HOPE 2026: Celebrating the Journey
What is the HOPE Conference?
The HOPE Conference is a statewide recovery and wellness conference for persons in recovery from substance abuse use and mental health challenges and service providers. It was created to help participants gain a greater understanding of what recovery and wellness looks like from the many paths and different perspectives on the journey of life.
The workshops will be based on a variety of topics this year! While our theme is celebrating the journey (and let’s face it- the past year has been very tough for many of us and a celebration of survival is called for) it will encompass a variety of topics from the lived experience communities. All workshops will allow for the opportunity to learn from each other, network, and gain greater understanding about recovery and wellness. How do I as an individual celebrate and connect more closely with my communities of choice?
We want to look at how we honor and connect all our experiences as a broad peer/recovery/lived experience community. We honor building broader definitions of wellness and embrace the many ways that recovery shows up in our lives and the world. Please join the conversation and explore how this is or can be reflected in systems/services, our individual choices, journeys, and continuing to create a supportive and vibrant community. It is time to celebrate!
May 13, 2026 from 8am to 4pm at the Augusta Civic Center
This year’s Keynote Speaker: Tamara Oman
Tamra Oman is the 2015 recipient of the State of Wisconsin’s Virginia Hart award. She is a national speaker, consultant, group facilitator, and believes deeply in cultivating a culture of hope, healing, and compassion for all. She is a co-founder of Hope Road, LLC Soul Punch Skill Training (with love). Her day job is Human Services Program Coordinator Recovery Support Specialist at the Wisconsin Resource Center; a mental health treatment facility classified as a prison. She was the first peer/consumer to be hired in the state of Wisconsin to work in a correctional facility in the past 30 years.
To see more event details, workshop descriptions, and to register, please use the link below. We look forward to see you there!
Please remember, we have limited tickets so don’t wait!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be lunch options for those with allergies or dietary restrictions?
All meal options will be shellfish-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free. There will be gluten-free and vegetarian options provided.
Is there another way I can register?
You may register by phone by calling Casey at 207-878-6170.
What is the cancellation policy?
There will be no refunds for cancellations. If you need to cancel your registration, contact ccoddaire@ccsme.org | 207-878-6170
Can I get mileage reimbursed?
Mileage is reimbursed for peers/consumers using their own vehicle to travel 150+ miles round trip within the state of Maine and who are not receiving reimbursement from another organization. Mileage reimbursement forms will be available at the conference. We recommend carpooling for organizations!
Who can enter the gas card raffle?
Anyone traveling less than 150 miles to the conference can enter the raffle for one of five $25 gas cards. Those receiving mileage reimbursement (from HOPE or other organization) are not eligible to enter to the gas card raffle.
Can I have hotel or lodging reimbursed?
Lodging for one night is available to peers/consumers who travel more than 130 miles one way within the state of Maine to attend. Limited rooms available. Please contact Vickie Hebert vhebert@maineccsm.org by April 24 for information.
Where do I find descriptions for each workshop?
The HOPE 2025 Workshop Descriptions can be found at the link in the description at the Eventbrite webpage. Please select one workshop for each session to attend.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are $20. If the costs presents a barrier, check if your employer or program you attend can cover the cost. We also offer volunteer opportunities – contact bobby-jo.bechard@mocomaine.com for info. We also have a limited number of need-based scholarships – contact ccoddaire@ccsme.org for info.
How can I request Accommodations?
We will do our best to respond to reasonable requests. Please contact Simonne smaline@maineccsm.org or 207-430-8300 by April 20 with any accommodation requests.
How do I get contact hours?
You may collect your certificate of attendance by turning in the evaluation as you depart.
Can I pay for someone else’s ticket?
Yes, we have several options. If you are purchasing multiple tickets for staff, make sure you have the name, email, and workshop choices of each attendee. If you would like to a sponsor ticket, add a “sponsor” ticket to your cart and we’ll take care of the rest.
