Peer Support for Harm Reduction Workers and Managers

Peer Support Community Partners, funded by RIZE Massachusetts Foundation, is proud to offer dedicated peer support spaces for harm reduction workers and managers across Massachusetts. Harm reduction workers and communities often face constant exposure to trauma, grief, and stigma without adequate outlets for care. By creating spaces for mutual support, people can share the weight of these experiences, feel less isolated, and build resilience together. This not only strengthens individual well-being but also sustains the collective capacity of harm reduction work, ensuring that those on the frontlines can continue supporting others with compassion and effectiveness. That’s where we come in.

We’ve built a network of peer-powered support, designed by and for the harm reduction community. Guided by input from our Community Advisory Board (CAB) and feedback from organizations statewide, we’ve created meaningful spaces to connect, share, and recharge — together.

Here’s what we offer:

Monthly Peer Support Groups

  • Managers' Circle: A monthly space to share the weight of responsibility, talk strategy, and support each other in caring for your team and participants.

  • Workers’ Roundtable: A welcoming, no-judgment zone for front-line harm reduction workers to speak openly, get support, and build community.

One-on-One Peer Support

Feeling overwhelmed? Having a tough day? Melissa and Meagan are here for you. Call, text, or email — no issue too big or small. Sometimes you just need someone to really listen.

Melissa Lezynski: 413-320-7210; Melissa@sadod.org Meagan Fisher: 617-370-5336; Meagan@sadod.org

On-Site Support Visits

Melissa is also available to visit your organization, just to sit with folks, check in, and offer grounding support — especially in these uncertain and often terrifying times.

This is solidarity in action.

We’re not here to "fix" you — we’re here to walk alongside you. Whether you're navigating stress, grief, burnout, or just need a space to breathe — this is for you.

Join our mailing list by clicking here or scanning the QR code to stay connected and get updates on upcoming meetings, new offerings, and ways to plug in.