Through a state grant, Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance (DSAA) is helping people in recovery build wealth. This isn't monetary wealth, but rather a wealth of resources and support they need to succeed in their recovery journey. "We're looking at the entire package people in recovery need, whether that's finding a job or a place to live or rebuilding their relationship with their family," said Stacy Emminger, executive director of DSAA. "This is called 'recovery capital,' and the more stable your recovery capital is, the better your odds of staying in recovery."
The Recovery Capital Program (Re-Cap) is accepting applicants age 18 and older to participate in the program. Although DSAA's grant is for a two-year pilot program, Re-Cap participants will commit to the program for one year. During that time, they will work one-on-one with a recovery coach and will have access to certified recovery specialists as well as computer software designed to connect them to community resources, collect data and monitor progress, Emminger said.
"People who are new in recovery, oftentimes they have a bunch of barriers facing them. They might be on probation. They might need to find a job or a place to live," she explained. "All of these can be barriers to a successful recovery."
DSAA is the first agency in the state to use the Re-Cap software, Emminger said, adding, "All of this is client-driven, and it's very individualized, depending on what the client needs."
Over the course of the year, the client initially will meet at least weekly with the coach, but frequency will decrease as recovery stabilizes. "The coach is always available for a text or phone call or a meeting at any time during the year," Emminger emphasized. The goal at the end of the year is for the client to be self-sufficient in his or her recovery efforts.
While the grant will fund the recovery coach, Emminger will head up the family component of Re-Cap.
"People who are in recovery have often burned a lot of bridges with their family, and they aren't sure how to make amends or how to rebuild those relationships," she said. "I'll help families assess their needs. I'll provide addiction education and help guide them in how they can best support their loved one."
Emminger noted that participation in Re-Cap is completely free. "One of the reasons we applied for this grant is because typically in recovery, people have to pay out of pocket for care or they have to use the program attached to a specific facility, which can be very limiting," she stated. "Our coach will work with the person regardless of where they are in their recovery or what recovery path they are taking."
DSAA is one of just a handful of agencies to be awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and Emminger is hopeful that once the pilot program is wrapping up, she will be able to apply to fund a second recovery coach.
To apply for Re-Cap, visit http://www.dsasquared.org and fill out a contact form, call the office at 717-492-4596 or send a message through DSAA's Facebook page.
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