Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. Many of the people I work with face significant challenges, including homelessness, financial insecurity, legal issues, and mental health struggles. My role involves bridging the gap between what they need or what and the resources that are available to help.
June 26, 2025
Recovery support and addiction treatment: An advocate in your corner
Recovery is about so much more than substance use treatment. Hear how our own Kim Gajnos helps members navigate all the complexities of moving beyond addiction, from legal issues and mental health needs to housing support and education opportunities. Read More
Medically reviewed by
Juliana Ekong, MD
Table of Contents
What is the role of Recovery Support in addiction treatment?
Recovery Support at Better Life Partners is about meeting people where they are—both figuratively and literally. Whether it’s connecting members to treatment, advocating for housing support, or assisting with employment and education opportunities, the goal is to provide a holistic approach to recovery that goes beyond just addressing substance use.
What does Recovery Support look like at Better Life Partners?
1. Resource Coordination and Advocacy
Many of the people I support are navigating complex systems, from Medicaid and insurance coverage to legal and housing assistance. I work closely with them to:
- Find safe and stable housing by connecting them with local shelters, sober living communities, and rental assistance programs.
- Secure financial aid through food assistance, transportation programs (gas cards, bus passes), and employment resources.
- Advocate for healthcare access by ensuring they receive proper medical, psychiatric, and substance use treatment.
2. Building Recovery-Oriented Plans
Each person’s recovery journey is unique. As a Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW), I help members create personalized recovery plans that:
- Identify their strengths, goals, and challenges.
- Connect them with support groups such as AA, NA, SMART Recovery, and other peer-led organizations.
- Address harm reduction strategies to promote safety and well-being.
3. Crisis Support and Safety Planning
Crisis situations are a reality in this field, whether it’s overdose prevention, suicidal ideation, or domestic violence concerns. My role includes:
- Providing immediate intervention and safety planning.
- Connecting people with emergency services and crisis lines like 988.
- Encouraging long-term wellness strategies to prevent future crises.
Why does Recovery Support matter in recovery?
For many of the people I assist, recovery is about more than abstinence—it’s about rebuilding a life. Helping someone secure stable housing, reconnect with family, or find meaningful employment can be just as impactful as providing addiction treatment. Recovery support is the glue that holds these supports together, ensuring that people have ongoing access to the care and resources they need to sustain their recovery.
At Better Life Partners, we believe in unconditional support, harm reduction, and meeting people where they are—values that guide every interaction I have with members. The work we do isn’t easy, but seeing someone regain their independence and confidence makes it all worthwhile.
If you or someone you know is looking for non-judgmental, compassionate support in recovery, reach out to Better Life Partners. Recovery is possible, and people like me are here to walk this path alongside you.
About Kim
Kim Gajnos is a full-time counselor and pre-licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) at Better Life Partners, where she brings over 20 years of lived experience and more than 15 years of professional expertise in the fields of substance use and mental health. She is also a Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) and a CRSW supervisor in New Hampshire, with deep roots in harm reduction, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed recovery support.
In her role at Better Life Partners, Kim provides individualized counseling, care coordination, and recovery planning for members facing complex challenges including substance use disorders, homelessness, co-occurring mental health conditions, and systemic barriers. She is known for her compassionate, non-judgmental approach that empowers people to build sustainable recovery paths aligned with their unique goals and strengths.
Kim also demonstrates strong leadership in her organization and regularly contributes to the development of resources and support systems that enhance member outcomes.