2009 - Berks Counseling Center

Berks Counseling Center 2009 Annual Report Executive Director Frances Malley, MA, LPC "Recovery does not mean 'cure'...recovery is an attitude, a stance, and a way of approaching the day's challenges." ‐ Pat Deegan, PhD (from Recovery as a Journey of the Heart) T his past year Berks Counseling Center experienced a difficult year as the ex‐
pectations were to “do more with less”. Not least among the challenges that BCC faced this past year was the economic environ‐
ment that contributed to an increase in cli‐
ents seeking services; the State budget cri‐
sis, which imposed undue strain on our fi‐
nancial resources; and the uncertainty of our location as the stability of our building site became unsure. There were other chal‐
lenges as well that demanded solutions on how to be more efficient and more effec‐
Frances Malley tive. As always Berks Counseling Center staff rose to the occasion as several effective evidenced based programs have been implemented that demonstrate successful outcomes for the clients. We have made significant strides in our thrust towards full imple‐
mentation of our technology programs so as to make it easier for clinical staff to provide services. Additionally BCC has implemented some new services such as providing mental health services for the aging at Oakbrook under the auspices of the Office on Aging; added student assistance ser‐
vices at the elementary schools; completed our first full year of successfully operating the Recovery Shop; and planted the seeds for services in Chester County and a medical clinic at BCC. A major objective of this past year was to find a more permanent “home” for Berks Counseling Center. Much effort went into researching available sites in the City of Reading that would meet the needs of our organization and be within our fiscal capability. We continue this endeavor and are com‐
mitted to a solution in the year of 2010. Yes, Recovery is an attitude………a stance and a way of approaching the day’s challenges. This is true not only for our clients but for all of us as we move forward into another year. We pick ourselves when we don’t meet an objective or goal, or when a proposal does not get funded or an outcome is not as planned. We focus on solutions not barriers; positives not negatives; the possible not the impossible; and we believe that together we can ac‐
complish things. Our Mission Berks Counseling Center is a recovery oriented behavioral health and suppor‐
tive services organization providing a holistic approach to a culturally and economically diverse population for the purpose of achieving a healthy and productive life. 2 Board of Directors President Kurt Althouse, Esq. Kurt is a partner in the law firm of Binga‐
man, Hess, Coblentz & Bell. Kurt joined the board in April 1997. Vice President Patrick A. Brown Patrick is a member team at PJM Inter‐
connection, LLC. Patrick joined the board in 2003. Currently he chairs the Executive Committee of the board and is an active member of the Finance and Audit committees. Treasurer Kevin Wagner Secretary James F. Long Kevin is employed by National Penn Bankshares, Inc. as VP‐Corporate Lender/Senior Relationship Manager. He joined the board in May 2006. He serves as Chair of the Finance Commit‐
tee and is also a member of the Alloca‐
tion Funding Group for United Way Berks County. James has served on the board since 1997. He has held the position of vice president and currently serves on the Audit, Governance and Finance com‐
mittees. Elisa Robles John F. Vogel Elisa is employed by Commerce Bank as Vice‐President and Retail Market Man‐
ager. She joined the board in May of 2009 and has become a contributing member in our quest to find BCC a per‐
manent home. John joined the board in January 2003 and currently serves on the board of the Finance and Governance commit‐
tees. He is very proactive in working to improve the quality of life for the aging population and serves on many boards and committees in the community. Ken Snyder Robert P. Dalvano, Jr. Ken retired from GPU as a Consulting Director and Director of Business Solu‐
tions. He joined the board in December 2004 and chairs the Governance Com‐
mittee. Robert joined the board in April of 2009 and has become an active mem‐
ber of the Finance Committee. He is employed by EnerSys of Reading as a Senior Internal Auditor. Michael P. Jones Robert Zedaker Mike, CPA for Reinsel, Kuntz and Lesher Accounting Firm, joined the board in April of 2009. He serves as a member of the Site Development, Finance and Audit Committees. Bob is the CFO of GRAFIKA Commer‐
cial Printing, Inc. He has served on the board since July 1995. He has held the position of president and currently chairs the Audit Committee. 3 Housing Programs B CC’s housing programs provide a moderately structured drug and alco‐
hol free environment where residents are able to develop the necessary skills to become self‐sufficient. The housing team continually focuses on working with clients, identifying potential ways to improve the quality of their lives, focusing on recovery and assisting them to reach goals. The team collaborates efforts with the treatment team, working together to find the best solutions to meet the needs of our consumers. We strive to hold clients accountable for their actions, and assist them in preparing for their transition back into society. During the year, there were 45 adults served in permanent supportive housing. Transitional housing has provided services to 49 indi‐
viduals during the past year. Currently, nine resident’s of our permanent sup‐
portive housing program were previously clients of our transitional housing program. Having the opportunity to provide both types of housing enables us to move our clients though the continuum, while maintaining established Carol Bailey, BS Housing Director relationships and focus on the recovery process. Watching our client’s growth in the recovery process validates our strong commitment to this en‐
deavor. It is fulfilling to watch someone admitted to our programs, coming from a detoxification center or the penal system, obtaining counseling, furthering their education, obtaining employment, having their children returned to them, and moving into permanent housing. In December, the new permanent supportive housing program opened for the consumers of the Community Treatment Team Program. This has provided a great opportunity for the housing team to collaborate with the CTT team and provides an additional opportunity to provide housing to someone who would otherwise be homeless. The Housing Program team, from left, Sabrina Key, Lisa Fuller, Charlene Parker, and Housing Director Carol Bailey in the community room at New Hope. 4 Housing Programs Permanent and Transitional Houses ‐Success Stories‐ Before moving in to the BCC unit, my life was very unmanageable. Upon moving in, my world has taken an unbelievable turn for the better. This move has taught me how to be grateful for what I truly have. To Sabrina, I am very much thankful for having the opportunity to share this with my chil‐
