Capital Region Ex-Offenders Support Coalition (CRESC)
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Reentry Spotlight: Genesis House, Inc.

5/31/2017

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The Genesis House, Inc. was established in May of 1985 and began providing substance abuse counseling to adults and adolescents in Lycoming County. In our 30 years of operation we have expanded by adding four additional locations that serve the Columbia, Montour, Dauphin/Northern Dauphin, Cumberland, York, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill, and Northumberland Counties. In addition we have expanded our counseling services to include Co-Occurring disorder, Gambling, and Trauma counseling.
 
Our office provides assessments, training, intervention, family/couples/ individual counseling, intensive outpatient counseling, and groups. Our treatment philosophy is to provide individualize treatment and clinically appropriate services that will assist the individual and the family in treating all components  of substance use disorder and Co-Occurring disorders. Our Dedicated staff mission is to alleviate the symptoms as rapidly as possible, and assist in the transformation of the lives of those individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder and co-occurring disorder though the use of evidence based treatment strategies and personalized holistic services. We provide a path of wellness and recovery to improve the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health of individuals and families. By visiting our website at www.genesishouseoutpatient.com, you may click on the location for service and read the biography of each counselor and their specialty.  
 
The Genesis House has offices in Williamsport, Bloomsburg, Harrisburg, and Elizabethville, PA. For admissions please contact 717-232-6981.

CRESC thanks Genesis House, Inc. for their ongoing support of successful ex-offender reentry into the community!

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Local Business, Ex-Offenders And Charity Join Forces To Help Community

5/23/2017

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May 2017 CRESC Featured Speaker Recap

5/18/2017

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The featured speaker during CRESC’s May 2017 meeting was Claire Shubik-Richards.  Shubik-Richards serves as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Prison Society.  The mission of the Pennsylvania Prison Society is to advocate for a humane, just and restorative correctional system, and to promote a rational approach to criminal justice issues.  The Prison Society recognizes that constructive corrections helps to repair the damages of crimes to victims and communities. The equilibrium achieved through this restorative approach, which is both cost effective and humane, benefits and enriches all facets of society and advances the well being of the entire community.  Shubik-Richards discussed the fascinating history of the Pennsylvania Prison Society and the advantages of having a Pennsylvania Prison Society visitor card.  (Fun Fact: The Pennsylvania Prison Society was founded in 1787 by individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence and later drafted the U.S. Constitution — people who were willing to stick their necks out for what they knew was right and just.)  Shubik-Richards also spoke about the Pennsylvania Prison Society's newsletter - Graterfriends - which has approximately 1,000 subscribers from behind bars.  (Click here to view the Graterfriends newsletter archives)  More information about the Pennsylvania Prison Society can be found here.  CRESC would like to thank Ms. Shubik-Richards for sharing her afternoon with us!
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2017 Central PA Addictions Conference: Day 3 Review

5/17/2017

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Designer Drugs 102: An Update On The Latest Trends
Amanda Jernigan, Mazzitti and Sullivan Counseling Services

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The Designer Drugs 102 workshop focused on designer drug trends and provided explanations on what the current trends are, as well as what trends are emerging.  Pictures were available so participants can identify different drugs by street name, actual name and visual cues.  Participants learned about the challenges of working with people who are under the influence of designer drugs.  In addition, participants learned about the potential safety issues that surround the use of designer drugs.

Mindfulness and Recovery
Andrea Reca and Donna Wampole, WellSpan Behavioral Health

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The Mindfulness and Recovery workshop offered an overview of the benefits and skills of mindfulness offered suggestions for how mindfulness can be incorporated in a spiritual and non-spiritual way to assist in recovery maintenance.  Topics covered included the history of mindfulness practices, evidence-based mindfulness relapse prevention and the use of mindfulness to deal with triggers and urges.  Participants were offered an opportunity to practice mindfulness activities in order to learn how to incorporate mindfulness in daily practice.
Click here to see Reca and Wampole's presentation

Screening of "Generation Found"

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From the creators of the groundbreaking film "The Anonymous People" comes "Generation Found," a powerful story about one community coming together to ignite a youth addiction recovery revolution in their hometown - Houston, TX.
Click here to learn more about Generation Found
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2017 Central PA Addictions Conference: Day 2 Review

5/17/2017

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The How Is Easy, The Why Is Difficult:
​A Coroner's Perspective On The Overdose Epidemic
Graham Hetrick, Dauphin County Coroner

