Amistad's History
1982
Amistad founded as "Amity"
2002
Emergency Department Program opens
We received funding from the Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF) to create a peer support program in the emergency room at Maine Medical Center. The program now operates 7 nights a week at Mercy Hospital and is funded completely by DHHS.
2004
Program at Riverview Psychiatric opens
Amistad was invited to initiate a peer support program inside Riverview Psychiatric Center – one of the most aggressive peer programs of any state mental hospital in the country. Now we have 7 full time and 1 part time staff working with the doctors and nurses.
2011
Peer Coaching Initiative founded
2018
Bath Peer Learning Community and Boothbay Harbor Peer & Wellness Center Opened
Amistad opended two new Substance-Use focused Peer Centers in Bath and Boothaby. These peer centers provide recovery-centered activities, acceptance and a healing place of belonging.
1996
Amistad becomes a non profit
2003
Amistad named "Agency of distinction"
2007
The Healthy Amistad Initiative
2017
First Recovery Residence
Our Women’s Recovery Residence Program was launched in 2017. This program provides structured support and a safe living space for women seeking recovery from dire circumstances, including opiate use disorders, sexual trafficking, domestic violence, and chronic homelessness.
Today
Amistad has grown well beyond its “social club” beginnings and now offers a broad range of programs in Southern and Central Maine. The Portland Peer Support and Recovery Center is the largest peer center in Maine, and two more Peer Centers are now open in Bath and Boothbay. We also have peer coaches and outreach workers meeting with people on the streets and helping them access help. We provide healthcare navigation supports in a number of hospitals. And we offer recovery residences for women seeking recovery from substance use disorder, trafficking, trauma, incarceration, and much more. See our “Programs” page for more details.