dren, who now have a better outlook on life. Just knowing that they are happy and have fun is good enough for me. Up to now, I have been more re‐
sponsible with getting the girls to school everyday and being on time (a big step for me). They now have the opportunity to participate in other activities they never have done before and doing well in school. I’m also learn‐
ing that there’s more to life than just doing the wrong thing. So by showing gratitude and thankfulness and living a better life is how I will pay back the people at BCC for showing me a new way of life. ‐Anonymous I would like to thank everyone on staff for my successful recovery and yet an‐
other new lease on life. It has been my second time with BC, going through recovery and meetings, groups, etc. and I feel this time it has given me even more information about my disease of addiction and has given me a failsafe to keep my recovery intact. With that being said, I’d like to com‐
mend the following person: Sabrina Key for being attentive to any issues or prob‐
lems no matter how large or small she resolved them so again, thanks. Also Charlene the house manager, for being a great role model and always being there, landing an ear and being ever encouraging, not only to myself but to the other ladies in the residence. It is with high recommendation if you want recovery. BCC is a great place to start your life over! Just follow directions. Residing in our permanent supportive hous‐
ing program, Leslie is now a successful man‐
ager at a local fast food restaurant chain. It’s been nearly three years since she came into our transitional housing program, excited about recovery and with the willingness to change. Her ability to view life in a positive way has enabled her to become a woman full of confidence. She has developed the skills to become self‐sufficient and has quickly learned how to handle the pressure and responsibility of being a wife, mother and handle her full time job. She is a very active member of her church and has found a balance of seriousness and levity to enjoy her life in recovery. ‐Anonymous ‐Sheila 5 Recovery Shop Recovery Shop staff, from left, Teresa Zamora, Leia M. Suliveres, Diane Bratton, Marian Bell and Maria Pena‐Hernandez. R ecovery Shop is our retail/site store servic‐
ing the needs of the community through our participation in the PA WORKWEAR pro‐
gram, as well as, being a valuable asset in the community offering high‐quality, low cost, sec‐
ond‐hand clothing. Over the past year, Recovery Shop has serviced over 395 clients from various agencies by providing free clothing and image consultant services to further their employment and job training needs in the workplace. Outside of direct funding through BCC and the PA WORKWEAR program, Recovery Shop staff and volunteers have participated in fundraising events through Boscov’s, Just Between Friends, Hay Creek Festival and Leesport Farmer’s Mar‐
ket. We also receive about twenty donation con‐
tributions a month from both individuals and 6 organizations with some of our major benefac‐
tors being J. Jill, Timberland, Men’s Wearhouse and Talbot’s. Recovery Shop participates in several on‐site work training and volunteer programs giving those new to the workforce or returning to the workforce, the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for the modern workplace and to con‐
tribute their own unique skills. Currently we have five volunteers through AARP and one independ‐
ent volunteer. With our growth potential and marketing and fundraising efforts, we are looking forward to continuing this vital community service and ex‐
panding the awareness in the community over the next year. Recovery Shop ‐Success Stories‐ I was very pleased at the help I got at the Recovery Shop. I felt com‐
fortable as well things needed. Thank you very much. –K.S. What I think about Recovery Shop? I think it’s awesome and I will come again. I thought it was fun and the woman that was helping me was the best. She knows about fashion. I like it. –S.L. I think coming here was the best thing ever. I can dress the right way I should be dressing. Leia is an angel. I found that PA WORKWEAR was very much helpful in find‐
ing me proper clothing. Leia was a very big help letting me feel comfortable with my body type. I appreciate all her feed‐
back. – S.G. Lovely people to work with. Will always come back. – B.S. ‐N.C. I had a great time. I found out my sizes and the lady was very helpful and very nice. I found what clothes I feel comfortable wearing. – S.B. I liked coming here. The people were very helpful in finding clothes. They had my styles. It was great for me. – R.F. I like how they treat me at the Recovery Shop. They had very good customer service. –Z.C. I had a wonderful time. I thank the ladies for all their help and patience and taking the time out to want to know about me as a person. I am truly blessed and I personally want to say thank you and have a blessed day. ‐ D.E. 7 Health Education and Prevention O ur Suboxone Program, which provides medica‐
tion assisted treatment for per‐
sons with opiate addiction, focused on creating new com‐
munity contacts and network‐
ing with other local providers throughout this year. Informa‐
tion regarding Suboxone was presented to the Berks Psychi‐
Penny Richenbach, RN atric Nurses Association, vari‐
ous local rehabilitations facilities and to the staff of Berks Counseling. This program, under the direction of Dr. Felipe Arias, served 35 new patients this year. BCC health and prevention efforts also included close health monitoring of the patients receiving psychotro‐
pic medication in our medication management clinic at 35 North Sixth Street. Nurse Penny Richenbach is serving over 200 active patients in medication man‐
agement clinic. This year we also expanded on site psychiatric and nursing support to our office on site at the Opportunity House. Weekly health education pro‐
grams at the OH stressed improvement in all areas of health, including understanding medications, preven‐
tion education, and interac‐
tive activities to learn con‐
cepts in nutrition. A commu‐
nity garden was planned and planted by participants to promote healthy eating concepts. Finally, Linda Rogers provided much needed HIV education, in‐
cluding the offer on onsite testing, to over 300 clients Linda Rogers, MS this year alone. ‐Success Stories‐ The Suboxone Program has helped me in so many different ways. When I came here, I was using suboxone off the streets and was in a very unhealthy relationship. I was clean when I came but needed some direction on how to use the medication. The pro‐
