What began as a space for 12-step support groups to meet is now becoming a resource center for those struggling with addiction and offering help to their loved ones.

“A Place to Meet,” at 7057 Linda Circle Road in Hayes, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and started hosting a handful of people in late September when it first opened in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Paul FitzSimons, chairman of the organization’s board of directors, about 320 people from various 12-step groups met there in February.

“I consider that to be not so bad in six months,” said FitzSimons.

He considers that to be beyond reasonable expectations for the time the space has been available and he anticipates more groups to come.

“That’s very exciting,’ said FitzSimons.

Now, the organization is looking to help the community as an addiction resource center.

“We are expanding our services to the community,” said FitzSimons.

According to FitzSimons, access to information, resources and coor...