New OARS Program offers support for island residents in recovery

||| FROM RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||

The Orcas Community Resource Center (OCRC) is launching the Opioid Addiction Recovery Support (OARS) Program, a new initiative designed to help San Juan County residents stay stable while focusing on their treatment journey.

Recovery often requires more than treatment alone. For many individuals and families, everyday challenges—like paying rent, keeping the lights on, or getting to appointments—can become barriers to healing. The OARS Program was created to help remove those barriers.

OARS is part of San Juan County’s comprehensive Opioid Remediation Plan, funded through pharmaceutical settlement dollars. OCRC is one of three local organizations selected to administer OARS, alongside Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center and Compass Health. Learn more about the plan at sanjuancountywa.gov/2014/Opioid-Remediation-Plan.

Through OARS, OCRC provides short-term, practical support for individuals actively engaged in opioid use disorder treatment. This may include assistance with rent, utilities, transportation to medical appointments, childcare, and other basic needs that make recovery more manageable.

Recently, a local resident was doing everything right—showing up to treatment, staying committed. But a missed paycheck put rent at risk. Getting to appointments required costly travel. The daily stress threatened to derail their progress. With short-term support for rent and transportation, they stayed stable during a critical moment and could focus on healing.

“This program is meant to be a gateway back into the community by supporting not just basic needs, but positive family engagement,” said Richard Uri, San Juan County Behavioral Health Program Specialist. “Our goal is to support victims of the opioid crisis and families with dignity and compassion, providing more than just the bare minimum to get by.”

“OARS is about meeting people where they are,” said Erin O’Dell, Executive Director of the Orcas Community Resource Center. “Each person’s path to wellness is unique. When we can help stabilize the day-to-day pressures people are facing, it creates space for healing and forward movement.”

The program reflects a growing recognition that stability, connection, and dignity are essential parts of healing. In addition to financial assistance, participants receive ongoing check-ins, support navigating services, and connections to additional resources, helping ensure they are not navigating this journey alone.

Who is OARS for? The program serves individuals who:

• Have a connection to San Juan County
• Are currently participating in opioid use disorder treatment (inpatient or outpatient)
• Could benefit from short-term support while in treatment

At its core, OARS is built on a simple belief that recovery is not one-size-fits-all–asking for help is a sign of strength, and people do better when they are supported. All services are provided with respect for confidentiality, choice, and individual needs, with bilingual (English and Spanish) support available.

Community members who may benefit from OARS—or those supporting someone in recovery—are encouraged to reach out. Resource Center staff are available to talk through options and help determine eligibility. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we invite you to connect. The Resource Center team is here to listen and explore options together. 360-376-3184, info@orcascrc.org

About Orcas Community Resource Center
The Orcas Community Resource Center fosters a healthy community by connecting islanders with services to thrive and achieve equitable well-being. Through integrated support in housing, health, food access, and financial stability, OCRC serves as a trusted partner for individuals and families across Orcas Island.