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Few people experience the devastation of the opioid overdose epidemic like Graham Hetrick.  As Dauphin County Coroner, Hetrick sees firsthand how overdoses destroy lives and affect families and communities.  During Hetrick's presentation, he shared his views of the overdose epidemic from his perspective as a medical legal investigator.  He described how the overdose epidemic is the symptom of larger societal problems.  He emphasized the importance of asking the right questions to assess issues correctly and explained the need for a multifaceted response that doesn't rely on government action alone.
Click here to see Hetrick's presentation

Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Current Activities and Initiatives

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The PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs panel discussion was moderated by Cheryl Dondero of the Dauphin County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.  Panelists included Kathy Jo Stence, Section Chief for System Transformation Projects with the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; Jenn Newell, Chief of County Program Oversight with the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; Jeff Geibel, Division Director of Treatment with the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; and Jodi Skiles, Bureau Director of Treatment, Prevention and Intervention with the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.  The panel discussion focused on the department's current activities and initiatives including take back boxes, prescribing guidelines, naloxone, warm hand off, DUI monitoring, workforce development, data systems and the Commonwealth's transition from PCPC to ASAM.

Introduction to the Aroma Freedom Technique
Quin Stringham, Essentials 4 Wholeness

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The Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT) was developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Benjamin Perkus.  Perkus incorporated his extensive knowledge and experience in psychotherapy with the power of essential oil blends specifically designed to open the gate to the inner self.  AFT is a powerful yet simple technique using essential oils to transform one's emotions and discover underlying reasons for specific behaviors and / or physical pain.  Participants learned how AFT can be used for self-care and with clients.  Participants also got an opportunity to participate in an AFT session and learned about the 12 steps of AFT.
Click here to see Stringham's presentation

Addiction and Bereavement
Leslie Delp and Julia Dunn, Olivia's House

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The Addiction and Bereavement workshop focused on the family members who survive and struggle after the loss of a loved one due to addiction, something that is becoming mroe common because of the opioid overdose epidemic.  After this type of loss, family members often find themselves dealing with a variety of feelings that can include fear, regret, guilt, relief and anger.  The workshop included an explanation fo the natural bereavement process and provided participants with tools to facilitate positive communication within a family system experiencing grief and loss.  Participants also learned about the variety of resources available in Central PA to support a family after a death due to opioids.
Click here to see Delp and Dunn's presentation

Connecting With The Next Generation
Ivy Schneider, Helix Strategies

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The Connecting With The Next Generation workshop participants were offered an understanding of how to engage millennials in the addiction conversation.  Participants learned how to craft messaging that speaks to the younger generation to reinforce the dangers of drugs, alcohol and other addictions.  Participants also learned about key components to offering treatment and recovery support to millennials.
Click here to see Schneider's presentation
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Central PA Addictions Conference - Sponsors & Exhibitors

5/16/2017

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The following sponsors and exhibitors supported the 2017 Central PA Addictions Conference:
American Mental Wellness Association
Clearbrook Treatment Centers
Dauphin County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services
Eagleville Hospital
Firetree, Ltd.
Footprints to Recovery
Gaudenzia
Just for Today Recovery and Veterans Support Services
KIPU/EMR
Mazzitti & Sullivan
New Insights II, Inc.
Pennsylvania Counseling Services
Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute
T.W. Ponessa
The Rase Project
Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers
Roxbury Treatment Centers
Temple University Harrisburg
Temple University School of Social Work
White Deer Run
Your Choice Foundation
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2017 Central PA Addictions Conference: Day 1 Review

5/16/2017

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Opening Remarks
George Hartwick, Dauphin County Commissioner

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Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick provided opening remarks for the 2017 Central PA Addictions Conference, held at the PA Farmshow Building.  Hartwick announced that the conference has a record number of participants in 2017 - accommodating 284 participants over the conference's three days.  Hartwick also mentioned that since December 2016, 54 lives have been saved by police officers administrating Narcan in Dauphin County.

