Berks commissioners praised for funding recovery services

Sep. 15—In the grips of grief over the death of his son in a car accident in 2006, Carl Metzger found himself spiraling into a deep depression that he was unable to escape.

"My life had gotten really, really bad," he said.

He turned to alcohol to help numb the pain. And he couldn't turn away.

That marked the beginning of Metzger's battle with addiction.

But Metzger on Thursday said he is in a much better place these days, recently celebrating two years of sobriety. He is getting the help he needs at Easy Does It, which provides supportive housing and recovering support services at its facility in Bern Township.

And through his experience in recovery he said he has found hope.

"Hope begins with people like you guys funding places like Easy Does It," he told the Berks County commissioners. "The people at these places help those in recovery get healthy and give individuals the opportunity to change their lives."

Metzger was one of several Berks residents recovering from substance abuse who took time to attend the commissioners meeting and thank them for the financial support that has played a significant role in helping more than 30,000 county residents who are in recovery.

Annual event

Each September, timed to coincide with National Recovery Month, a group visits the commissioners to share stories that underscore that each person battling addiction is unique and to stress the impact that county-supported services have played in their recovery.

The county gave the Berks County Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) about $6.5 million to fund programs in 2022. And in the opinion of the commissioners that money is spent on a worthy investment.

All three commissioners agreed the annual meeting is something they look forward to each.

"It's the most powerful and impactful meeting every year because we can really see all the good that our investment of county taxpayer dollars is having on people," Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt said.

Stanley Papademetriou, executive director of COCA, thanked the commissioners for their commitment to recovery services. But he was quick to add that the support they give goes well beyond dollars and cents.

"Your moral support matters," he said. "You guys participate in our recovery walks, our conferences and our gatherings. So it's not just a matter of signing a check, you are there with the folks who are receiving services to show that you believe in them and that you want to see them get better."

'Head on straight'

Kayla Tanner said that kind of support is crucial for people like her who are in recovery.

Tanner has a history of abuse and alcoholism that derailed her life and left her temporarily separated from her two children.

"Through all this I lost them for more than two years," she told the commissioners. "I got two DUIs after I lost my children and was put into treatment court, which I'm extremely grateful for because without it and my parole officer I probably wouldn't be where I am today."

Tanner said the court and her parole officer helped her get into a treatment program offered through the YMCA. She spent a little more than five months there before entering transitional housing thanks to a Berks Counseling Center program.

The effort was worth it.

"I was able to get my kids back," she said, explaining she is 16 months sober.

Tanner went from the transitional housing program to permanent housing after seven months.

"If it wasn't for everything that was given to me, I wouldn't be able to do what I can for my kids," she said. "I'm very grateful to be able to say that I'm sober today and I have my head on straight."

Judge's perspective

One of the people who helped Tanner find the path to sobriety was Berks Judge Eleni Dimitriou Geishauser, who dropped into the meeting between hearing court cases to show her support for Tanner and some of the other familiar faces in the audience.

"I'm thankful for the support the county gives us," she said of the treatment court, where she presided over Tanner's case. "I love being involved in treatment court, and I feel very blessed to be a part of the journey for so many wonderful people."

Geishauser said she believes the county is incredibly lucky to have the program in place.

Commissioners Chairman Christian Leinbach said treatment court is about two things: diverting nonviolent offenders from the traditional criminal justice system and getting people the treatment they truly need.

"This is important for the individuals whose lives are changed but also for our community," he said. "There is a significant financial savings to the county because when you incarcerate someone every aspect of their care is borne by taxpayers. When we have fewer people in jail we save money."

Geishauser pointed out getting people treatment gets to the root of their problem instead of just punishing them for their actions. And that can have a life-changing impact.

The judge said those who have had their cases handled in treatment court over the last three years have a recidivism rate of less than 5%. She said that is significantly less than the national average.

Personal connection

Commissioner Michael Rivera said the investment the county makes in recovery services has a personal significance to his family.

He shared that a cousin of his has been in recovery for five years thanks to services provided by COCA. But, he added, his connection with county-funded treatment programs goes back even further.

Rivera said his late father, who was born in Puerto Rico, faced a struggle with addiction as a teenager that followed him into his early 20s. He sought help and was referred to Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge in Tulpehocken Township.

That's not only where he finally got the support he needed, but also where he ended up meeting the woman who would become his wife.

"I wouldn't be here otherwise, so I'm very grateful to all your organizations that provide these programs," he said, pausing to fight back tears. "Looking back, the one thing I wish my father would have done a lot more is share his story because he had a great story.

"Oftentimes he was ashamed of what he had done as a teen and young adult, but he should have shared that with others. So the one thing I ask of the people here is that you please share with others what you have gone through so that they know what is possible."