Norway Savings Signs on as Sponsor of Sunday’s “Tucker’s House Race for Recovery 5K” in Harrison

BRIDGTON—In her decade as the manager of Food City in Bridgton, Kirsten Wears observed the sad signs of substance abuse and addiction as well as the negative impact they can have on communities that otherwise appear safe and welcoming on the surface.

“There is food insecurity, homelessness, and the struggle with substance use disorder is overwhelming in this beautiful little town,” she said.

When she was laid off during the pandemic, Wears realized she could accept these experiences as sad realities or confront them by trying to replace despair with hope and cycles of abuse with paths forward.

After two and a half years of planning, preparation, and perspective, Tucker’s House was born, with Wears serving as the founding director.  

“Tucker’s House is an organization that currently hosts a women’s home in North Bridgton and a men’s home in Harrison is set to open later this year. They provide a safe residence for recovery from substance use and addiction. It’s remarkable to see the value they place on treating those recovering with love and kindness. It’s something that has spread from the home out into the community as a beacon of hope and resiliency,” said Erin Nelson, AVP Branch Manager at Norway Savings Bank’s Bridgton branch.

The women’s home has the capacity of serving ten at any time, with the men’s home also expected to feature ten beds. Lake Region Recovery Center and Crooked River Counseling provide assistance to the residents, who are also given the skills to maintain a healthy life after leaving their safe and supportive temporary home.

The Tucker’s House staff and volunteers have specialized knowledge and lived experience to offer the residents, helping them to develop relationships, deepen spirituality, appreciate nature and community, and get back on their feet.

“We know that lives can be rebuilt, families restored, and self-worth regained through mentoring and kindness,” said Wears. “We believe in second chances.”

Inspired by this mission, Norway Savings Bank was proud to sign on as a sponsor of the first Tucker’s House Race for Recovery 5K in Harrison on Sunday, June 30. To learn more about the event, including how you can participate or offer support, click here. Proceeds from the event will benefit Tucker’s House and increase its capacity to help more people in need to see brighter days.

“It’s our responsibility as people to take care of one another,” said Wears. “Almost everyone knows someone who has been impacted by substance abuse. We need to work together to help them find a way forward. We need to love people.”

For more information about Tucker’s House or to discover additional ways to help the organization, visit www.tuckershousebridgton.org.

Pictured (L to R): Fredrick Moss, Tucker’s House Board of Directors; Bill McKenzie, Tucker’s House Assistant Director; Kirsten Wears, Tucker’s House Executive Director/Founder; Erin Nelson, AVP Branch Manager of NSB’s Bridgton Branch; Brian Siebert, Commercial Loan Officer VP at NSB.