The Empowerment Circle is a peer-led recovery support group serving individuals impacted by substance use, trauma, HIV, and systemic health disparities across the broader community—including LGBTQ+ populations, returning citizens, older adults, and people with lived experience of homelessness. What makes this model unique is its inclusive approach: while centering recovery, it intentionally brings together diverse participants in a shared healing space.

Hosted weekly at the AmaSSi Wellness Center in Baltimore, Maryland, the Empowerment Circle uses a trauma-informed and harm reduction framework to promote emotional, physical, and sexual health. The group structure is guided by SAMHSA’s four dimensions of recovery—Health, Home, Purpose, and Community—and incorporates simplified lesson plans, HIV prevention tools, and low-barrier access to care. Participants engage in peer discussions, relapse prevention planning, linkage to resources, and expressive art therapy in collaboration with interns from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).

This program bridges clinical services with community engagement, offering free HIV testing, Narcan education, and creative coping strategies. The Empowerment Circle creates a safe and affirming environment where all are welcomed—regardless of identity, background, or recovery stage.