Substance Abuse Across The Lives of Women Who Kill
Kathryn Whiteley, PhD, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

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Kathryn Whiteley, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice with Messiah College, provided an overview of her research focused on Substance Abuse Across the Lives of Women Who Kill.  Little is known of the women who kills.  Males perpetrate 90 percent of the total homicides across westernized nations; therefore, the research focus has been on the male homicide offender.  Whiteley's presentation provided an overview of women who kill.  Whiteley spoke of the "universal explanations" for a women who kills, including victimization, mental illness and the discourse of bad or evil.  Whiteley's presentation also included a brief discussion of the life stories of women who have perpetrated homicide and the role that substance abuse played throughout their troubled lives.
Click here to see Whiteley's presentation

Panel Discussion Regarding Pennsylvania's Centers of Excellence Initiative: Integrating Care, Increasing Access, Improving Treatment

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Jason Snyder, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, was the moderator of the panel discussion regarding the Pennsylvania Centers of Excellence initiative.  Panelists included David Kelley, Chief Medical Officer with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Medical Assistance Programs; Jeannine Peterson, Chief Executive Officer with Hamilton Health Center; and Trish Young, Vice President of Outpatient Services with Pennsylvania Counseling Services.  The panel discussion focused on the Center of Excellence initiative, which aims to coordinate care for people with opioid-use disorders so they stay in treatment and receive the community support they need.  The panel discussed the Centers of Excellence goals of keep people engaged in continuing treatment by treating the whole person (including mental health, addiction and physical health); connecting clients with auxiliary services in the community; and expanding access to medication assisted treatment.  The Centers of Excellence are charged with getting clients into the appropriate level of care as soon as possible after referral.  Learn more about Pennsylvania's Centers of Excellence here.
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Opioid Alternatives: A Menu Of Options For Pain
Ken Martz, PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

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The Opioid Alternatives: A Menu of Options for Pain workshop reviewed a range of non-opioid techniques for pain management including non-opioid medications, physical interventions (chiropractic, massage, yoga, etc.) and cognitive behavioral tools (visualization, meditation, etc.).  Martz shared that 5% of heroin users started with prescription opioids.  Martz also informed workshop participants of Pennsylvania's prescribing guidelines for medical providers and pain prescribing considerations.  Martz spent considerable time detailing the "4 A's of Pain Treatment" which he described as: Analgesia (pain relief), adverse effects (side effects), abberant drug taking (addiction-related outcomes) and activities of daily living (psychosocial functioning).  Martz reminded participants that there is no single approach for everyone, hence the "menu of options," based on the 4 A's of pain treatment.  Martz encouarged participants to work toward helping clients distinguishing pain vs. suffering and distinguishing pain vs. impairment.  Finally, Martz encouraged participants to consider 10 simple steps to do something "different" in assisting clients with pain management.
Click here to see Martz's presentation

Dual Diagnosis Issues: Gambling, Mental Health and Other Addictions
Ken Martz, PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs

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The Dual Diagnosis Issues: Gambling, Mental Health and Other Addictions workshop examined the common co-existing diagnoses, along with implications for gambling disorder treatment, as well as drawing parallels to other addiction and recovery processes.  Martz detailed the Gamblers' Fallacy and the common thinking between gambling addicts: "It's a money problem, not a gambling problem."  Martz shared with participants that gambling addictions are progressive, chronic and sometimes fatal, citing that gambling, of all disorders, has the highest rate of suicide.  Martz also noted that common triggers among gambling addicts are being hungry, being angry, being lonely and being tired.​
Click here to see Martz's presentation

Addiction: Empowering and Restoring the Family
Joel Jakubowski, Pennsylvania Teen Challenge

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The Addiction: Empowering and Restoring the Family workshop encouraged practitioners to encourage families to look at addiction as a condition that centers around the "Career Cycle" of addiction - hustling, copping, getting high, avoiding consequences, repeat!  Jakubowski took participants "backstage" into his former 20 years of addiction, while using his 15 years of experience and education in recovery and practice in the field to make the workshop both relevant and riveting.  Jakubowski stated that families participating in interventions with addicted loved ones should remember: "This is not an emotional rescue mission, this is a physical, life saving rescue mission.  It's no longer time to make an appeal to their emotional reason, it's time to get them to treatment."  Jakubowski reminded participants that it is important for families to set boundaries and make consequences - stop paying the addicted person's cell phone bill, stop bailing the addicted person out of jail and to "raise the bottom" so the addicted person hits rock bottom quicker.  Jakubowski shared that the addict doesn't have to WANT to go to treatment to be immersed in and and buy into it. External motivations can bring them to treatment and then let their internal motivations be inspired.  Jakubowski shared his personal journey through addiction and recovery and suggested that "an intervention is not shaming and blaming, it's a beautiful love story."  In closing, Jakubowski reminded participants that families can't cause addiction, can't control addiction and can't cure addiction - the addict owns it all - not the family.  Learn more about Joel Jakubowski and Pennsylvani Teen Challenge here.
Click here to see Jakubowski's presentation
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CRESC President Barry Nazar Supports #ChallengeForChange