gram gave me guidance with the medicine, made me feel like I had people around me that was going through the same feelings, reactions and progress. The progress that I have made since I started taking suboxone and coming to BCC is unbelievable. I have since gotten out of the bad relationship and into my own apartment and have transformed into an independent woman. 2 years ago, I would have never thought that I would be w(h)ere I am today. I believe that has a lot to do with suboxone, the help from BCC and my faith that I can stay clean. ‐Jillian A little over a year ago, I had no job, dropped out of college and just gotten out of jail. I was afraid to start over. Getting on suboxone helped me not to worry about using. Now I have a job and am a full‐time student again. Even after I lost my insurance, Berks Counseling helped me get in to the Patient Assistance Program with the company that makes suboxone so I didn’t have to taper when I wasn’t ready. Suboxone helped me get my life back on track and I’ve been free of heroin for one year. ‐Samantha The program gave me some peace of mind. Meaning, it help(ed) me with my anxiety and the thought of getting high. Gave me a peace of mind. ‐Nelson My name is Josh and (the) suboxone program has helped me in many ways. It introduces me to people with the same problems as me. We can talk about our troubles with each other. The coun‐
selor gives us plans to help with recovery. The suboxone kills the urge to use and takes away the withdraw symptoms. I joined in late June and it’s mid‐September now and I’ve never had an overwhelming urge to use. Without the program, I pro(bably) would have started using again. ‐Josh 8 The suboxone program is helping me a lot. Because I’m able to go to school for my GED, I’m going to look for a job. It’s helping me a lot. The program is good. The suboxone is working for me. And I thought it wouldn’t but I was wrong about. Like people say it don’t work for everybody. You have to want to stay clean. Diana Living the life of enjoyment through the suboxone program is finally loving the life be living and reaching the goals set in boy‐
hood dreaming. The suboxone program has changed my life; maybe even saved it. It is something I enjoy doing for myself. This program has allowed me to really get it together and start living my life again. Today I can say that I am happy. ‐George ‐Anonymous Outpatient Clinical Treatment Services T he first viding consistency and structure to stop for BCC outpatient treatment. a consumer BCC’s Peer Support program got e n t e r i n g under way, with our peer Support t r e a t m e n t Specialist providing services 10 at BCC is hours weekly. A Peer Support Spe‐
the intake cialist is an occupational title for a appoint‐
person who has progressed in their ment which own recovery from mental disor‐
was trans‐
Shirl Evans, MA, LPC der and is working to assist other formed sev‐
Clinical Director people with a mental disorder eral times through the sharing of their life / till we reached our strategic plan recovery experience providing objective of having the primary expertise that professional training therapist complete the full intake. cannot replicate. These protocols cultivate the therapist –client relation‐
ship during the initial in‐
take proves which has been statistically proven to increase client’s engage‐
ment in treatment. A “walk in” policy for in‐
takes was also imple‐
mented, offering consum‐
ers an earlier intake ap‐
pointment then was origi‐
nally scheduled and an opportunity to begin treat‐
ment sooner. continued weekly with the group averaging 6–8 clients each session. The Wellness Center initiative has been so successful that United Way has approved the grant for the next fiscal year and supports the opening of another Wellness Center in Robesonia in the spring of 2010. Once BBC’s various services are provided, they need to be docu‐
mented in a consumer record which is currently kept as a tangi‐
ble hard copy. The other major focus of this year has been prepa‐
ration for Docutrac, the electronic documentation program with full implementation expected by the end of 2009. The addition of a full time IT person and a thera‐
pist, knowledgeable in computers and electronic documentation has greatly enhanced and rejuvenated the progress of imple‐
menting the electronic documentation program. The 2008‐09 fiscal year was full of preparation for a very active 2009‐2010. It will be exciting to have the con‐
sumer records fully electronic which will increase the speed and efficacy at which we complete documentation. This is important as the new protocols we imple‐
mented this past year, for intake and programming, are already increasing retention of consumers to attend initial intake and treat‐
ment post intake. This past year was a good year for Outpatient Treatment services, with the total consumers served being 1,825 – and increase of 187 clients over last year. Tara Torcivia, left, and Vanessa Colon work at the office at Oakbrook Housing Development. After intake, the consumer engages in individual and group treatment. This year focused on preparation for July 1 implementa‐
tion of (EBT) Evidence Based Treatment in all programs. The term, EBT, refers to preferen‐
tial use of mental and behavioral health interventions for which sys‐
tematic empirical research has provided evidence of statistically significant effectiveness as treat‐
ments for specific problems. They help bridge the gaps between what researchers find to be effec‐
tive treatment and what is imple‐
mented at the practice level pro‐
BCC’s avenues for providing treat‐
ment services continued to grow this past year. In addition to the Reading offices at 35 North 6th Street and 430 N. 2nd Street, we offer Substance Abuse treatment services within Berks County Prison and group and individual therapy at the Oak‐
brook Wellness Center – a pro‐
gram that was created within the Oakbrook Housing Development in collaboration with the Berks County Office of Aging and the Hispanic Center. The activity based therapy group at Oakbrook 9 Outpatient Clinical Treatment Services ‐Success Stories‐ Treatment and recovery means a great deal to me. It’s not just about staying clean to me. For me, it’s about becoming someone I like, building my self‐esteem up. It’s about not having to be ashamed of myself anymore, doing things I can be proud of. BCC is helping me do these things. I’m learning to be confident and independent and trying to be the mom my kids deserve. ‐Stephanie It has meant that obviously, I can’t get high anymore. I am too good of a person to do it. I have to stay clean and sober not only for me, for my 3 children also. I am tired of starting over, being broke and most of all, being miserable. That’s why I am going to try my hardest to remain in recovery. ‐Kristina It helped me open my eyes to what was actually affecting me in my life – the good, the bad and the ugly. I’ve come to be more comfortable in my skin. I think before I act. I give myself a chance at life, not only that I’m willing to give people a chance to get to know the real me. I don’t have to hide behind masks or put up walls anymore. I live my life day by day and I’m happy that it’s without the use of drugs. I’m also learning how to get a grip on my past and understand that it’s not my fault and I can over‐
