Staff and participants at Alcohol & Drug Addiction Parole & Probation Treatment (ADAPPT) in Reading, Pennsylvania partnered with local community service provider Safe Berks to sponsor meals for survivors of domestic violence on March 6. The residential reentry center hosted the event at their facility as part of Victim’s Advocacy Month to support Safe Berks’ mission to provide a safe haven and support system for women and children who have experienced domestic violence.
“We are extremely grateful to serve those being helped by this great organization Safe Berks, who is doing so much to help those who need it,” ADAPPT Director Michael Critchosin said. “It was our pleasure to provide a meal and a feeling of safe community here at ADAPPT.”
Safe Berks is an advocacy group in Berks County, Pennsylvania, using advocacy and education to prevent domestic violence through awareness. The group provides resources supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including housing, legal and counseling services, along with a confidential, 24-hour hotline for both English- and Spanish-speaking callers.
When visitors asked why the participants wanted to get involved in community service, participants explained they want to “give back to the community.” Volunteerism is an important element of the GEO Reentry program at ADAPPT; community service offers participants an opportunity to be more involved in their communities and gives them a way to experience the benefits of positive behavior.
“We are honored to be a part of giving back to a place that is making such a big difference in the lives of others,” Assistant Facility Director of Programming Dawn Martin said. Regarding interactions between visitors and female reentrants, Martin said, “I really cannot find words to describe the feeling that came over me while watching these women connect and bond with each other, supporting each other for the equality to live a safe and violent free life.”
GEO ADAPPT provides reentry services to men and women referred from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. Participants go through a multi-phase, evidence-based program in a residential setting, where they stay for 30 to 180 days. During this period, residents are held accountable with regular drug and alcohol testing, and, as treatment and behavioral goals are met, earn the privilege of additional community involvement.
This flexible approach addresses the needs of at-risk offender populations and helps individuals released from incarceration successfully rejoin society as responsible, productive members of the community.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence and needs help or support, there are national and state-based agencies that can assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 (800) 799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). The hotline for Safe Berks in Berks County is 1 (844) 789-SAFE (1-800-789-7233).
