White Horse Recovery, a nonprofit behavioral health center serving the North Country and Lakes Region, is taking a significant step to remove accessibility barriers with the purchase of two new vehicles dedicated to client transportation.

According to Executive Director Matthew Plache, the impact is clear. “These vehicles will allow us to be more mobile and have a greater impact,” he said. “Right now, we only have one van.”

With these additions, he said they will be able to transport more people to appointments and intensive outpatient programs, making it easier for clients to get the help they need. The new vehicles will also enable White Horse Recovery to become credentialed with Coordinated Transportation Solutions (CTS), which provides Medicaid transport.

“Any of our Medicaid clients will be able to get rides from us, and we’ll be reimbursed for it,” he added. “There’s been a huge barrier trying to get CTS to transport our clients because they don’t have enough drivers. Now, we can step in and help fill that gap.”

For those without Medicaid, Plache said no one will be turned away. “Everyone is treated equally and accepted as they are,” he added.

Founded in Center Ossipee, New Hampshire, White Horse Recovery has grown from a small organization into a leading nonprofit with 28 employees across four locations, providing both mental health and substance use disorder services.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. White Horse Recovery offers services for those ready to start their journey to recovery. For more information, call 603-651-1441, Ext. 1.

As National Recovery Month shines a spotlight on the millions of Americans in recovery, White Horse Recovery is taking action with three powerful community events that demonstrate the life-saving impact of recovery support services.

“Recovery Month isn’t just about celebration—it’s about action,” said Matthew Plache, executive director at White Horse Recovery. “While we honor the courage of those in recovery, we’re also working to ensure that everyone in our community has the tools and support they need to save lives and build futures.”

The organization’s National Recovery Month programming includes:

Candlelight Vigil – Saturday, September 13, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at 141 Main St., Littleton. The community will gather to remember those lost to addiction, lighting candles to honor remarkable lives and support grieving families.

Narcan Training & Distribution – Tuesday, September 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at The Shed in North Conway. This free, public training teaches participants how to respond to opioid overdose emergencies, with complimentary Narcan kits provided to all attendees.

Recovery Month Open House – Thursday, September 25, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at The Shed North Conway. Community members can meet White Horse’s Recovery Coaching team and learn about walk-in peer support services, including one-on-one coaching, support groups, family resources, and community programs.

These events come at a critical time. According to the CDC, more than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2023, while the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that over 46 million Americans have experienced a substance use disorder. However, SAMHSA data shows that 75% of people with addiction eventually recover.

“Every person we reach through Narcan training could be the difference between life and death for someone’s loved one,” added Plache. “Every family member who connects with our support services gains tools to navigate this journey with hope instead of despair.”

Founded in Center Ossipee, New Hampshire, White Horse Recovery has grown from a small organization into a leading nonprofit with 28 employees across four locations, providing mental health and substance use disorder services throughout the state.

For more information about White Horse Recovery’s National Recovery Month events, contact Meagan Fells at meaganf@whitehorseac.com.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. White Horse Recovery offers services for those ready to start their journey to recovery. For more information, call 603-651-1441, Ext. 1.

For Tammy Loiselle, Executive Coordinator at White Horse Recovery, supporting those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges is more than a job—it’s a calling shaped by personal experience.

Loiselle, who joined White Horse Recovery after decades in home and medical care, brings a deeply personal understanding to her work. “Addiction runs in my family,” she said. “My father was an alcoholic, and my brother lost his life to alcoholism. I know firsthand how hard it is to find help—and how important it is to have someone who listens.”

White Horse Recovery, a nonprofit behavioral health center with locations in Ossipee, North Conway, Berlin and Littleton, offers comprehensive substance use disorder and mental health services for all ages. Loiselle’s journey from caretaker to advocate reflects the organization’s mission, which is to meet people where they are and provide support without judgment or financial barriers.

“I’ve seen people come in who are a complete wreck and, after going through our programs, thrive,” Loiselle said . “It’s so rewarding to see that transformation.”

She said White Horse Recovery’s team is known for its empathy and dedication. “Our counselors are some of the most phenomenal people I’ve met,” she added. “They’re here because they want to make a difference.”

Loiselle wants the community to know that help is available, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. “The hardest step is walking through the door,” she said, “but we’re here, and we care.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. White Horse Recovery offers services for those ready to start their journey to recovery. For more information, call 603-651-1441, Ext. 1.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. White Horse Recovery offers services for those ready to start their journey to recovery. For more information, call 603-651-1441, Ext. 1.

“EMDR helps process harmful memories that often drive individuals to self-medicate,” he said. “It gives clients a foundation to build recovery, even before full abstinence.”

With a background spanning individual therapy, case management, in-patient psychiatric care, and community outreach, Koester cited a deep connection between trauma and substance use. “Most people with substance use disorder suffer from some form of trauma — whether emotional or physical,” he added.

Trained in EMDR in 2022, he noted the rigorous standards of certification, which included ongoing consultation and the requirement to practice with clients throughout the training process. “EMDR is gaining traction nationwide as one of the leading therapeutic treatments for trauma and PTSD,” he said.

Koester also employs Motivational Interviewing and the Stages of Change Model, evidence-based approaches that prioritize meeting individuals where they are in their recovery journey. “Motivational Interviewing is a philosophy that aligns the clinician with the client,” he said. “It ensures the therapeutic relationship remains strong and grounded, which is vital to sustained engagement and healing.”

As he settles into his role at White Horse Recovery, he cited “a simple goal.”
“I want to be a steady presence for clients when they’re ready to seek support,” he explained. “A trainer once said, ‘Be a sunroof.’ Most people don’t use it often, but they want to know it’s there. That’s how I see my role — being here when the window of opportunity opens.”

With locations in Ossipee, North Conway, Berlin, and Littleton, White Horse provides outpatient counseling, peer recovery support, wellness education, and prevention programming.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. White Horse Recovery offers services for those ready to start their journey to recovery. For more information, call 603-651-1441, Ext. 1.

White Horse Recovery Executive Director Matt Plache

Titled “Unshackled: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures,” the event will celebrate the power of recovery from addiction with powerful testimonies from individuals whose lives have been transformed through community-based supports like those offered at White Horse.

“This year’s theme, Unshackled, reflects what happens when people are given the tools and support to break free from addiction and rediscover their lives,” said White Horse Recovery Executive Director Matthew Plache. “Our annual benefit is not only a fundraiser — it’s a chance to gather as a community and reaffirm our belief that recovery is possible for everyone.”

Tickets are $100 per person, with proceeds supporting White Horse’s work. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals and businesses.

With locations in Ossipee, North Conway, Berlin, and Littleton, White Horse provides outpatient counseling, peer recovery support, wellness education, and prevention programming.

Click here to learn more or purchase tickets for the 2025 Annual Benefit Event.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. White Horse Recovery offers services for those ready to start their journey to recovery. For more information, call 603-651-1441, Ext. 1.