Massachusetts Ambassador Project

Launched in 2018, the Massachusetts Ambassador Project is a participatory, peer-to-peer program that trains men who have experiences with substance and/or gambling addiction to lead conversations about the intersection of problem gambling and substance misuse in their communities.

Ambassadors Wilmer and Hector and Regional Coordinator Jinan at their swag table with materials from the Clearinghouse for the holiday event at Stairway to Recovery Center in Brockton.

Ambassadors quizzed participants at their recent holiday event to assess their understanding of problem gambling and its related impacts.

The Ambassador Project aims to reach populations at higher risk for problem gambling and engage those individuals in prevention discussions led by members of their own communities who have lived through similar experiences.

In July 2023, Ambassadors at each of the three Gandara Center sites (Hope for Holyoke, Stairway to Recovery, and PIER Recovery) became full-time employees to allow for greater alignment and commitment towards project goals. This will enable the Ambassadors to make a greater impact and contribution to those in their communities seeking education or resources about problem gambling.

Between July 1 and October 31, 2023, Ambassadors engaged in meaningful discussion with 436 individuals. They delivered 30 small group sessions and successfully connected with 31 treatment, recovery, social service, justice/corrections, and faith organizations. Ambassadors are looking forward to hosting future community engagement opportunities, like the Recovery Holiday Event described below:

Recovery Holiday Event

The Recovery Holiday event, held on November 21st in Brockton, provided a space for Ambassadors to engage with community members and discuss problem gambling risks and impacts among individuals, family members, and the community.

Thank you to our Ambassadors for continuing to host these education gatherings and helping to start the conversation about problem gambling among high-risk members of the community.

Materials on the table at the Recovery Event.

The Ambassadors distributed information about problem gambling in a variety of formats and languages in order to best meet the needs of community members seeking to learn more.

Want to learn more? Check out our website at mass.gov/orgs/office-of-problem-gambling-services