Debra York, executive director and founder of An Angel’s Wing, sits Thursday in the new Josh Stevens Recovery Community Center on Pine Street in Lewiston. The center will support people with substance use and mental health needs. Since opening in June, over 20 individuals have sought help, with some directed to long-term rehab, detox centers, or recovery homes, according to York. The peer-run center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 118 Pine St. The ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

LEWISTON — An Angel’s Wing will cut the ribbon to the Josh Stevens Recovery Community Center on Saturday, aiming to help people with substance abuse issues seek recovery, mental health referrals and additional resources to meet their needs, according to a Wednesday news release. The center will also host events and support groups.

Since the center opened in June, more than 20 people have sought help there, with at least four people walking in off the street, according to An Angel’s Wing Executive Director Debra York. All four of those individuals had no phone and two were unhoused. Staff were able to help them with treatment options.

“We have made an impact on the Tree Street area in just a few months,” she said.

One of those four who walked in off the street went into long-term rehab, two went into a detox center then to a recovery home and the fourth went into long term treatment, she said.

Though An Angel’s Wing operates several recovery homes, staff at the center help people secure space in programs anywhere, even if they are in recovery homes not run by the organization, she said.

Typically, York tries to help people find resources close to where they want to end up, whether that be staying in Lewiston or going somewhere else, she said. Sometimes it is better for people to go to rehab or into treatment before being placed in a recovery home.

An Angel’s Wing is partnering with Portland-based Recovery Community Centers, which helps organizations around the stage get recovery centers off the ground – providing training and materials, she said. There are also certain standards organizations must meet to be in its network.

Funding to open the center came from a $10,000 grant from the city, along with a roughly $3,500 grant from Healthy Neighborhoods, she said.

The center, run by peers and volunteers, is dedicated to Joshua Stevens who died this year not far from the center. He is the brother of Shannon Chase, chairperson of An Angel’s Wing board of directors.

York hopes that the “much needed” center will provide a safe and supportive place where people can get help, she said.

“I just want everyone to know there is hope, there is help and we will help them get into recovery – whatever that looks like,” she said.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 118 Pine St. The ribbon cutting starts at 11 a.m. Saturday.