Reaching out to underserved communities brought Mathew Vangel and his wife Jackie face-to-face with addiction, and now they’re doing something about it, but not how you might think.

The Dartmouth couple has chosen to focus their attention on the family and friends of addicts through two support groups, one at the Fire District No. 3 headquarters in Dartmouth and the other in Mattapoisett.

Vangel, a 57-year-old seminary student and active member of Dartmouth Bible Church, said the goal of the REGAIN Addiction Support Group is to offer hope and support to those who have been affected by addiction.

It’s about “regaining what’s been lost — regaining trust, honesty, everything that you’ve lost from the effects of addiction,” Vangel said.

Dartmouth’s Board of Health Director Chris Michaud said this service not only helps the community, but the location is ideal.

“It’s in a neutral location. It’s made it a lot easier for people to seek out this resource,” said Michaud.

The bi-monthly meetings in each town allow people to talk about their loved ones­–some of whom have died and others who are still deep in addiction. If people don’t want to talk, that’s okay, too.

“[Sometimes] people are ashamed to talk about it. We’re just hoping to break that stigma somehow,” said Vangel. “It’s having a great cup of coffee, a hug, sharing tears, and then meeting people to know that you’re not alone in this.”

“This service is not just opiate based. It’s a variety of substance use disorders that affect the community,” Michaud added. “[Vangel] is there to listen and connect people with resources.”

Vangel’s decision to start the group came after the Vangels saw the effects of drug and alcohol abuse firsthand through ministry work, but one experience in particular also influenced Vangel.

One day, a Walgreens pharmacist unexpectedly gave him Narcan — a drug that can reverse the effects of an opiate overdose — while he was picking up a prescription. Later that evening, a woman discovered an unresponsive man outside a class Vangel had led at a Fall River rehabilitation clinic. Using the Narcan he’d received earlier that day, Vangel and others from the class revived the man, who had overdosed on heroine. He also happened to be the son of the woman Vangel sat next to in the meeting.

For Vangel, this is evidence that God is at work, and he said, “All of those people who didn’t believe in God thought of the possibility that there could be a God.”

The Vangels want to share their faith as they serve the community, but they also aren’t trying to push their beliefs on others. In starting REGAIN, they want to create a safe, stigma-free zone that encourages healing for individuals and for families ravaged and separated by addiction. At the end of meetings, participants have the option to stay and pray with the Vangels.

Plus, there are always good snacks provided by Jackie.

In Dartmouth, the meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, 6-7:30 p.m., at the District No. 3 fire station, located at 140 Cross Road. Use the door on the side of the training room.

In Mattapoisett, the meetings are at the Council on Aging, 17 Barstow Street, the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Whether rain or snow or sleet or hail, the Vangels are committed to being at the meetings, which are free for participants.

“If no one shows up, we’re still there the full time. We’re committed for anyone who wants to come.”

For more information, call (774) 328-6196, or email healing@regainsupport.com.