addiction treatment & recovery services

1 G A U D E N Z I A G A Z E T T E A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 www. g a u d e n z i a . o r g

GAUDENZIAAUGUST 2018 VOLUME 31, ISSUE 2

A D D I C T I O N T R E A T M E N T & R E C O V E R Y S E R V I C E S

Gazette

recognizing the impact of the agency’s work in Central Pennsylvania. Key stakeholders who have stood by Gaudenzia formany years, including donors, community leaders and volunteers joined with program alumni, past and present staffmembers. At the event, PA Media Group received Gaudenzia’s 2018 Community Champion Award for their significantcoverage of the heroin and opioid epidemic in The Harrisburg Patriot-News and PennLive.com. ABC News Anchor Elizabeth Vargas received Gaudenzia’s Ambassador of Hope Award for her personal example and courageous support of individuals battling addiction. Alicia Richards, News Anchor at ABC 27 in Harrisburg and a past Community Champion Award

recipient, was the MC for the evening. Gaudenzia Board Members Daniel T. Piscioneri and Sheila Rossserved as event Co-Chairs. “Gaudenzia provides an essential service to the communities it serves. As the number of people who struggle with substance use disorder continues to grow, the organization’ssuccessful approach to treatment and recovery becomes even more vital,” said Piscioneri.

Building a Brighter TomorrowWomen and Children’s Conference

Celebrating50 Years of Gaudenzia’s Impactin Central PennsylvaniaOn March 28 in Harrisburg, more than 270 people attendedthe Gaudenzia Gala, celebrating the agency’s 50th Anniversary,

Gaudenzia's Ambassador of Hope award was presented to Elizabeth Vargas by Phil Jordan and Mike Harle.

Conference organizers with Elizabeth Vargas.

On March 29 and 30 in Harrisburg, 330 humanservices professionals attended Gaudenzia’s 25th annualWomen and Children’s Conference, focusing onhealthier outcomes for pregnant women and families in high-risk situations. The conference featured an array of professional workshops and expert keynotespeakers, including ABC TV News Anchor ElizabethVargas; Rabbi Mark Borovitz, MRb; Marlene Carson,Founder of Rahab’s Hideaway and CEO of the SwitchAnti-Trafficking Network.

Workshop topics ranged from adolescent/adult trauma to opioid and other emerging drug trends. Vargas spoke about herstruggles with alcoholism and anxiety, which affected her personal life and professional career; and her decision to publicly shareher struggles in order to inspire others.


GraduationsGraduation is an importantmoment of recognition andaccomplishment. Gaudenzia’sgraduation process is completelyvoluntary. In grand total thisyear, 218 individuals walkedproudly across the stage atceremonies in Baltimore, Erie,Philadelphia and Harrisburg.Honorary Graduate medallionsare presented to people who didnot attend a Gaudenzia programbut support the agency’s missionand philosophy.

Editor’s Note: Chesapeake RegionGraduation was held in Baltimore inOctober 2017 and was reported in aprevious issue of the Gazette.

Erie: On June 2, at the Bayfront ConventionCenter, 32 individuals were graduated. KeynoteSpeaker was Dr. Dennis Daley, senior clinicaldirector of Substance Use Services at UPMCHealth Plan. Erie Mayor Joe Schember attendedthe Graduation ceremony. Honorary Graduatemedallions were presented to Brenda Savelli, whohas served as Master of Ceremonies at the Race For Recovery and Ayanna Lucas, House ManagerSupervisor at Crossroads.Dr. Dennis Daley

Ayanna Lucas

Gaudenzia Erie Class of 2018.

Brenda Savelli


Annually, Gaudenzia conducts Graduation ceremonies in each region for individuals who:• Completed a treatment program and have maintained a minimum of one year of sobriety.• Are living in a stable environment in the community for a minimum of four months.• Have stable employment; or are involved in an education program; or are doing volunteer work.• Are crime-free.• Are attending Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, ACOA or other 12-step meetings and have metother stringent eligibility requirements, including submission of a Graduation proposal that is reviewed by anevaluation team made up of Gaudenzia professionals, other Graduates and members of the community.

Eastern Region: On June 2, atthe Pennsylvania Convention Center inPhiladelphia, 70 individuals were graduated.Keynote Speaker was U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. State Senator Sharif Streetreceived an award for his community leadershipand presented an Honorary Graduate medallionto Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass.The Joe Lewis Award was presented toGaudenzia’s President and CEO, Mike Harle.

