January 2014 VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1
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Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment & Recovery Services
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Gaudenzia Foundation Elects New Board ChairMaureen Q. Dwyer, a retired attorney formerly with Pepper Hamilton LLP,
was elected Chair of the Gaudenzia Foundation Board on November 7, 2013.
Maureen was interviewed recently about her vision and the challenges she sees
ahead for the agency. The entire Gaudenzia family wishes Maureen much success
in her new capacity.
How did you get involved with Gaudenzia?
As a friend of Richard Max Bockol who at the time was Chairman of theFoundation Board, I often heard him talk about Gaudenzia. About three years ago, Richard asked if I would be interested in joining the FoundationBoard. Being from Erie, PA originally and about to retire from the practice of law, the timing of Richard’s question was perfect. I was pleased to acceptthe offer to join the Foundation Board.
What are Gaudenzia’s strengths?
Gaudenzia has many great strengths, such as its sound financial foundation,but the most important strength to me is the dedicated and experiencedemployees. I am continually impressed by the wonderful staff who work so hard to achieve the goals of Gaudenzia.
What do you foresee will be Gaudenzia’s most important challenges?
I believe the greatest challenges relate to the economic situation faced by local and
state governments. Gaudenzia’s services are provided in significant part by public
funds, so, as governments look for ways to cut back on expenditures, it will be vital
to continue to maintain these funds and to develop new funding sources. Gaudenzia
is very fortunate to have a talented and dedicated management team and Board
membership to face this challenge. An additional challenge will be for Gaudenzia to
develop its current and new employees who can transition into leadership positions as
needed. Finally, the implementation and future of the Affordable Care Act will impact
the services that Gaudenzia provides to its clients.
How do you envision Gaudenzia five years from now?
Gaudenzia will continue to be an outstanding and well respected organizationwhich provides excellent addiction treatment to those in need of theseservices. Gaudenzia’s sound financial position should allow the organization to thrive and to develop new programs for the treatment of addiction and for the deterrence of abuse of alcohol and drugs.
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On November 16, Jack and Carla
Markell, Delaware Governor and
First Lady, performed a one-night
reading of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters.”
The event was in honor of Delaware
Theatre Company’s 35th year of
providing impactful programming to
the community at large. Gaudenzia
Fresh Start residents were in
attendance, lending a hand with event
set-up and clean-up. Event staff
commented on how prompt, efficient,
and eager the volunteers were to help,
adding that they “were a true pleasure
to work with.” Gaudenzia not only
strives to break the cycle of addiction,
but prides itself on the ability to create
productive members of society through
a continuum of care.
GIVING BACK in Delaware
Photo: Elisa Morris
In Loving MemoryGeorge M. DavisEastern Region Drug and Alcohol Programs Division Director
With great sorrow we note the passing of George Davis. George began
working at Gaudenzia in 1983. His career path spanned a variety of
positions including Counselor, Clinical Supervisor and Program Director.
Loved by everyone who met him, George was a true role model, mentor
and friend. His firm yet gentle style touched the lives of thousands of
individuals, helping people overcome their addictions and remain in long
term recovery.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.
Happy45thBirthdayGAUDENZIA
The Gaudenzia Ball is an annual celebration marking the agency’s
founding on December 8, 1968. The Ball brings together all of Gaudenzia’s clients and
staff, encouraging them to depict aspects of recovery and healthy living through skits,
dance and song. This year’s theme was “It’s Magic.”
Since 1968, the number of individuals in our care as well as Gaudenzia programs
has grown significantly. The organization is now spread throughout Pennsylvania,
Maryland and Delaware. Accordingly, this year’s Ball was conducted in
three sections: on December 5 in Harrisburg, on December 7
in Philadelphia and on December 14 in Baltimore.
help us honor his memory...A public memorial will be held Wednesday, February 26 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at
the Nelson Center, Gaudenzia’s West Chester Campus, located at 1030 S. Concord Road
in West Chester.
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LANCASTER
Each year, the Best Kept Secrets organization identifies local businesses that have
great products or services but may not be well-known. With a tour ticket purchase,
interested shoppers are provided a map and offered opportunities to win door
prizes, receive discount coupons at these businesses and more. Best Kept Secrets
operates in several Pennsylvania counties, designating a different nonprofit
organization in each area to be the recipient of a portion of the tour tickets.
This fall, Gaudenzia was named the designated charity for the Lancaster County
tour. $2,500 was raised for drug and alcohol treatment at Gaudenzia.
Vantage, Gaudenzia’s first residential program for addicted women
and their young children, was featured in Fig Lancaster Magazine’s
Winter 2013 edition. Veteran staff members Florence Paige,
Lancaster Division Director and Paula Kiernan, Program Director
were highlighted for their endless devotion to the program and
the individuals served.
