Safe Harbor in Machias offers a place for women in recovery [Video]

MACHIAS, Maine — Inside Safe Harbor Recovery Home in Machias, 6-year-old Anna* bopped around the living room, playing with a wooden toy and munching on smiley face french fries.

“You are doing so good. You are awesome,” said Lauren Sachs, who provides support and navigation services for residents at the house.

Anna lives at Safe Harbor with her mom, Caroline*, who is in her mid-40s. About 15 years ago, Caroline was studying to be a nurse when she broke her ankle. She started taking prescription painkillers and soon developed an addiction. (The Maine Monitor is using pseudonyms to identify Caroline and her daughter, as well as two former Safe Harbor residents, to protect them and their families’ privacy.)

Anna was about 14 months old when doctors diagnosed her as being on the Autism spectrum. Caroline, who also has two …