ISLAND FALLS, Maine — Resting Arms Ministry, a Christ-centered addiction recovery program for adults, is hosting a fundraiser on Oct. 13 to benefit new programs.
Located in Island Falls, the facility can currently accommodate both male and female residents. Residents stay anywhere from a mandatory six months to a year; receive room and board, individual and group counseling; and participate in Bible studies, prayer and worship.
The organization is supported by grants, donations and the support of various churches. To assist with its fundraising, on Oct. 13, Resting Arms Ministry will celebrate the grand reopening of Father and Sons, a gift shop that will benefit the agency. It is located at 23 Houlton Road in Island Falls, right next to The River Cafe.
Resting Arms Ministry has been open for more than a year in Island Falls and is located in what used to be the old Island Falls Hospital.
The program has three phases. Phase 1 is two months of a restricted and monitored schedule. Phase 2 is four months of serious Bible study with some work outside of the residence. In the final six months of application, residents are able to look for full employment, pay rent and follow house guidelines with continued church attendance.
Allica Torres, who is the Salvation Army unit volunteer, also volunteers with Resting Arms Ministry. Torres said that during the reopening event, the Salvation Army will be giving away coats, there will be free apple crisp and ice cream, attendees can paint a rock for a cause, and there will be 35 local artisans offering Maine made gifts in the new Father and Sons location. Resting Arms Ministry also has taken over The River Cafe, which had been closed.
“It is nice and trendy and it is a place for people to go,” she said. “Plus, it supports a non-profit. It also keeps Main Street alive.”
Father and Son will feature all Maine made gifts sold to benefit Resting Arms Ministry.
“Resting Arms has been taken over by Calvary Residential Discipleship, and they have done amazing work there,’ she said. “They have done amazing work with all volunteers. They have fixed the property and the guys there have helped out in the community many times. That is Biblically what you do, you help your neighbors.”
She said that the organization has room for 20 residents and now has 15.
“Fundraising for this is important,” she said. “We must act to deal with the opioid crisis.”
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Editor’s note: This article corrects an earlier version that indicated the recovery program is free to residents. It is not free.