Central Region: On June 16, at the Best WesternPremier Hotel in Harrisburg, 39 individuals were graduated. KeynoteSpeaker was Jennifer Smith, Secretary, PA Department of Drug andAlcohol Programs. Honorary Graduate medallions were presented toRick Esterly, long-time advocate for treatment and recovery, and Erin Pressel, Marketing Director. The Donald Garnett HumanitarianAward was presented to Wendy Woodyard Brice.

Jennifer Smith Rick Esterly

Left: WendyWoodyard Brice and Mark SarnesoRight: Erin Pressel

Mike Harle speaks to Eastern Region Graduates

Brian Fitzpatrick

Cindy Bass and Sharif Street


From the archives: Remember when?

On June 1, at the Caron Foundation’s GreaterPhiladelphia Community Service Awards Breakfast,Eastern Region Director of Nursing Michelle Woltzreceived the Unsung Hero Award.

Gaudenzia Graduations wereinitially known as Confirmationceremonies and featured top name entertainers, such as The Four Tops, Joey Bishop, The Temptations, and others.

Graduations were conductedannually in Philadelphia until the agency’s expansion into new markets dictated the need for separate ceremonies inPhiladelphia and Harrisburg. Today, the agency conducts annual Graduation ceremonies in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Erie and Baltimore.

Casey Duffy, past Board Chair, Caron Foundationpresenting the Unsung Hero Award to

Michelle Woltz.

1991

1996

1996 1999

Unsung Hero Award


On April 20 at an Opioid Summit

held at Temple University in

Philadelphia, Gaudenzia President

and CEO Mike Harle participated

on a panel, stating that 6,000

people in Pennsylvania will die

from opioid addiction during

calendar year 2018 and that 3,800

babies will be born addicted.

Site Visits

CARF Re-AccreditationPrograms in Gaudenzia Inc and GaudenziaErie were surveyed by the Commission onAccreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities(CARF) and were awarded three year re-accreditations.

On August 2, a site visit was held at Gaudenzia's Concept 90

program in Harrisburg for Matthew E. Baker, Regional Director,

Region III, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Mr. Baker is second from the left in the photo.

On May 1, Delaware State Senator Nicole Poorevisited Fresh Start in Wilmington.

On July 10, PennsylvaniaState Representative Jordan Harris visited Washington House in Philadelphia.

Opioid Summit


On May 2, Board Members from the NationalAlliance for Model State Drug Laws (NAMSDL)conducted their Board meeting in Philadelphia andvisited Gaudenzia’s Tioga Family Center. There,they discussed issues relating to substance usedisorder, housing and related matters. NAMSDLserves as a resource to Governors, AttorneysGeneral, legislators, health professionals, therecovering community and others, striving forcomprehensive and effective state drug and alcohollaws, policies, regulations and programs.

On April 18, staff from Gaudenzia's Lower Bucks facility attended the Bucks County HealthImprovement Partnership (BCHIP) Annual Meeting.

From left to right: Margie Rivera, Associate Director of BucksCounty Drug and Alcohol Commission; Ana Rosado, ClinicalDirector; Lisa Clayton, Clinical Director of Family ServiceAssociation; Sybil Henderson, Intake Specialist, GaudenziaLower Bucks; Daniel Rivera, Program Director, GaudenziaLower Bucks; Diane Rosati, Executive Director; Cyd Williams,Social Worker at Gaudenzia Lower Bucks.

On April 24, Joseph DeFelice, HUD RegionalAdministrator (seated facing second from left),visited Gaudenzia’s Tioga Family Center inPhiladelphia to learn about the organization’scommitment to securing clean, affordable housingfor individuals in recovery and their families.

Site Visit


On April 9, thanks to funding received an Erie Arts and Culture grant, the first DRUM-atic healing session was held at House of Healing at Gaudenzia Erie, Inc. Using multiplepercussion instruments, attendees created music and newrhythms in their drum circles.

In June, Seph Kumer, Director of Community Engagement at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Erie, presented a check to Gaudenzia Erie, Inc., for its “On Your Knees forRecovery” fundraising event. The event consisted of an art show,basket raffles, a dance and motivational speakers. Also pictured is Jacque Wegelin, representing Alkeme Café, who provided hors d’oeuvres, served food and was the principal organizer of the event.