come . I’m beginning to come to terms with my life and not hold me back. I am a survivor and my life is worth living. I really thank the people at BCC who have been working with me. They are understanding and patient and look at me as an individual and not just another addict. ‐Suni For me, treatment at BCC is a helpful, essential part of my recov‐
ery. What helps me out most in this treatment is my individual counseling. My individual counseling, along with the NA pro‐
gram, helps me cope with everyday living. BCC plays a huge part in my recovery and in my life. Because of my treatment, I’m learning how to trust others as well as trust myself more. I was involved with the drug and alcohol program at BCC. Melissa was my group counselor. Jamie and Shannon were my individual counselors. I completed treatment October of 2008. Since then, I have remained clean and sober. What I learned is that I must build a positive support group to avoid relapse. Before I went to treatment at BCC I was in active addiction and in and out of jail. The people involved in my group therapy and treatment staff gave me a great amount of advice to avoid a problem that would arise, as long as I take and complete the steps I need to get there . ‐Anonymous Treatment and recovery has meant a lot to me. I’m no longer drinking to cope with my pain and anger. I spend more time playing with my children. It keeps me occupied so I don’t think of all the bad things that happened in my life. I keep going to group to get the things I need to off my chest. I think more positive now than ever. I dedicated a song to myself; it’s called “Sober” by Pink. It reminds me of all the good and bad things that hap‐
pened and the many ore good things to come. Eventually myself and kids will move on from this misery and never look back. “It will all get better”. I think that everyday! ‐Lydia Recovery is changing old behaviors and attitudes for the better of myself. I am learning to rely on my God of my understanding for guidance and assurance. Through his guidance, I am able to break down my walls that I have built for protection. I am able to take my energies and focus on my “Power of Reason” (making sound decisions) instead of always defending myself or pleasing others, going along with the crowd, hiding my true feelings, etc. I have become exhausted emotionally over the years trying to find other ways and means of caring for myself. Rather than dealing honestly with my behaviors, attitudes and emotions. Groups, counseling and NA meetings, sponsorship and a support group certainly have a part in my recovery. ‐Michelle ‐Melissa 10 Since I started the Women’s Dual Group, I see a lot of things that be happening in people’s life. I am just glad I did not do any of that stuff. I also go to counseling because I have depression, anxiety and bipolar. When I go to counseling, I think that it’s a big help. She really keeps me on my feet/ She helps me a lot. So now I am trying to stay strong for my kids. I have used drugs for over 20 years. I have made choices that have had negative impact on my life and consequences that I did not know how to cope with. Now I am beginning to learn who I am and what makes me tick. And how I can learn to change the way I think and also change my behaviors so that I can be productive. Learn and love to know myself. ‐Maria ‐Atalaya Outpatient Clinical Treatment Services SATELLITE SITE at Opportunity House T he Berks Counseling Center Second Street Satellite program continues to provide com‐
prehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment services to the surrounding community and Opportunity House shelter clients. We pro‐
vide out‐patient treatment as well as aftercare treatment to those who successfully transition from the shelter to permanent housing. In addition to individual counseling, group ser‐
vices were also provided including a Health and Wellness group, a Dual Diagnosis group, a men’s Early Recovery Support Group ( for both MH and D&A) and a children’s group. Psychiatric services were provided weekly. The Maternal Intervention and Support Services Program continues to pro‐
vide on site intensive case management and par‐ Therapist Melissa Brennan, MSW at Opportunity House. enting classes on site. Our nurse, who facilitated health and wellness groups, also helped the residents establish a community garden. It was truly beautiful and yielded a wonderful array of vegetables and flowers. All of those residents who participated definitely grew themselves from the experience. ‐Internship‐ B erks Counseling Center continues with its history of providing an educational and experiential learning environment for both Bachelor and Master level degree interns. This past year we provided semester op‐
portunities to four bachelor level interns; three from Psychology Department at Penn State University / Berks Campus and one from Behavioral Health Studies program at Alvernia College. We also hosted year long intern‐
ships for three Master’s level interns. They were in the Social Work programs at Kutztown University and Bryn Mawr University and the Psychology Department at Liberty University. We wish them well. Shirl Evans LPC Clinical Director Homeless Assistance Program T wenty‐six unduplicated adults as well as twenty‐
six children, for a total of fifty‐two unduplicated single mothers and their children with a history of drug, alcohol, and or mental health were served through the HAP case management services. We pro‐
vided case management services, providing assistance with access to entitlement program benefits such as food stamps, general assistance and medical care. We also provided assistance with food, clothing, nutrition education, childcare and transportation. Each of the participants improved the quality of their lives for themselves and their children learning the skills neces‐
sary to reach self sufficiency and live a life of recovery. 11 Student Assistance Program T here were two hundred and fifty‐two referrals made to SAP during the 2008‐2009 school year. One hun‐
dred and twenty‐seven students were assessed for sub‐
stance abuse and/or mental health concerns. Eighty‐
nine students were recommended for mental health treatment, twelve students were recommended for dual treatment, and eight students were recommended for substance abuse treatment. Of the students recom‐
