Gaudenzia's "From Adversity to Hope" Event highlights the power of recovery and community. By GlobeNewswire April 17, 2026 Features Darryl Strawberry and powerful stories of transformation from individuals in recovery Philadelphia, PA, April 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Gaudenzia brought together community leaders, supporters, and advocates for its annual From Adversity to Hope event, highlighting the power of recovery, resilience, and community. The event featured a special appearance by Darryl Strawberry, former Major League Baseball All-Star and national recovery advocate, who shared his personal journey of recovery and renewal. Held at The Union League in Philadelphia, the event created space for reflection, connection, and inspiration-bringing together those committed to supporting individuals and families on their path to recovery. In advance of the event, Strawberry visited Gaudenzia programs, including its Diagnostic & Rehabilitation Center (DRC), as well as Riverview Wellness Village-spending time with residents and engaging in meaningful, personal conversations rooted in his own lived experience. These moments of connection were carried into the following evening, where his remarks reinforced a powerful and consistent message: recovery is possible. His message resonated deeply with attendees as he spoke candidly about his journey through addiction and recovery-underscoring the importance of perseverance, support, and second chances. "This work is about what's possible. When people are given the support, dignity, and care they deserve, we see lives change in real and lasting ways. Recovery doesn't happen alone-it happens in community," said Dr. Deja Gilbert, President and CEO of Gaudenzia. The evening also recognized community leaders, including Maureen S. Rush, M.S., CPP, Founder and Principal of The Rush Group, LLC, and Richard L. Snyder, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Independence Health Group, for their contributions to advancing recovery and public health. Gaudenzia also honored members of its alumni community-individuals whose journeys reflect the real, lasting impact of recovery and the power of sustained support. Throughout the evening, stories of transformation and perseverance underscored Gaudenzia's mission to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder and associated mental health conditions. From Adversity to Hope serves as both a celebration of recovery and an opportunity to invest in the programs and services that make that recovery possible. With more than 50 locations across Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., Gaudenzia continues to expand access to evidence-based, person-centered care-helping individuals build healthier futures and stronger communities. As the event made clear, recovery is not only possible-it is happening every day. ABOUT GAUDENZIA, INC. Gaudenzia serves more than 16,000 individuals each year across 51 facilities, with nearly 4,000 additional individuals reached through community outreach and stabilization services. As one of the nation's largest nonprofit treatment providers, Gaudenzia operates programs across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., offering a full continuum of care for people with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Since 1968, the organization has offered specialized services for women (including women with children), adolescents, and individuals with complex behavioral health needs. Those seeking help can call Gaudenzia's Treatment and Referral HelpLine at 833-976-HELP (4357). For more information, visit www.Gaudenzia.org. PHOTO BANK - HERE Caption 1 - Gaudenzia From Adversity to Hope Event - Keynote - Darryl Strawberry(Photo: Jaci Downs Photography) Darryl Strawberry speaks at Gaudenzia's From Adversity to Hope event in Philadelphia, sharing his personal journey and message of recovery. Caption 2 - Darryl Strawberry meets with individuals in recovery at Gaudenzia's Diagnostic & Rehabilitation Center (DRC) Darryl Strawberry meets with individuals in recovery at Gaudenzia's Diagnostic & Rehabilitation Center (DRC) in Philadelphia, engaging in small-group conversations and sharing his lived experience. Caption 3(Photo: BlueWire Media) Darryl Strawberry visits Riverview Wellness Village in Philadelphia, spending time with residents and reinforcing a message of resilience and recovery. Caption 4- Gaudenzia From Adversity to Hope Event - Union League Philadelphia(Photo: Jaci Downs Photography) Community members gather at The Union League in Philadelphia for Gaudenzia's From Adversity to Hope event, highlighting recovery, resilience, and community impact. Caption 5 - Gaudenzia From Adversity to Hope Event - Tree of Hope and Client Art(Photo: Jaci Downs Photography) The Tree of Hope and resident artwork are displayed at Gaudenzia's From Adversity to Hope event, representing resilience, healing, and the collective power of community. (445) 200-9201 [email protected]

Gaudenzia launches fourth addiction recovery kiosk at Sunbury Police Department. * by MACKENZIE WITT THE NEWS-ITEM * dec 16, 2025 updated 4 hrs ago * 0. SUNBURY - Gaudenzia launched its fourth self-serve kiosk in Northumberland County for people seeking aid for addiction recovery. The newest kiosk is located inside the Sunbury Police Department, 337 Arch St., and will be available 24/7. The kiosk is currently housed inside the department's conference room, but will be moved to the lobby for easy access in the near future, according to Sergeant Brad Slack. The kiosk was provided to the police department at no cost and joins three other kiosks launched in Northumberland County within the last month: Oasis Community Recovery Club, PCC Corner of Hope and the Mount Carmel Borough Police Department. Amanda Elliott, Gaudenzia's central region business development manager, said she reached out to the police department to gauge the department's interest in setting up a kiosk at the department. The kiosk features a video camera and a touch screen. Upon launching a program on the kiosk, it takes about a minute to connect the user with someone from Gaudenzia's admissions team. The user will then complete a screening questionnaire with Gaudenzia's staff, who will determine the required level of care, reserve a bed at an inpatient or outpatient facility and arrange transportation to the facility. "It's really meant to eliminate barriers to treatment and provide a safe, confidential place for someone struggling with drug or alcohol abuse," Elliott said. She said the goal is to get users to a facility in Coal Township, Harrisburg or Ashland on the same day. Setting up the kiosk at the Sunbury Police Department creates a collaboration between public health and safety to offer assistance to people with substance abuse before a crisis were to occur, she added. "We can see the growing drug problems; it's one of the issues we deal with on a day-to-day basis. We're seeing people at their worst and trying to get people the help they need before they're dealing with us or in crisis," said Slack, who has been with the Sunbury Police Department for well over a decade. "It's a much-needed thing, so hopefully people will utilize it," he said. Stan Esteves-Kroh, who is a clinical supervisor at Gaudenzia's Pottsville and Sunbury offices, said he and his colleagues have seen an uptick in people with marijuana and alcohol addictions, and especially methamphetamine addictions. "In our 57 years, Gaudenzia has become a beacon of hope. Working from the inpatient side to the outpatient side, I've seen both sides of people as they come in for treatment and at the end as they're completing an outpatient program. ... Sometimes, people are afraid to walk into my office for treatment. Picking up the phone (to call for help) sometimes is the hardest thing to do," Esteves-Kroh said. Mackenzie Witt can be reached at 570-644-6397 ext. 1342 or [email protected].

In 2022, Gaudenzia rolled out Eleos Scribe-an embeddable, EHR-agnostic documentation automation solution-across the organization with full staff buy-in and virtually zero disruption to existing workflows.