FCA, one of Long Island’s leading human services agencies, today cut the ribbon on the THRIVE Recovery Center in Westhampton Beach.

THRIVE East End is the first drug and alcohol recovery center meeting the needs of the recovery community in Eastern Suffolk.

THRIVE offers numerous ongoing programs to help individuals and families find, maintain, and strengthen their recovery in a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere free of charge.

Staff and volunteers will provide peer-based support, resources and referral services; interactive educational programs that promote wellness, economic prosperity and civic engagement; and a safe, welcoming haven for substance-free recreational and social activities.

“It is profoundly gratifying to be able to offer the residents of Long Island’s East End critical and life-saving recovery programs through THRIVE,” said Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds, president and Chief Executive Officer of FCA. “For years, recovery community leaders fought for a recovery center on Long Island and five years ago a dedicated team working with FCA made that happen in Hauppauge. Three years later we opened a Westbury location. With more than 10,000 people served to date and funding from state Office of Addiction Services and Supports, we’re now able to open the third THRIVE Recovery Center. The need is real, as is the effectiveness of recovery programs, both along the road to recovery from substance use disorder and in the long term.”

Joining Dr. Reynolds at the ribbon-cutting were FCA managers, THRIVE staff and volunteers, Kristen Hanyo, Board President, HUGS (Human Understanding & Growth Services), representatives of OASAS, veteran journalist Drew Scott, THRIVE consumers and their families, representatives of the Westhampton Chamber of Commerce and Westhampton Free Libraries, and local and county government officials including Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo, and NYS Assembly Member Fred Thiele.

In conclusion, Reynolds said, “We help folks who have found a path to recovery maintain that recovery, build their skills and strengthen their wellness. This is how we work together to end epidemics.”

THRIVE East End is located at 110 Mill Road, Suites A & B, in Westhampton Beach, NY. For more information visit www.fcali.org.