mended for services through assessments, sixty‐five followed recommendations and participated in services. One hundred eighty‐four students were involved in SAP case management during the school year—receiving on site ongoing help and support from the SAP team. The SAP team worked cooperatively with other organiza‐
tions such as Berks AIDS Network and Caron Treatment Centers to offer free on site education programs to stu‐
dents re: HIV and families and addiction. Much effort went into preparing SAP students for successful gradua‐
tion. 32 SAP students graduated in June 2009. Coordinator, April Moser and case manager, Keila Rodri‐
guez, continued SAP services for students over the sum‐
mer and served one hundred and fifty‐six students in our summer program. The BCC SAP team at RHS is proud of its efforts and successes in assisting students in address‐
Student Assistance Program liaisons April Moser, BS, left, and Keila Rodriguez, BS in front of Reading High School. Pregnant and Parent Teen Program D uring the fiscal year 2008/2009, a total of 40 new teenagers were served in the Pregnant and Parent Teen Program. 28 of them were served at Reading High School and 12 at the parenting session at Berks Counseling Center. Educational groups have continued to be held at Reading High School and feedback from teenagers is encouraging as they expressed to PPTP coordinator. i.e. “I appre‐
ciate you taking the time to talk to us. I learned many new things.” Elizmarie. “Thank you for talking to us , to me you really didn’t seem to judge us because we were young moms” Cecilia. Claritza Mason, Case Manager ‐Success Story‐ One of our successful teenagers is a young lady who was pregnant at 17 years old while attending Reading High School. The teenager faced a few barriers as a single mother trying to finish high school. Although she was challenged with many issues, she continued to have motivation and support from Ms. Mason and the staff at reading High School. Due to Ms. Mason’s interaction with the teenager and linking her to other resources, she was able to graduate high school and attend her senior prom. She is now enrolled at Reading Area Community College pursuing her degree as a Registered Nurse. 12 Maternal Intervention and Supportive Services Program T he past fiscal year has been a year of growth and development for the MISS Program. Throughout the year 132 women were admitted and a total of 342 children are indirectly involved with MISS. Some of the remarkable client outcomes: 90% of clients demonstrated im‐
provement in at least 3 case management domains. As well, 26 families suc‐
cessfully graduated from Strengthening Families Program. Creating Lasting Families Program has continued to grow and is to date one with the highest number of attendees and last year 30 women successfully completed it. Maria Santillan, MSW Maternal Intervention and Supportive Services Program Coordinator Having many graduates in both programs and having many participants ex‐
pressed desire to participate in them voluntarily is encouraging. These parent‐
ing programs are important for MISS clients as they help them find more per‐
sonal recovery tools. Through the case manager help, clients are invited to start their personal journey, involving hope, a secure base and sense of self, identify supportive relationships, empowerment and develop coping skills. ‐Success Story‐ Patricia H as overcome many obstacles to regain custody of her children. She has completed the Strengthening Families Program with her middle child. After multiple court hearings, she has now gained partial custody of her children, being able to see them every other week‐
end. She remains dedicated to her children and should be rewarded full custody in the next six months. Maternal Dependency Program T he Maternal Dependency Program is a partial hospitalization substance abuse treatment program for chemi‐
cally dependent pregnant and parenting women. The mothers in the program receive intensive group and individual counseling‐‐ approximately 12 hours of service per week for 4‐6 weeks. . In addition, access to child care is provided during program hours, so lack of child care is not a barrier to treatment. The program utilizes the evidence based treatment protocol, A Woman’s Pathway Through Recovery, that is gender specific and ad‐
dresses the unique issues faced by women in early recovery. Clients in the MDP program also have access to a variety of ancillary services including coordinated case management, referral to 12 step supports, referral to pre‐
natal and/or other medical care and referral for psychiatric evaluation and care if necessary. ‐Success Story‐ Treatment and recovery has meant a lot to me. Some of the examples are: I know that I can never use again if I want to keep my housing and employment. In MDP, they helped me to understand some of the steps (in recovery) a lot better. They went into detail about them. Also in MDP, they showed me the way to a better future without using. Like for instance, someday owning a ome, a car, maybe even a wonder place to go on vacation and just learning to save money instead of spending it on the negative. Now that I am clean, I am at my happiest and healthiest. Best of all, I know I will never use again! ‐Deana 13 Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Berks County Prison T Stephanie Smith, MA Coordinator he D&A Program inside BCP (Berks County Prison) became fully staffed this past year and contin‐
ued to be completely operational in the areas of Treatment, Psycho educa‐
tion and Early Recovery Support ser‐
vice. They are currently utilizing the Evidence Based program “Living In Balance” as their treatment protocol. This past year we have seen an in‐
crease in the number of consumers who attended our D&A services within the prison and then continued to seek and receive services at BCC in our Out‐
patient Program at 6th Street Office. Many related positive experiences attending D&A services within the Prison and wanted to continue within the BCC ”family” in the community. The total served in 2008‐2009 was 2,389 which included Treatment, Psy‐
cho education and Early Recovery support. Continuous Quality Improvement B CC’s Continuous Quality Improve‐
ment Committee remained active throughout the 2008‐2009 fiscal year. Many significant contributions were made to ongoing quality monitoring, planning and improvement. These in‐
cluded: better record keeping and moni‐
toring visit compliance for the MISS pro‐
gram, safety improvements such as staff ID badges, reorganization of office spaces to reduce client/visitor traffic throughout the building, changes to the phone message system to improve ac‐
cess, implementation of positive motiva‐
tional incentives for staff, and more ef‐
fective strategies for dealing with intake back logs – such as walk in days. In addi‐
