Friends Together Peer Support and Recovery Center in Jay, a nonprofit program for adults with mental illness or some other life challenge, has outgrown its space as new members have joined the center.

The space is so crowded that on lunch day it is standing room only. The center provides classes, activities, socialization and daily living skills, which provide a better quality of life and keep folks from having to be hospitalized.

The center also provides statewide trips during the summer. It does receive state funding, but not for paid staff, so the co-director and I have volunteered our time to run this program because of the need for it.

When the town decided to move the town office/police department to a different building, we approached the town manager and asked if there were any plans for the building. We were told we would be put on the list when it came up.

I also wrote a letter to every selectperson in Jay, explaining the need for more space. I did not receive one reply.

We have never asked the town of Jay for money for our program. There are 16 centers throughout the state and many are in buildings donated to them by their communities because they see the value of having the programs in their towns. It’s disappointing that Jay does not see that value and put the building up for sale instead.

June Watson, Livermore Falls Co-director, Friends Together Peer Support and Recovery Center