JMIR is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1996 in Portland’s N/NE neighborhoods with the hopes of helping the community in overcoming the drugs and substance abuse that had plagued the city and the African American culture during the rise of the crack epidemic. We fought to get African Americans in recovery before they wound up in prison due to racist drug policies.

Culturally specific peer support services for African American men and youth.

Our mission is to foster the awareness of Men and Youth, by developing self-awareness and growth among our members along with providing support service in the community. To hold retreats for the men and youth to build relationships and network and fellowship with men that were living their lives clean & sober in the community.

Services Include:

Annual Men’s Retreats: JMIR has historically provided 2 annual recovery retreats and one on one mentoring. Our retreats are generally 3 days long, hosting hundreds of men for fellowship, fun, food, skill-building and relationship development. It is through these community events men in early recovery meet more established JMIR members who have become productive members of society. We know these relationships have helped hundreds of African American men establish and sustain their recovery.

Peer Support: JMIR offers Peer Support and Mentoring services through modeling clean & sober living, membership, outreach and support meeting to the African American community.

Client Assistance: Client assistance funds include housing rental assistance and emergency assistance, food assistance, legal support, and DMV fees.

Housing: JMIR will expand access to emergency rental assistance for individuals affected by SUD and harmful substance use who are leaving treatment and detox and need stability in order to stay on their path to recovery. We will also offer emergency hotel rooms to BIPOC individuals who are being released from prison.

Harm Reduction: Access to Narcan: JMIR will increase access to Narcan to keep onsite at our new office in case of an overdose. Access to Sterile Needles, Tourniquets, and other Sterile Equipment: JMIR will keep sterile injection equipment on site so that our participants who are still using it have access to safety equipment.