tion, CQI was a big part of agency efforts to prepare for a fully electronic record keeping system and in assisting all pro‐
grams throughout the year in meeting licensing, insurance, and other regulatory requirements. Christine Axford, M.Ed, LPC Deputy Director Training D espite some challenges, one of our largest providers of free training lost funding this year, BCC still supported 322 training hours across all categories of staff. Much of our training focused on Recovery—for persons with both substance abuse and mental ill‐
ness. Other key training topics included high school and elemen‐
tary student assistance training, non‐violent crisis intervention, ethics and the law, confidentiality, Christine Axford Deputy Director 14 pharmacology, medication as‐
sisted treatment, and crime and addiction. One staff member com‐
pleted training in Advanced Gam‐
bling Competency to allow us to provide services to persons with a gambling addiction. We also had two clinical staff attend training on the Psychological Impact of War in order to better address the needs of the many veterans in this area returning from war. ACT su‐
pervisory staff attended the An‐
nual ACT Conference which was held this year in Arlington, VA. Finally, extensive training was ongoing throughout the year on the Accumedic electronic billing system and the Docutrac elec‐
tronic record keeping system. Tom Kahler and Andrew Melcher, on staff, were key in assuring all staff are fully prepared to utilize these systems as we transition to a fully electronic record keeping. Farias Medical Clinic F elipe Arias MD is a Board certi‐
fied Family Practitioner. He completed his medical training in Santo Domingo and his Family Practice residency in the US. He has since acquired specialty training in HIV, addictions and certified to pro‐
vide Buprenorphine treatment. He serves as the HIV Medical Director Felipe Arias, MD for the Northeast Region of the State Correctional System and was the attending physi‐
cian at St. Joseph Family and Women’s Care for HIV/
HCV/HBV until 2009. He serves on the speaker bureau for several pharmaceutical companies and as investiga‐
tor for many clinical trials and research . addiction to opiates. Dr. Arias again stepped up to plate by serving as the physician and director of this program. Additionally, as an addictionology and forensic specialist he was able to provide education and intervention ser‐
vices for inmates at the Berks County Prison under the BCC program. In the spring of 2009 Dr. Arias discussed the need for primary medical care at BCC, recognizing the need of many clients who are not accessing this es‐
sential service as part of their overall recovery process. Thus in August of 2009 Farias Health medical clinic opened under the auspices of Berks Counseling Center. Joe Kozniack, physician assistant and other staff were brought on board. The past three months witnessed a significant growth in the number of individuals seeking primary medical care in the practice. He joined the Berks Counseling Center organization in We welcome this addition to the comprehensive service as a specialist in caring for those clients infected with program at Berks Counseling Center as it makes possi‐
HIV or have a diagnosis of Hepatitis C. In 2005, when ble a more integrated recovery process for the clients. BCC became certified to provide Buprenorphine treat‐
ment to individuals struggling with overcoming their 2009 Financial Information Expenses Revenue CLINICAL $2,124,673.94 CLINICAL $1,964,813.56 HOUSING $740,457.64 HOUSING $709,175.81 INTERVENTION/PREVENTION $571,160.45 INTERVENTION/PREVENTION $547,671.50 RECOVERY SHOP $142,356.15 RECOVERY SHOP $163,281.34 MEDICAL CLINIC $7,440.38 DONATIONS/GRANTS $28,664.62 $6,217.33 OTHER OPERATING INCOME $3,620,970.51 MEDICAL CLINIC M&G FUNDRAISING $2,958.53 $204,088.68 $37,326.15 $3,629,315.57 15 Assertive Community Treatment Program T he Assertive Com‐
munity Treatment (ACT) program opened the Phoenix House in December of 2008. Located at 524 Franklin Street, the Phoenix House is a seven unit apartment building that provides temporary The ACT Team. housing to homeless consumers in the ACT program. To date the availabil‐
ity of this housing option has assisted a number of consumers in the program. The ACT program contin‐
ues to advocate for and assist consumers in their quest for an increased feeling of self‐worth and autonomy through goal attainment in areas such as education, employment, recovery, and overall mental/emotional stability. In the coming year, the ACT program will be expanding its staff by adding a Forensics Specialist who will deal pri‐
marily with con‐
sumers involved in some capacity with the criminal justice system. The pro‐
gram will also be The Phoenix House. intensifying the role of the Vocation/Education Specialist by placing greater emphasis on assisting our consumers in fulfill‐
ing their education and employment goals, which is an integral part of ACT programming. Behind the Scenes U nder the capable leadership of Linda Mathias the that by the end of the year BCC will enjoy a successful front desk staff, new and old, have undergone a implementation of these programs which will make transformation, as they adapt to the new AccuMed billing, data recording, and client charting more effi‐
cient, accurate and less scheduling and data col‐
time consuming. Our Ac‐
lection program. The bill‐
counting and Human Re‐
ing department has also source staff continue to put on a new face with willingly take on more re‐
additional staff and new sponsibility as Berks Coun‐
leadership, Maryann seling Center’s growth has Pagerly. Matt Cole has joined Tom Kahler, our IT demanded. It is worthy to manager. This team has note that without the tal‐
worked diligently to ac‐
ents, skills and dedication complish the full imple‐
of these folks who work mentation of AccuMed behind the scenes our clini‐
and QuicDoc, the compli‐
cians, case managers and mentary electronic clinical other service providers chart program. Andrew would not be able to do Melcher has worked dili‐
their jobs. gently to assist the clinical staff in the use of the QuicDoc program for their Support staff, from left, Alicia Flores, Jaime Schweitzer, Tara Tor‐
charting. It is anticipated civia, Maria L. Rivera, Pam Hawley and Carmen White in the recep‐
tion area of BCC in Reading. 16 Community Networking Berks Counseling Center staff members actively serve on a variety of ongoing community coalitions, commit‐