5/16/2017

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Governor Wolf, Attorney General Shapiro Announce Launch of Reentry Council

5/15/2017

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(Governor Tom Wolf) Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shapiro, along with members of the governor’s cabinet and legislators, today announced the launch of the Pennsylvania Reentry Council (PRC), created to educate the public, members of law enforcement and criminal justice, and policymakers on why supporting prisoner reentry efforts is essential to reducing crime and violence. The council will provide a forum for the sharing of best practices on reentry and will help to identify barriers to successful reentry for persons with criminal records.

“In Pennsylvania, 90 percent of the prison population will return to their community,” Governor Wolf said. “And if we are not successful at getting them the services they need to make it home, then all of our work, all the rehabilitative programming, all the money we’ve spent to get them ready to return home is rendered useless. Pennsylvania has had a large but fragmented network of reentry services, but today with the announcement of the Reentry Council, we can unite the state’s multiple reentry partners into one statewide reentry council.”

“For too long, we’ve relied solely on incarceration to prevent crime and violence,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “By working collaboratively with law enforcement, state and local government and communities, we can create new strategies to expand opportunities and assist returning citizens as they reenter their communities, and make our commonwealth safer as a result.”

The Department of Correction (DOC), the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP), the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), 21 regional reentry coalitions, and numerous reentry services providers work regularly to improve the outcomes of reentrants and increase public safety—but often in silos and without clear direction.

Members of these state agencies and the departments of Human Services, Labor & Industry, Education, and Transportation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Office of Victim Advocate, and the existing 21 regional coalitions will be part of the new PRC, which will be the center of reentry efforts for the commonwealth to establish common goals, promote evidence-based practices, and encourage collaboration and coordination across all stakeholder groups. PRC will build on the individual successes of reentry organizations and identify and eliminate weaknesses.

The PRC will work to promote collaboration between federal, state, local, and community reentry stakeholders and identify and implement successful evidence-based reentry programs.

“The reentry process begins upon an individual’s admission into the correctional system and continues through release and into their community,” Governor Wolf said. “To continue Pennsylvania’s historic inmate reduction – over 2,000 individuals since January 2015 – we must expand reentry services and build on the good work already being done by stakeholders. The new Reentry Council will do just that.”

“One of the most impactful ways to lower our recidivism rate is meaningful re-integrative services and removing the barriers to re-integration,” Representative Jordan Harris said on behalf of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. “We applaud the governor and the Attorney General for their foresight to establish this council and look forward to working with the council for the betterment of our commonwealth.”

At the state level the Wolf Administration continues to implement policies and expand services to improve reentry, reduce recidivism, and increase public safety. Among those efforts, Governor Wolf introduced a ‘Ban the Box’ Fair-Chance hiring policy for state agencies that will remove the criminal conviction question from both civil and non-civil service employment applications for agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction. Ban the Box allows for reentry services in Pennsylvania to work by providing applicants a fair chance to be judged on their qualifications, not their criminal history.

Also, Governor Wolf signed Act 5 of 2016 into law, which removes barriers to employment by sealing minor criminal records for those who have been crime-free for 10 years. Farther reaching ‘clean slate’ legislation is anticipated later this year to provide for “automatic” sealing of non-violent misdemeanor records after 10 years.

Following the press conference, the first meeting of the Reentry Council was held at the Attorney General’s Office.
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Civil Service Commission Nixing Conviction Box On Job Applications

5/9/2017

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(ABC27) HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – The State Civil Service Commission says it will eliminate the criminal conviction question from employment applications beginning July 1.

The move follows a “fair chance” hiring policy Gov. Tom Wolf announced last week for non-civil service job applicants in agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction.

Wolf said the change would allow job-seekers to be judged on their skills, not just their criminal history.

The State Civil Service Commission administers examinations for various state government positions and compiles lists of eligible applicants. Civil service jobs make up about 70 percent of the workforce under the governor’s jurisdiction.

Executive director Jeffrey Wallace said the change will impact the majority of applicants for civil service exams.

The new policy has exceptions including law enforcement positions.
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