$200,000 raised for addiction treatment center
A special event held raised more than $200,000 to support those who are struggling to overcome substance abuse.
More than 300 attended the Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge Charity Gala on Friday, Nov. 12, at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Reading. The event raised money to provide access to substance abuse programs for those who may otherwise not be able to afford treatment.
Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge is a nationally recognized nonprofit provider of addiction treatment with nearly 60 years of experience in the field. The organization, which today offers programs and services at many locations throughout the commonwealth, founded its first treatment center in Tulpehocken Township.
Officials said that through a faith-based continuum of care its dedicated professionals are able to help about 3,000 people each year who are struggling with substance abuse. They said they often identify their work as bringing wholeness to the hopeless.
As part of the event, officials of the organization recognized a number of its supporters with special accolades to commend them for their assistance.
The three Berks County commissioners — Christian Leinbach, Kevin Barnhardt and Michael Rivera — were the recipients of the Vision of Wholeness Award. The Rev. Mark Caston, pastor of the Bridge Church in Hamburg, was awarded the Vision of Faith Award.
The featured speaker was the Rev. Bryan Koch, the former pastor of GT Church in Spring Township who now serves as the vice president of development of
Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge. Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge intern A.J. Miskiewicz offered a testimonial.
For those who wish to contribute to the cause, online donations to the organization can still be made at www.paatc.org/givingday.