Lacey Recovery Center Gathers On Zoom During Pandemic

LACEY, NJ — The Xodus Recovery Community Center in Lanoka Harbor helps many Ocean County residents who struggle with addiction navigate the road to recovery.

XRCC provides peer coaching, group recovery support and family meetings for those seeking to access and sustain long-term recovery.

Beginning in April, the XRCC staff was challenged with transitioning their in-person meetings and programs to an online space where people can talk to counselors and peers.

“It was rough to begin with...We’re missing that in-person contact which we all need,” said Donna Carlow, the director of XRCC. “In a way it’s good because it brings more people out,” adding that people who do not drive can easily log into a Zoom meeting from their home.

Though virtual meetings differ from meeting in person, Carlow said the programs have been highly accessible at a time when the pandemic has created additional stress and isolation for people.

“Everybody is stressed about so many different things with the pandemic—not being able to get out, some people losing jobs,” she said.

NJ Spotlight reported that the sudden challenges presented by the pandemic, including unemployment and social disruptions caused an increase in drug and alcohol use among New Jersey residents.

New Jersey reported 224 overdose deaths in Ocean County from January to November of 2020, an increase of 20 from the previous year, or a 9.8 percent increase.

XRCC’s staff and program participants adapted quickly to the new style of meetings this past year, according to Carlow. The center maintained the same number of people in their programs prior to the online shift.

“You want that in-person feeling, but being able to still get together is also a good thing,” Carlow said. “It’s like you’re almost in the same room.”

The XRCC is preparing to reopen their office at the end of March to expand programming.

The center will unveil new programs this spring, including a socially distant walking group and art crafts that will be available for pick-up at the center.

“We don’t want to leave anybody out there without any contact. It’s so important in recovery to have everybody stay connected,” Carlow said.

Looking ahead to summer, the nonprofit is organizing fundraisers that community members can support.

“We are solely supported by donations in the community,” Carlow said.

On June 5, the center will hold a yard sale in their parking lot, which they will collect household item donations for. A Stomp Out benefit concert is also slated to take place this summer.

More information about XRCC's services can be found here.

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know of a local organization that should be profiled, contact kimberlee.bongard@patch.com.