To read the full article
about Gaudenzia Vantage
in Fig Lancaster, visit:
http://figlancaster.com/
giving-back-gaudenzia-house/
Teddie Chairsell, Board member with Deb Brandt,Fig Lancaster Owner and Publisher
Gaudenzia staffand friends at the Fig Lancasterwinter 2013 launch party atMiesse Candies
Lawrence Reich, Lisa Spuhler, and Jeff Bleacherof Ross Buehler Falk & Company
Gaudenzia Vantage staff participatedin the event
Best Kept Secrets
Extraordinary Give
Featured in Fig Magazine
On November 22, the Lancaster County
Community Foundation facilitated support
for over 250 nonprofit organizations during
the 2013 Extraordinary Give Campaign.
Gaudenzia/Lancaster participated for the
second year, raising $5,675 in one day.
Gaudenzia is grateful to the local community
for giving so generously and for the friends
and volunteers who joined in the spirit of
the day. Special thanks to Ross Buehler
Falk & Company for offering us the use of
their conference room for our headquarters.
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On October 17, LaRhonda Brunson, Counselor Assistant at
Gaudenzia’s New Beginnings program in Philadelphia, was
recognized at the JEVS Human Services 2013 Strictly Business
event. The activity recognized
the local business community,
including the best workplace
problem solvers and
extraordinary individuals who
have overcome significant
obstacles to achieve their
personal and professional goals.
In October, Mark Sarneso, Director of Gaudenzia’s Central
and Western Region, was appointed by Governor Tom Corbett
to the Pennsylvania Advisory Council
on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. The Council
is responsible for advising the state’s
Department of Health on drug and alcohol
issues. Mr. Sarneso has over 30 years of
progressive healthcare management
experience and senior leadership.
Gale Saler (right), Director of
Gaudenzia’s Chesapeake Region
and immediate past President
of the Maryland Addiction
Directors Council, was recognized
with the Leadership Award
at the State Association of
Addiction Services Conference
in San Diego, CA.
Dr. Julia Monaco, Eastern Region
Fiscal/Intake Compliance Director
presented “Impact of the Philadelphia
Recovery Model on Admission to
Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment”
at the 141st American Public Health
Association Annual Meeting, held
in Boston from November 2 – 6.
Congratulations...Gaudenzia GalaGAUDENZIA STAFF
Harrisburg
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Mary Ellen Baxter with Sheila Ross, Board member, and Rev. Nathan R. Baxter, Bishop of the EpiscopalianArchdiocese of Central Pennsylvania
Graham Hetrick, Dauphin County Coroner, Pete Wambach,Honoree, Gary Tennis, Secretary, Pennsylvania Departmentof Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Dickie Noles,Employee Assistance Counselor, Philadelphia Phillies
On November 2, the Gaudenzia Gala was held at
the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. With
more than 300 guests in attendance, the event
raised $53,655 net for treatment at Gaudenzia.
Pete Wambach, former Pennsylvania State
Representative, was this year’s Community Champion
award recipient. He was the sponsor of Act 152 of
1988 and Act 106 of 1989, landmark legislation
guaranteeing a commercial insurance policyholder’s
right to treatment as well as payment towards it. Jen
and Chris Zampogna served as event Co-Chairs. A
highlight of the evening was the moving remarks of
Rick P., Graduate speaker, who underwent treatment
at Gaudenzia’s Chambers Hill Adolescent Program
more than 10 years ago.
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On November 7, treatment referral
sources, funders, and community
friends attended an Open House at
Gaudenzia’s Chambers Hill Adolescent
program in Harrisburg. Participants
toured the facility and learned about the valuable service being
provided to adolescents who are in treatment to overcome
the ravages of addiction to drugs and alcohol.
On November 20, in
Camp Hill a dinner was
held for Harrisburg area volunteers
in appreciation for their outstanding
effort in support of Gaudenzia.
The evening recognized Gala
committee members as well as
additional volunteers for their help
with other projects such as open
houses and community education
outreach activities.
Adolescent Program Holds Open House
VolunteerAppreciation
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Mike Harle presents the 2013 CommunityChampion Award to Pete Wambach
Linda Dengler, Chair and Cindy Heathof the Harrisburg Area Community Affairs Council
Paula Ruane, Central Region Director,Gail Hamilton, CRNP, Milton S.Hershey Medical Center, and RuthMoore, Pennsylvania PsychiatricInstitute Polyclinic
John Sponeybarger, Dauphin CountyDrug and Alcohol, Dionne Baylor,Prevention Service Dauphin CountyDrug and Alcohol, Brian Humphrey,Harrisburg District Office Director,Office of Senator Rob Teplitz
Cindy Foreman and her daughterAndrea Foreman
Negii Coffee, Board member, with Jen and Chris Zampogna
Jen and Chris Zampogna, Event Co-Chairs
Janet Jones and Sue Houseal
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Philadelphia
Baltimore
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In mid-December, at the request of the
City of Philadelphia's Office of Supportive
Housing, Gaudenzia opened emergency
shelters for homeless women. According to
Toni Montier, Gaudenzia Eastern Region
Director of Housing, "we're pleased to
address the issue of homelessness among some
of Philadelphia's most vulnerable populations,
single and parenting women with young
children. Every family deserves a place to lay
their heads, safe and warm from the bitter
cold weather through the city's Winter
Initiative program."