Vanessa Seppi, left, of Don’t Blink Photography and Design,presented a check to Gaudenzia Erie, Inc., for the proceedsraised at “Humanity Against Heroin, Part 3” held at BasementTransmissions in Erie. This is the second time Gaudenzia Eriewas selected as the beneficiary. The activity included 12 bands,speakers, vendors, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and an auction.

In Loving Memory...John Montero, former DivisionDirector in Gaudenzia's Eastern Region,and also a Gaudenzia Graduate. Over theyears, John was a beloved mentor andfriend to many of his co-workers atGaudenzia.


Sherwin-Williams recently selectedGaudenzia Erie, Inc. to be the beneficiary oftheir 2018 Community Project. In additionto donating primer and paint, crew membersfrom Sherwin-Williams joined GaudenziaErie, Inc. staff members and clients inpainting the entire interior of GaudenziaErie, Inc.’s Dr. Daniel Snow Halfway House.

Erik Atas, attorney at Zirkin & Schmerlin Law provided recordexpungement services, at no cost, for individuals in treatment at Gaudenzia’s Crownsville and Woodland Avenue facilities in Maryland. For the 113 individuals who participated, he was able to get 1,040 charges expunged off theirrecords. His incredible generosity will give those individuals a chance for better job opportunities and a new life.

On May 19, volunteersfrom AmeriHealth Caritaspainted at Gaudenzia'sNew Journey program inEllendale, DE.

Pictured, in the front row, from left, are: Dustin Noel, Sales Representative fromSherwin-Williams; Kevin Barber, ProgramDirector at the Dr. Daniel Snow Halfway House; Adam Carll; Joe Eckendorf and Brandon Adams. In the back row, from left, are: Chris Hermann, Erica Munson, Steve Sopher and Julio Quiles.

Pictured, from left, are: Kristy Blalock, Division Director; Amber Weiner,Community Affairs Manager; Erik Atas; Diana Covell, Court Liaison; Natasha Herbert, Program Director.


The clients of Gaudenzia New Outlooks are mostlyindividuals with challenging mental disorders that often make it difficult to distinguish betweenwhat is real and unreal, difficultymanaging their emotions, relating

to others and functioning normally. Their illness affects

the way they behave, think and see the world. They also

sometimes see or hear things that do not exist. Clients

can suffer from depression, social withdrawal, hostility,

suspiciousness, extreme reactions to criticism, oversleeping,

insomnia, forgetfulness, lack of emotional expression,

lack of interest or enthusiasm, difficulties concentrating,

disorganized speech and behavior and loose associations,

neologisms, perseveration, bizarre speaking, flat expressionless

gazes and more.The newsletter is a self-help project, initiated by

the New Outlooks Community at Gaudenzia. It is staffed by

clients, written by clients and published by clients. It is a form

of clients helping clients and extension into the community.

The clients are sharing what they are learning in our program,

serving as role models and empowering each other by

providing information. This newsletter helps to put clients in

helping roles as experts based on self-determination principles.

The newsletter serves as a window forothers to see how individuals suffering withmental health issues perceive themselves andeach other. The hope, according to one client,is that we will be able to tell the communitythat it should be up to clients to decide how they want to present themselves, not asisolated individuals but as respectable citizens.Clients do not want their treatment to bewhat someone else decides their recoveryshould be or just viewed as a diagnosis. Through this newsletter, clients are

encouraging those who are not experiencingindependence to try to seek treatment and be independent. Clients will learn how to be independent by learning they are capable of creating and running such a project. Thisnewsletter will also help to teach clients tohave confidence in their capacities and lookback at everything they accomplished while at Gaudenzia New Outlooks.

This article was submitted by the staff at the New Outlooks program in Philadelphia, PA.

New Outlooks community memberswrite, design and publish their own newsletter.

On June 9, in Wilmington, DE as part of Highmark’s Walk For a HealthyCommunity, 26 members of TeamGaudenzia raised $3,500 for treatmentand took part in the 5K event. This was Gaudenzia’s first time as an invitedparticipant, which was by invitationonly, bringing together a total of 23 nonprofit organizations.

Healthy Walk


Jennifer Nuse, RN, Nurse Manager at GaudenziaErie, brought her horse, Cheyenne, to Crossroads for equine therapy. The clients spent time withCheyenne and were able to brush her as well as feed her treats. Jennifer Nuse, who annuallybrings Cheyenne to Crossroads, commented thatequine therapy has had positive outcomes with the clients.

