The initial tenant moved in this week to Gettysburg’s Mercy House, the first substance abuse recovery center in Adams County. The space is part of the state’s Recovery Advocacy Service Empowerment (RASE) program, and funded in part by Adams County.
Saying it had been difficult to get the center started in Adams and thanking the County Commissioners for making it possible, RASE Chief operations officer Angel Fiore said “we’re really, really excited to get our first referral.”
In addition to inpatient services, the facility, located at 45 W. High St., has public space for clients and residents to receive information, counseling, and other addiction services.
“Rarely in my job does the good news literally being a tear to my eye,” said County Commissioner Marty Qually, “This project is so important right now. As a community we are shifting our mindset from punishing those suffering from substance abuse disorder to instead providing addiction recovery services.”
The facility has space for seven adult men in recovery, where they will receive peer counseling, career assistance, and other services designed to help them break their addictions.
Guests must abide by Mercy House policies, including having a daytime job, attending meetings every day, random drug testing, and following curfew. Tenants must commit to staying at the center for 6 months.
“We’re not pulling people from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh; we’re trying to help people who in the county,” said Fiore.
RASE Project coordinator Katherine Almeyda said Mercy House staff is available for all aspects of recovery and support, including meetings, resources, finding treatment, and support groups, and that staff can also help with rehab and detox services, transportation, and other needs.
RASE staff coordinates with local medical professionals for drug-based therapies.
Almeyda said the house had an open door policy. “Come in and have a cup of coffee,” she said.
Reach the Mercy House at 717.420.5219.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.
Sending prayers to Mercy House and it’s tenants for a successful sobriety rate. Even just one, is a success! Hopefully there will come a time that there will be a Mercy House for women also. May God’s blessings reign upon you.