Our history

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The Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) was founded in 1991 to collectively meet with other addiction oriented groups to build a coalition to support Licensing of Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Our mentor was Leroy Kelly, a known recovery advocate. Maryanne Frangules became the second collaborator and is the current MOAR Executive Director.  

 

MOAR was originally The Massachusetts Organization of Americans for Recovery,
which sought to develop a collaboration with former Iowa’s Senator Harold Hugh’s, Society of Americans for Recovery, which was based on the premise of moving to end discrimination for people with addiction in all aspects of life from health care, criminal justice, employment, and housing. 

 

MOAR became Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery, when we joined the New England Alliance for Addiction Recovery, funded by a SAMHSA grant, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services, Recovery Community Support Program in 1998. 

 

The project was funded by a little over 6 years which built a strong New England network. Simultaneously, we received and continue to have support from The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. 

 

MOAR is alive today because of the ardent support of people in recovery, families, and friends. 

Milestones

 

 

  • Joined ARCO, Addiction Recovery Community Organization, a Faces and Voices of Recovery national recovery community association. 

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  • Executive Director, Maryanne Frangules, was nationally on The Faces and Voices of Recovery Board member from 2014 to 2021.

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  • A MA Coalition for Addiction Services member- moving to keep the continuum of care alive and well since its founding in 2003. 

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  • Worked in coalition to improve opportunities to improve insurance coverage for addiction treatment. 

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  • With the AIDS Action Committee co-chaired a successful Good Samaritan Campaign- instituting protection for legal charges against people for simple drug possession, when calling 911 to seek emergency medical attention during an overdose. We are now moving to promote public awareness.  

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  •  Participated in SAFE MA- helping to educate all about Removing Alcohol Beverage Advertising from State Property.

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  •  Is a proud member of many coalitions. Many are working to sustain their efforts.
    - P.A.U.S.E.S is an example of strategically moving forward.
     

  •  A.R.E.A.S., (Addiction Recovery Education Access Services), facilitators are now helping others know and experience their housing, education, career, rights across the system. We are planning for these groups to grow and glow!

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  •  Is spreading the word about Knowing Your rights Regarding Insurance Parity and Health Care Reform. 

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  • Partnered with The RIZE Foundation to build a Know Your Rights Toolkit on their website - Rize
     

  • Served on 4 Commissions
    - Recovery Coach, Section 35, Prevention, and Medication Assisted Treatment 
    - Representing the recovery community during Governor Baker’s Administration 
     

  • Established a Peer Recovery Coach Committee for those who wanted a voice to maintain the fidelity of recovery coaches, which still meets today.
     

  • Is very pleased to have participated in The Governor Opioid Advisory Task Force and The Interagency Council on Substance Abuse and Prevention during Governor Deval Patrick’s administration helping to address the epidemic of fatal opioid overdoses.