On August 7, a site visit was held at Vantage in Lancaster for Matthew E. Baker, Regional Director, Region III, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Thomas Harris, Regional OutreachSpecialist, Office of the Regional Director, Region III, HHS and Susan M. Shanaman, Esq., PA State Coroner’s Association.

From left are: Florence "Sam" Paige, Division Director; Susan M. Shanaman;Mike Harle; Tara Montgomery, Program Director; Matthew Baker; Thomas Harris and Deb Beck, President, DASPOP.

Recently, a grant was received fromthe Schuylkill Area CommunityFoundation, which providedsummer camp scholarships at the Frackville YMCA for childrenwho are in residence at Gaudenziafacilities.

Meet Soriah S., one of the happy recipients!

Helping the ChildrenOn August 14 in Harrisburg, Matt Null, Gaudenzia Central RegionReferral Development Manager, in coordination with our Womens andChildren’s Division, hosted the Helping the Children Affected by Addictionsymposium. The session offered a wealth of information for educators,guidance counselors, parents/ grandparents, and staff who work withchildren. The topics covered effective communication when talking withchildren about substance abuse, the impact of parental drug use on thedevelopment of their children, and best practices in prevention.Speakers included Reverend Joel Jakubowski, Executive Director for

Revelations of Freedom Ministries, who presented “Addiction 101/Roles of the Family.” Gaudenzia Prevention Specialists John Gaffney and Karen Plowman shared their experiences working with children at risk.

Karen Plowman and John Gaffney Reverend Joel Jakubowski


It’s hard to summarize what it means to be a Gaudenzia graduate. It’s difficult to put into words the changes that have occurred in my life, but I’ll try my best.

When I came through Gaudenzia’s doors, I was absolutely broken andhopeless. I never wish to feel that way again. I truly didn’t think I was capableof life without drugs or alcohol. I remember reading the Big Book in thewaiting room and seeing this passage: “… there are those to, who areconstitutionally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of livingwhich demands rigorous honesty, there are such unfortunates…” I remembershowing my counselor as soon as I got called into her office. “That’s it! This is me! I knew there was something wrong with me, why didn’t I ‘get it?’It’s been here this whole time!” She just shook her head and laughed a little as I stood there enraged by her response. She explained that passage in detailand I couldn’t have been more upset about it. I wanted the easy way out but I am so grateful that she didn’t allow that. She has been so inspirational to me and I truly don’t know where I would be today without her.

When I completed Outpatient at Gaudenzia I had no intention of completing graduation and absolutely no desire to work for Gaudenzia, but here I am. I was encouraged to apply for work at Fountain Springs, a long-term residential program for women and children. This wasn’t myoriginal choice for a career, but working at Fountain Springs has been anamazing experience every day. I can’t begin to describe the changes one can seein someone working in long-term treatment not only with their recovery butalso as a mother. The rewards have been endless. I’ve learned what it is to be inthe Gaudenzia family and how important each family member is. I’ve had theopportunity to sit in on this year’s Graduation Panel at Sunbury Outpatient,which was an incredible experience! I’ve been drug and alcohol free sinceDecember 5, 2011 and my life today holds so much promise. I’m the motherof three amazing little boys, going to marry the man of my dreams in July,have been a part of advocating for drug and alcohol treatment at the StateLegislature in Harrisburg, became a person that members of my owncommunity have reached out to for loved ones struggling with addiction, and so much more. I owe all that to Gaudenzia.

So thank you for believing in me. Thank you for having patience with me.Thank you for loving me, when I couldn’t love myself. I am who I am today,because you showed me it was possible.

Stacy H.AlumniSpotlight

I can’t begin to describe the changes one can see in someoneworking in long-termtreatment not only with their recovery but also as a mother.


The Gaudenzia Gazette is published by the Community Affairs Department of Gaudenzia, Inc.

Michael B. Harle, M.H.S.President and CEO

Phillip Jordan, AIAChair, Gaudenzia Inc.

Maureen Q. DwyerChair, Gaudenzia Foundation

Gadi AronsonDirector of Development

Monica BouldinJim IngolioJason KisielewskiCarole LeeHeather MunroLynanne SchaefferAmber WeinerContributors

GAUDENZIA, Inc.Corporate Offices106 W. Main StreetNorristown, PA 19401www.gaudenzia.org

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In April, Mike Harle was interviewed about the impact of the opioidepidemic by the Comcast Delaware Newsmakers television program.

Production costs of this issue have been paid by the employees of Gaudenzia through the 2018 Staff Appeal.

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