THRIVE East End Recovery Center Opens In Riverhead, Fights Addiction

RIVERHEAD, NY — In an important moment spotlighting the wrap-up of September's National Recovery Month, the Family and Children's Association cut the ribbon Thursday on a new THRIVE East End Recovery Center in Riverhead.

THRIVE has been helping individuals and families find, maintain and strengthen their recovery since 2017. To date, thanks to continued funding from New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and donors, THRIVE centers in Hauppauge, Westbury and in Westhampton Beach have served more than 30,000 people, representatives said.

THRIVE East End, the first drug and alcohol recovery center in eastern Suffolk, which opened in Westhampton in 2021, "relocated to Riverhead to provide a more centralized and larger space to serve the recovery community of the North and South Forks," officials added.

The new THRIVE East End facility is located at 680 Elton Street in Riverhead.

Providing support at every stage of recovery, THRIVE aims to offer "a safe, welcoming haven for substance-free recreational and social activities that provide a meaningful alternative to social activities that involve substance use," representatives said.

All programs are free of charge.

"The success of the THRIVE community continues to grow through word of mouth and from the incredible support of our partners," said Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds, president and chief executive officer of FCA. "We know the need is real, and we’re excited to launch this new, centrally located facility to better support the East End of Long Island."

The event Monday was attended by FCA management, THRIVE staff and volunteers, its not-for-profit partners in recovery services, THRIVE clients, families and friends, and state and local government officials.

Joining Dr. Reynolds at the ribbon cutting were Ryan Kiser, director of recovery services, FCA; Kym Laube, executive director of HUGS Inc. (Human Understanding & Growth Services); Maureen Amy, THRIVE client speaker in recovery; Thalia Olaya, Suffolk County regional representative for Governor Kathy Hochul; John Bouvier, NYS executive chamber regional representative, eastern Long Island, for Governor Kathy Hochul; Angela M. Noncarrow, district office director for Senator Anthony Palumbo; Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; Riverhead Town Councilwoman Denise Merrifield; Riverhead Town Councilman Bob Kern; Riverhead Town Clerk Jim Wooten; and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio.

"We support individuals on their recovery journey by helping them sustain their progress and enhance their overall well-being. Together, we’re committed to ending epidemics," Reynolds said.