Adapting with Purpose: Realigning Peer Recovery Services at NMSAS
By Tobias Neal
Change is never easy, especially when it’s driven by factors beyond your control. But here at NMSAS Recovery Center, we’re committed to facing change with clarity, heart, and a deep dedication to the people we serve.
In April we learned that our ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding (which made much of our peer support programming possible) has been removed due to federal-level shifts in priorities. This funding supported peer staff, training, and infrastructure across northern Michigan. Like many organizations impacted by the end of pandemic-era federal support, we’ve had to make serious decisions about how to continue offering the services that matter most, in ways that are sustainable and strategic.
We want to be clear: Peer support is not going away.
Instead, we’re realigning. We’re evolving how we offer and support peer services across the region, and I’m honored to help lead this transition.
Starting June 23rd, I’ll be stepping into the role of Interim Director at NMSAS Recovery Center. As part of this new season, I’ll be guiding the realignment of our peer recovery efforts, not as a dismantling, but as a focused and thoughtful redesign.
What’s Ahead: Focused, Strategic Support
We’re shifting our Peer Services Department to center around two main priorities:
- Training & Equipping Recovery Coaches
We will continue offering the nationally respected CCAR Recovery Coach Academy and Ethical Considerations trainings. These courses help ensure that people with lived experience are prepared to walk alongside others in recovery with empathy, professionalism, and skill. - Supporting Our Volunteer Peer Coaches
We’re strengthening our support systems for volunteer coaches across the region — offering orientation, guidance, and tools to stay connected and effective in their work with individuals seeking recovery.
This transition doesn’t mark an end; it marks a re-commitment to the core of what makes recovery work: peers supporting peers.
Our Timeline: Two Phases of Intentional Change
We’ve broken this transition into two phases:
Phase 1 (June–September): Stabilize. This phase includes assessing what’s working, identifying needs, gathering input, and building out a sustainable foundation.
Phase 2 (November–December): Relaunch. We’ll roll out our new structure and support systems with renewed focus and transparency, rooted in community feedback and long-term sustainability.
Why It Matters
As someone who has been in recovery spaces for years (both professionally and personally) I know what it means to have someone walk alongside you with lived experience and deep compassion. That’s why this realignment is not just about programs or budgets. It’s about people. It’s about ensuring that peer support remains strong and accessible even in the face of shifting resources.
Let’s Build the Future Together
To our peers, community partners, volunteers, and supporters, thank you for sticking with us. The work continues. The mission stands. And we’re still here.
If you’re interested in getting involved as a coach, volunteer, partner, or advocate, please reach out. There’s a place for you in this next chapter.
With gratitude and hope,
Tobias Neal
Interim Director, NMSAS Recovery Center
