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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Those wanting to start the recovery journey out of addiction now have a new local resource in Recovery Organization of Support Specialists.

Outreach specialist for Chilton County Amanda Franks said the organization is “the first state-certified, peer-run agency” to help those dealing with addiction connect to resources.

Services are offered for free.

Franks said she can be contacted by a person struggling with addiction or by a family member to get information about treatment and recovery options.

“I have had several family members reach out to me when their loved one was in jail here … to go ahead and try to put something in place for when they are able to bond out,” Franks said. “That is the beauty of this organization too is that family and friends can call and go ahead and say, ‘What is available? What can we do?’”

A variety of options are available, and Franks said it is up to the individual to decide what will work best for them.

“We ask them what they want to do, how they want to recover,” Franks said. “… For too long treatment has been telling people what they are going to do … that’s not what we are about.”

Franks also serves as someone individuals can contact throughout the process for support.

“Basically, someone to walk the pathway with them, to walk every step with them,” Franks said.

The organization offers a 24/7 helpline 844-307-1760 but can also be contacted at rossbhm4us@gmail.com.

R.O.S.S. serves as a starting point for those who may “fall through the cracks or don’t know where to start.”

Although this resource only came to Chiton County in June, R.O.S.S. has been in existence since 2016 and serves 50 counties in the state.  Franks said she is a Chilton county native and wanted to be able to help her community through this resource.

“It is very needed here,” Franks said.

She said COVID-19 has meant many support groups have not been meeting, “so people have lost their support system.”

R.O.S.S. works with local agencies that can help get information about the organization to those who need it.

Organizations interested in partnering with R.O.S.S. can contact Franks at ross4us.afranks@gmail.com.

Franks said she can also do presentations and training sessions about addiction or substance use (abuse) disorder for organizations in the community.

The organization is a nonprofit that receives grant funding from the Alabama Department of mental health and SAMHSA.