Penticton loses a gem
Penticton has lost a leading advocate and “true warrior” for addictions recovery services.
Jerome Abraham, former executive director of Discovery House, died in hospice this past weekend after a two-year battle against cancer. He was 49 and left behind a partner, Kassandra, and son, Leif.
“His efforts were tireless, and it was admirable the way he dug in, especially from the perspective of how he was introduced to Discovery House,” said Jim Tabler, general manager of Parkers Chrysler, a frequent benefactor of the program and friend of Abraham’s, in an interview Monday morning.
“He was the face of Discovery House to a large degree.”
The non-profit society that operates Discovery House suggested the entire South Okanagan recovery community has lost a “courageous and bright light.”
“Jerome was a true warrior in his own recovery journey, in his guidance for those looking to better their lives, and in his fight to eliminate the stigma of addiction so prevalent in our society,” the society said in a statement.
Abraham led Discovery House for about a decade before stepping down in April 2023 due to his deteriorating health.
Under his watch, it expanded from a single residence on Orchard Avenue to three separate homes with a total of 22 beds for men in all stages of recovery from addictions to drugs and alcohol.
Abraham, who also performed regular outreach work on a volunteer basis, knew the program inside and out -- he was once a resident.
He’d been living in Kelowna and battling a heroin addiction when, in April 2010, he was dropped off with all his worldly possessions at Discovery House by his Narcotics Anonymous sponsor, who volunteered at the facility and had been singing its praises.
“I had a black and an orange garbage bag -- and it was April, so I couldn’t pretend it was for Halloween -- and by the time I turned around (the sponsor) was already turning the corner and gone,” Abraham said in a January 2022 interview.
“I didn’t know which way was up when I arrived in Penticton,” he recalled, but Discovery House helped him get his bearings and begin leading a productive life.
And no one was as surprised as Abraham to find him later leading the program.
“I don’t think anybody put $2 on Jerome being the executive director of Discovery House,” he said with a laugh.
“It’s been a journey, but I couldn’t foresee this.”
Abraham’s interview in January 2022 coincided with him being named Newsmaker
of the Year for 2021.
At the time, Abraham was still working, but just beginning treatment for prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones.
Also at that time, Penticton man Gord Portman was nearing the end of what was a nearly two-year stay at Discovery House to battle his own demons.
Portman credits Abraham, a close friend, with helping him regain control of his life and become an outreach worker.
“I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today if it wasn’t for Jerome,” said Portman in an interview Monday.
“He’s done so much for me and the recovery community.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced today.