Kennebunk Savings is making a big difference for its employees and community by becoming a Recovery-Friendly Workplace (RFW). This means they help people facing challenges with substance use and recovery. Their program has three main parts: policies, education, and resources.
One of the most important changes they’ve made is how they look at substance use. Brad, CEO at Kennebunk Savings, explains that they now see it as a health issue, not a performance problem. In the past, if someone’s substance use was affecting their work, the focus was on fixing the problem or facing consequences. Now, the focus is on helping the person. Managers and HR staff ask, “How can we help?” They offer resources like employee assistance programs, recovery centers, and medical benefits to support the person’s recovery.
Another exciting change is how some employees have become “lighthouses” for others. Brad describes lighthouses as people who share their own recovery stories or experiences with loved ones in recovery. These employees become trusted guides for others who might be struggling. They weren’t assigned these roles—it happened naturally as people saw them as safe and supportive. These lighthouses make it easier for others to ask for help, building a stronger, more compassionate workplace.
Brad also explains how helping one person in recovery can have a big ripple effect. When you support an employee, you’re also likely helping their family, friends, and neighbors. If one person affects 10 others in their life, the 330 employees at Kennebunk Savings could impact over 3,300 people. This shows how a recovery-friendly workplace can benefit the entire community.
The company also makes recovery resources easy to find. Information is shared in offices and branches so employees and customers can access help whenever they need it.
Education is a key part of their program. Employees and managers are trained to understand recovery and reduce stigma, which is judging people unfairly because of substance use. These trainings help everyone see recovery as a strength.
For them, supporting recovery isn’t just about policies—it’s about creating a healthier, stronger community for everyone.