana’s first Recovery Village, comprising 28 apartment units operating together as a peer-led therapeutic community for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol and other drugs.
The program provides a safe and sober living environment where participants can develop new life skills and build a strong recovery foundation.
“These individuals, this community and this home have had an immeasurable positive influence in my life. It was unexpected, loving, warm and powerful," said a participant. " … For the first time in my life, I had an internal sense of actually belonging.”
NARSS relies on the generosity of individuals to support its program. To donate or learn more about the nonprofit, visit narssmontana.org or contact Don Roberts at droberts@narssmontana.org.
Running through Dec. 17, the governor’s fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlights the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.
In addition to Never Alone Recovery Support Services, he’s recognized Toys for Tots, United Way of Missoula, Red Cross of Montana, Warriors and Quite Waters, the Montana Food Bank Network, Montana Police Protective Association, Talons Reach Foundation, Bigger Sky Kids, Sunrise Pregnancy Resources and Family Outreach, Many Rivers Whole Health and the Angel Fund.