About O.U.R. Place
O.U.R. Place (Open United Recovery) is a welcoming and inclusive Recovery Community Center that offers diverse support programs. We provide a range of pathways including 12-step, SMART Recovery, and Buddhist based approaches. Our center hosts yoga sessions, creative workshops, and sober family-friendly events. We also prioritize harm reduction, and offer resource & treatment connections. Additionally, we conduct bi-monthly peer supporter trainings, advocate for the recovery community, and foster leadership development.
"Welcome to O.U.R. Place, where community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in empowering individuals to embrace their true selves, shape their own destiny, and make positive impact on the world. Join us in creating a space where everyone is valued and supported."
O.U.R. Story
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At OUR Place, we're more than just a recovery center—we're a community built on hope, support, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to heal.
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Our journey began in 2014 with two determined women: Jessika Easterling, a person in long-term recovery, and Mim Cherrie, a family advocate from OhioCAN and the mother of one of Jessika's close friends. Recognizing a pressing need in Portage County, they joined forces to create a grassroots harm reduction outreach program. Drawing from Jessika's experiences with medication-assisted treatment, SMART Recovery, and traditional 12-step programs, and Mim's advocacy work, they envisioned a space where diverse paths to recovery are celebrated and accessible to all.
Their efforts raised awareness and reduced stigma surrounding addiction in the community. By 2018, inspired by their success, conversations with like-minded friends Lamika Mutsach and Lindsay Washington blossomed into a solid concept. Together, they became founding board members, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving Recovery Community Organization (RCO).
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Through community collaboration and a collective vote, we became OUR Place (Open United Recovery)—a name that reflects our commitment to unity and openness.
We began hosting sober social events and launched Portage County's first SMART Recovery meeting. Weekly dinners and recovery meetings became staples of our community as we worked tirelessly to expand our services to include yoga classes, educational trainings, and more. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic presented unexpected challenges, we adapted with drive-thru outreaches, online meetings, and safe in-person gatherings, ensuring that support was always available.
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In 2022, our dreams took root in the heart of downtown Ravenna with the establishment of the first Recovery Community Center in Portage County. Since then, we've expanded our team, achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and become a certified Peer Recovery Organization through Ohio MHAS.
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Today, we're more dedicated than ever to enhancing and expanding our services. We're reaching out to underserved communities, offering family-friendly programming, and continuing to provide traditional recovery support. At OUR Place, every story matters, every voice is heard, and together, we're building a brighter future.
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This is just the beginning of our story. To dive deeper into our journey, read more on our blog.
O.U.R. Mission
At OUR Place (Open United Recovery), we are committed to making recovery accessible and sustainable for everyone. As a peer-led Recovery Community Organization, we empower individuals impacted by addiction and mental health challenges through mutual support, resource connection, community engagement, education, advocacy, and positive socialization.
O.U.R. Vision
Our vision is to transform our community by creating an environment where people in recovery are inspired, empowered, and supported to reach their full potential and thrive.