GET TO KNOW US

At PAACA (Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction), our mission is to uplift individuals and strengthen communities by providing support, resources, and opportunities for growth. Since our founding in 1983 in a small church basement in New Bedford, we have remained committed to fostering resilience, empowerment, and connection for those in need.

​​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

What began as a space for 12-step meetings has evolved into a comprehensive network of services, including youth programs, housing initiatives, employment support, and community outreach.

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognizing the unique challenges young people face, we established youth services in the 1990s to provide mentorship, education, and leadership development. Today, our youth programs go beyond addiction recovery, offering academic support, life skills training, recreational activities, and workforce readiness programs to help young people build a strong foundation for their future.

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​​​​​​​​​​

 

Our journey has been one of adaptation and perseverance—growing from a grassroots effort into a multifaceted organization that serves hundreds. Whether through harm reduction, health outreach, or workforce development, we remain committed to breaking down barriers and uplifting those seeking a path forward.

​

As we look ahead, PAACA remains driven by our core values: compassion, redemption, and collective action. We strive to enhance access to housing, combat food insecurity, and create pathways to self-sufficiency. With the support of our community, we will continue to stand as a beacon of hope for those in need, embodying the spirit of resilience that has defined us for over four decades.

​​​​

Together, we recover. Together, we thrive.