tees or boards. These include: Homeless Coalition – Carol Bailey and Fran Malley Care for Kids Coalition—Maria Santillan CAASP‐‐Roger Lavine CSP—Natalya Knaut CSP Recovery Workgroup‐‐ Chris Axford Berks Community Resources Network—Carol Bailey Berks County Prevention Coalition: Maria Santillan Berks County Drug and Alcohol Providers Association‐‐ Shirl Evans Berks County Mental Health Providers Association—Fran Malley and Chris Axford CCBH Quality Assurance Committee—Chris Axford CCBH Advisory Board—Chris Axford and Sabrina Key Neighborhood Housing Coalition—Sabrina Key Berks County African American Health and Wellness Expo Planning Committee—Thomas Womack BCAP Youth Roundtable—Maria Santillan and Claritza Mason BCAP Advisory Board—Shirl Evans DBT Regional Committee—Shirl Evans Berks County Youth Coalition—Claritza Mason Safe and Drug Free Schools—Chris Axford and April Moser Alvernia Social Work Board—Denise Ebelhar ACT Community Advisory Committee—Roger Lavine BCC is involved in several collaborative partnerships that involve close networking with other providers. These include: The Recovery Shop: ongoing collaboration with Here and Now, PACE, BCAP and AARP Office of Aging Project at Oakbrook: ongoing collaboration with Office of Aging, Hispanic Center, Berks Visiting Nurses, BCTV, Reading Housing Authority Suboxone Care Coordination: ongoing collaboration with the Reading Detox Services at 430 North Second Street: ongoing collaboration with the Opportunity House We also participated in a large number of one day events throughout the past year: United Way Baby College Day of the Uninsured Here and Now Health Fair Peace on Earth Walk Hay Creek Festival Be Wise Community Roundtable The Knight Walk At Reading High School Applefest Recovery Shop events included: Hay Creek Festival Applefest Just Between Friends Here to Help Day A Day Just for You Various Fashion Shows Women’s Expo PA Partners Chris Axford, Deputy Director, and Laura Hilbert ACT Team Peer Support Specialist, presented at the CCBH Recovery Conference BCC did community education and outreach related to the Suboxone program—including presentations to re‐
gional substance abuse providers associations and the Berks Chapter of American Psychiatric RNs 17 Remembering Berks Counseling Center Y ou can remember Berks Counseling Center, Inc. (BCC) in many ways. One of the most beneficial is to include BCC in your financial planning. Berks Counseling Center is dependent upon the generosity of alumni, friends and the community to support the services provided. BCC strives to help the less fortu‐
nate through counseling, housing and other social services. Your gift would allow this Agency to continue its mission for many years to come. OUTRIGHT GIFTS MATCHING GIFTS Outright gifts can make an immediate and dra‐
matic impact on vital areas of need such as new facilities, renovation projects and goods such as home furnishings and clothing. These deductible donations may be made to support the programs and services of Berks Counseling Center. Many corporations and businesses in our local area have a matching gift program. Through these programs an employer’s gift can match one‐to‐
one, two‐to one, or in some cases three‐to‐one. This a great way to increase the value of your gift. Obtain a matching gift form from your human resources office and send the completed for to us along with your gift. WILL AND BEQUEST A bequest for the benefit of Berks Counseling Center can be included in the body of your will, or through a codicil (an amendment to your will), or your revocable living trust. Please use BCC’s legal name of Berks Counseling Center, Inc. When nam‐
ing us a beneficiary. You may also designate how your bequest should be used. GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE A paid‐up policy or a policy on which premiums remained to the paid may be assigned irrevocably to Berks Counseling Center. Berks Counseling Center may be named as primary, secondary or contingent beneficiary, but the donor retains own‐
ership of the policy. The dividends of a participa‐
GIFTS OF SECURITIES tory policy may be assigned to Berks Counseling The giving of stocks, bonds and mutual funds pro‐ Center. vides an opportunity for you to save taxes twice FOR MORE INFORMATION and do something meaningful. You can receive an immediate tax benefit and also avoid capital gains For further information regarding the fundraising tax on appreciation. efforts of Berks Counseling Center, Inc., please contact Frances Malley, Executive Director at GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE 610‐373‐4281. A gift of real estate to Berks Counseling Center DONATE ON THE WEB can provide benefits for both you and the agency, Berks Counseling Center provides transitional Tax deductible donations may be made directly housing and affordable permanent housing. Thus through our web site: www.berkscc.org( Tab‐How the acquisition of housing is always a need to the To Give‐Donate Now Through Network for Good). organization. You will need to have your gift ap‐
praised by an independent appraiser to determine the value of your donations. Also, please consult with BCC to make sure gift is appropriate to the needs of the agency. 18 Berks County Counseling Staff Administration Frances Malley, MS, LPC ............................. Executive Director Christine Axford, M.Ed, LPC........................ Deputy Director Maryann Pagerly Assoc. Accounting .......... Billing Manager Michelle Petty ......................................... ... Billing Specialist Janine Corbo ........................................... ... Billing Specialist Matt Cole ................................................ ... Administrative Assistant Thomas Kahler Information Technology Manager Fabiola Gonzalez ........................................ Authorization Specialist Karen Fairchild ............................................ Accountant Beth Halvonik ............................................. Human Resources Pamela Hawley, BS ..................................... Records Specialist Linda Mathias, BS ....................................... Office Manager Maternal Intervention and Supportive Services (MISS) Pregnant/ Parenting Teens (PPT) 6th St Support Staff Carmen White ............................................. Receptionist Jamie Schweitzer ........................................ Receptionist Maria Rivera ................................................ Receptionist Yrisol Garcia………………………..….…… ........ Receptionist Alicia Flores………………………………… ......... Receptionist Recovery Shop Leia Suliveres……………………………………….Manager Diane Bratton……………………………………….Sales Associate Donna Butzer……………………………………….Marketing Housing Program Carol Bailey, BS .......................................... Housing Director Sabrina Key, BA .......................................... Case Manager Lisa Fuller ................................................... Case Manager Charlene Parker……………..……………… ....... Case Manager Gene Deren ................................................. Site Manager David Crespo .............................................. Maintenance Medical Staff Felipe Arias, MD ......................... Physician Ralph Reeves, MD ....................................... ACT Psychiatrist Abel Gonzalez , MD .................................... Psychiatrist Peer Support Jeffrey Kalina, MS ....................................... Peer Support Services Berks County Prison Stephanie Smith, MA .................................. Coordinator Barry Remes, BS, CCJP, CCDP, CAC ............ Counselor Rich Eline.BS ............................................... Counselor Cecilia Hartman, BA……………………….. ....... Counselor Vanessa Colon, BA ...................................... Counselor Sharon Nichols............................................ Support Staff Farias Medical Clinic Felipe Arias MD…………………… .................. Physician Joe Korszniak PA‐C..……………… ................. Physician Assistant Irene Gonzalez…………………….. .................. Medical Assistant Lynette Maldonado………………… ............... Medical Receptionist Claritza Mason ............................................ Case Manager Thomas Womack ........................................ Case Manager Brenna O’Donnell ........................................ Case Manager Jean Hemberger,BSW ................................. Program Assistant Early Intervention Linda Rogers MS…………………………… ........ Counselor Student Assistance Program April Moser BS ............................................ SAP Coordinator Keila Rodriguez, BS ..................................... SAP Counselor Maurice Cuesta……………………………… ....... ESAP Counselor Melissa Brennan, MSW ............................... Therapist Buprenorphine Treatment Felipe Arias, MD……………………………. ........ Physician Penny Richenbach, RN, MS…………………. ... Nurse Ruth Lara BA………………………………… ........ Care Coordinator Dennis Liszcz, BA, …………………….. ............ Counselor Assertive Community Treatment Roger Lavine, MsEd., LPC, NCC .................. Team Leader Mary Ann VanderVeen MA,RN .................... Psychiatric Nurse Soydan Akyol .............................................. Life Skills Coordinator Gwen Sweitzer, BA, RN ............................... Psychiatric Nurse Holly Neuin, BA……………………………. ......... Forensic Counselor John Lichtenwalner, LSW………………….. ..... MH Counselor Marisol Guevara .......................................... Program Assistant Jennifer Harvey ........................................... Peer Specialist Laura Hilbert, MA…………………….. .............. MISA Counselor 6th St. Outpatient Clinical Department Shirl EvanS, MA, LPC, ATR‐BC .................... Clinical Director Christine Guerrero ,MA CAC ........................ Clinical Supervisor Rose Marie Lezette, M.Ed , CAC, CCJF ........ Clinical Supervisor Denise Ebelhar, MS ..................................... Therapist Dennis Liszcz, BA, ...................................... Counselor Cathy Geissler, BA ....................................... Counselor Carlos Santillan ........................................... Therapist/PT Connie Malfarina, MA .................................. Therapist Andrew Melcher, MS ................................... Therapist Madeline Roupp, BA .................................... Counselor Melissa Brennan, MSW ............................... Therapist Stephanie Smith, MA .................................. Therapist Prunella Davidson MS………………………. ..... Therapist Denise Ebelhar, MSW .................................. .Therapist M.J. Strazisar, MA CET II………………….. ...... Therapist Vanessa Colon, BA ...................................... Counselor Satellite Site ‐ Opportunity House Melissa Brennan, MSW ............................... Therapist PT Tara Torcivia……………………………….. ......... Support Staff Fairchild Services, Inc Prevention/Intervention Programs Elizabeth Winings LRN, BA ......................... Director 19 Main Site 35 North 6th Street 2nd Floor Reading, PA 19601 Phone: 610.373.4281 Fax: 610.373.3779 E‐mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.berkscc.org Our newest addition is CHESTER COUNSELING CENTER, located at 701 Main St. Phoenixville, PA. The Center opened on December 1, 2009 . The staff currently consists of: Maria Santillan, MSW .............................. Director Diane Berry ..................... Administrative Assistant Ed Dennis, M.Ed. .......................Clinical Supervisor Brad Ramsey BA ................................... Counselor Cynthia New, M.Ed., LPC, CAC .............. Therapist Cara Knaster, MA ................................... Therapist Joshua Hostetter, MA ............................ Therapist Carla Arias, BS ................................... Receptionist Juan Santillan..................................... Receptionist Edgar Martinez MD ............................. Psychiatrist Satellite Site 430 North Second Street Reading, PA 19601‐2573 Phone: 610.898.0778 Fax: 610.898.0768 Recovery Shop 124 South 5th St. Reading, PA 19602 Phone: 610.898.1262 Fax: 610.898.1270 About BCC Non Profit Disclosure Berks Counseling Center, Inc., is a regis‐
tered 501 (c) 3, non‐profit charitable or‐
ganization. A copy of the official registra‐
tion and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania A De‐
partment of State by calling, toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1‐800‐732‐0999. Registration does not imply endorse‐
ment. Federal ID # 23‐2043478. Equal Opportunity Employer. Berks Counseling Center (BCC) is a private, non‐profit 501(c)
3 corporation founded in 1977. BCC is licensed by the State Department of Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol Pro‐
gram Licensure to provide outpatient alcohol/drug treat‐
ment, including buprenorphine treatment for persons af‐
flicted with opiate dependency. The Agency is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare to provide outpatient mental health services. BCC is administered by an Executive Director under the supervision of a volunteer Board of Direc‐
tors. BCC provides treatment and social services to all per‐
sons regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, race, financial ability to pay, social preferences and cultural orientation. BCC accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Community Care and most third‐party insurance. We believe that community enlightenment and family strength are the keys to the prevention of drug abuse. Funding This publication had been made possible with revenues received from service contracts with federal, state, county and local governments whether directly or through the Council on Chemical Abuse, Pennsylvania MH/
MR Administration, the Office of Drug & Alcohol Programs, Department of Health, Department of Housing & Urban Development, Service Access Management, Community Care Behavioral Health managed care organi‐
zation; and BCAP. Funds are also secured through private contracts, client fees and third party insurance. All parties specifically disclaim responsibilities for any analysis, interpretations or conclusions. Designed and Produced by Premier Creations
www.premiercreations.net