An important aspect of Gaudenzia’s
continuum of care is to help individuals in
recovery learn or regain fundamental social
and economic skills. On December 12,
the vocational department in Gaudenzia
Chesapeake Region hosted a “lunch
and learn” event in conjunction with the
Baltimore City Department of Social
Services. There, residents received
information about becoming current on
child support responsibilities or how
to receive their benefits.
While in town for a concert recently, Lil’ Kim, hip hop
songstress and rapper conducted a surprise visit to residents
at Gaudenzia's House of Passage in Philadelphia. Kim posed
for photos and signed autographs as she shared her own
experience with them,
encouraging the ladies
to "never give up."
House of Passage is
a 100 bed womens
emergency housing
shelter operated by
Gaudenzia.
Winter Initiative Lil’ Kim Visits
Erie
World AIDS Day December 1, 2013
A handmade quilt was pieced together byindividuals who have lost a loved one to the diseaseand sent to Gaudenzia Erie in their memory.
eSteve Simulkjaer, Shout Outreach Program Director, displays quilt
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Holiday Activities around GaudenziaEach year, friends and businesses in areas served by Gaudenzia help ensure that our residents have a
special holiday season. From Northern Pennsylvania to Baltimore, countless individuals brighten the
season for children and adults, alike. This is just a glimpse of the support that was shown this year.
Baltimore:• WBAL donated coats
and gifts to children
of residents who are
in our care.
• Giving Back, Linda's
Legacy donated food, clothing, shoes,
backpacks to all of the programs in Baltimore.
• The New Psalmist Baptist Church donated
new children’s gifts and Walmart gift cards.
Greater Philadelphia:• St. Norbert’s Parish included the residents of
West Chester House, Kindred House, Concord Place
and Union Court on their angel tree. Each resident
was given a holiday gift and some clothing essentials.
• The Caron Treatment Centers Alumni & Parent
Support Group members collected gifts for the
children of New Image in Philadelphia.
• Our friends at Pajama Buddies donated handmade
bags with pajamas, books and other essentials for
each child living at Kindred House in West Chester.
• Santa visited Kindred House bearing gifts for each
child. Gifts were donated by members of the
West Chester community.
• Urban Gorilla Orchestra conducted its second
toy drive to benefit the families of Tioga Arms
Apartments. Additional co-sponsors included
the Office of Senator Vincent Hughes, the ADAC
Foundation, Tioga Arms Inc., and Foundation
2,000 Inc.
Harrisburg:• On Dec. 12, the Community Affairs Council
held a holiday activity at Chambers Hill Adolescent
Program, providing dinner, gifts and singing carols
with the residents.
• The Peace of Mind quilting group donated handmade
pillow cases to the Chambers Hill adolescents who were
grateful to have something made especially for each
person with super hero fabrics and other prints specific
to their interests.
North Central Pennsylvania:Gifts and essentials donated to the local programs by:
• Women Who Care, a local service group,
• Ray & Michelle Walsh, community volunteers,
• Blue Mountain 7th Day Adventist Church.
“I don’t need anything for Christmas because I’vealready gotten what I wanted; I’m here with my mom.”11 year old boy, New Destiny, Ashland, PA
“Thank you for showing me how thoughtful people can be.”A teen at Chambers Hill Adolescent Program in Harrisburg, PAstates after receiving handmade gifts this holiday.
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eLancaster:• Vantage alumni
celebrated the holiday
season with current
program residents.
Recovery Tree CelebrationIn Pennsylvania, the Montgomery County Commissioners and The Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs held their 10th Annual RecoveryTree Celebration at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Bruce L. Castor Jr.,Commissioner welcomed the crowd, and Gaudenzia's Al Meyer shared his
message of strength and hope to over200 attendees. Ornaments on the tree held names of individuals celebrating or seeking recovery, agencies or individuals who have assisted those on their path to recovery, and remembering those we’ve lost.
The Gaudenzia Gazette is published by the Community Affairs Department of Gaudenzia, Inc.
Michael B. Harle, M.H.S.President and CEO
Richard Z. Freemann, Jr.Chair,Gaudenzia Inc.
Maureen A. DwyerChair,Gaudenzia Foundation
Gadi AronsonDirector of Development
Sara BaumgardnerJulie GirschAndrew KeimigCarole LeeLynanne SchaefferCarol SchonourContributors
Production costs for this issue have been paid by the employees of Gaudenzia through the 2013 Staff Appeal.
GAUDENZIA, Inc.Corporate Offices106 W. Main StreetNorristown, PA 19401
www.gaudenzia.org
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