FALL RIVER — The doors to the Peer to Peer Recovery Support Center at Steppingstone Inc. may be closed, but the center is open for business.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic shuttering places where people gather, center staff have become creative in offering recovery support to people recovering from substance abuse, using social media and technology to stay in touch with members.

Last week, they began offering supportive groups through the Zoom video conference app. Three meetings are held daily and more will be added, according to a news release.

Peer to Peer staff are in frequent contact with members via phone and the internet and make themselves available all hours of the day, the release states.

"They know the toll the current situation is having on those struggling from substance use disorder, and are at the ready to help by phone and social media outlets," the center said.

Mike Bryant, Peer to Peer project director, said this new way of communicating is vital to those seeking support.

“My team and I are on the front line providing unconventional peer recovery supports to keep our membership engaged during this difficult time," Bryant said in a statement. "Sudden change is difficult for most, so we’re here to support our recovery community in this time of need."

Peer to Peer regularly updates Facebook.com/PSPRSC with information about meeting schedules, how to log on to Zoom and other helpful ways people can obtain virtual recovery support. The center also is using email.

Anyone looking for support can also call the center at 508-567-5086.