The Office of Consumer Advocates, Inc. (OCA, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization whose administrative office is located at 121 East Antietam Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Since 1993, OCA has been committed to helping individuals navigate behavioral health, recovery, and community support systems through advocacy, service navigation, peer support, and recovery-oriented services. OCA’s staff are individuals with lived experience who use that experience to provide compassionate, person-centered support. Staff serve as Peer Support Advocates and bring firsthand knowledge of recovery and resiliency to the individuals they support.

 

Prior to July 1, 2026, OCA operated programs in Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Effective July 1, 2026, OCA no longer operates the Hope Station Wellness and Recovery Center in Allegany County or the Mountain Haven Wellness and Recovery Center in Garrett County. OCA’s services are now focused exclusively in Washington County, Maryland. All services provided through OCA are offered free of charge.

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:

 

• Peer Support and Advocacy (PSA)

The Peer Support and Advocacy Program provides individualized, one-on-one assistance to residents of Washington County. Services include helping individuals secure disability income benefits and other entitlements, navigate complex service systems, access treatment and community resources, address advocacy concerns, obtain transportation and housing resources, and overcome barriers to recovery and wellness. Peer Support Advocates draw upon their own lived experiences to provide encouragement, guidance, and practical support while helping individuals achieve their personal goals.

 

• Wellness and Recovery Center (WRC)

DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–FRIDAY, 10:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.

 

Soul Haven Wellness and Recovery Center, located in Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland, is designed to support individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges as they work toward improved health, wellness, recovery, and self-sufficiency. Soul Haven provides educational and support groups, wellness activities, peer support, recovery coaching, individualized assistance, and other recovery-focused services to approximately 40–50 participants each day. Many participants experience housing instability or homelessness.

 

Beginning in 2012, OCA partnered with the Washington County Health Department to strengthen the behavioral health and recovery services available through Soul Haven. Recovery Coaches and Peer Support Advocates with lived experience provide support and guidance to individuals seeking recovery and wellness. OCA also offers limited transportation services, when available, within a ten-mile radius of the center to assist participants in attending Soul Haven activities, OCA programs, and other community appointments.

 

• Community Peer Recovery Specialist Reentry Program

The Community Peer Recovery Reentry Program serves individuals who have been released from incarceration within the past year. Through peer-based support and resource navigation, participants receive assistance with housing, employment, transportation, behavioral health treatment, recovery supports, benefits enrollment, and other essential services. The program is designed to promote successful community reintegration, strengthen recovery, and reduce recidivism.

 

• ADAA Referral Services

OCA assists individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders by providing referrals and linkage to both inpatient and outpatient recovery programs. Staff help participants identify appropriate treatment options, navigate referral processes, and connect with community resources that support long-term recovery and wellness.

 

• Food Pantry

OCA operates a food pantry supplied largely through the Maryland Food Bank. The pantry serves individuals and families throughout Washington County between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., by appointment only. A Maryland Food Bank Card is not required to access services.

 

The pantry utilizes the Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) model, allowing participants to select food items based on nutritional value and personal preference. This approach promotes dignity, choice, and healthier food options while supporting overall wellness and food security.

 

OCA has long-standing, established partnerships throughout Washington County that play a vital role in strengthening community resources, supporting peer navigation, and helping individuals build sustainable support systems. Through ongoing collaboration with trusted organizations such as the Washington County Mental Health Authority (WCMHA), Washington County Health Department (WCHD), the Washington County Local Homeless Coalition, the Literacy Council of Washington County, REACH, and many other community partners, OCA continues to expand access to services and create meaningful connections that improve outcomes for those served. These enduring relationships are foundational to OCA’s ability to identify community needs, coordinate resources, and foster a strong network of support across the region.

 

OCA’s staff are residents of the community they serve and bring valuable lived experience to their work. Through peer support, advocacy, recovery services, and community engagement, OCA continues its mission of empowering individuals to achieve recovery, wellness, and greater independence.