On Our Own of Frederick County

Through peer support, advocacy, education and wellness classes, On Our Own of Frederick County, Inc., (OOOFC) serves as a lifeline for people who are grappling with mental and behavioral health challenges. OOOFC is run by peers who understand the struggles. Nearly 100 percent of staff and volunteers have relevant life experiences to offer peer support and trainings to people needing help, and the services are free. Founded more than 20 years ago, the nonprofit is a local affiliate of On Our Own of Maryland, Inc., which has more than 20 Wellness and Recovery Centers statewide. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, services transitioned to virtual groups and one-on-one sessions. In August 2021, the Frederick Wellness and Recovery Center hosted a grand reopening at a new location on South Market Street inside the Federated Charities building. Services are again offered in-person as well as online. OOOFC’s most popular activities are peer support groups, yoga, meditation, art, music, journaling, nutrition, American Sign Language, game hour, LGBTQ+ support and trainings like eCPR, antistigma and “WRAP” - Wellness Recovery Action Plan. “Navigating Life and Recovery Program” (NLRP) is a new set of services to help with financial literacy, mental health, employment, continued education, relationship coaching, housing, and creating a support

network of peers and advocates. The “Parents in Recovery” program being developed will help parents build a healthy support network, expand their coping skills and learn more about child development. “Every person who walks through the door matters to us and we make sure they feel connected, not judged and part of our peer community. They determine what they need. They can simply come in to use the computer lab or sit down for a chat with one of our peer specialists,” explained Executive Director Jill Krisnitsky. Participants gain hope and thrive through peer programs. “We fill in the gap of transitioning from treatment back into society successfully. It’s scary, but not overwhelming because people make friends at OOOFC and they create a wellness plan with us.” Program Manager Stephanie Randall adds, “If there is a need we can’t provide, we connect people to the organization in Frederick County that can help.”

Pictured: Front row – Stephanie Randall, Jill Krisnitsky, Charisa Billigmeier; Back row – Bill Allan, Christy Kehlbeck, Elijah Deluna, Natalie Abbas, Kaitlin Holsten, Tim Edmonds, Sharon Grail, Debra Miller, Joao Martins.