Fall 2018


P A T H W A Y S
a quarterly e-newsletter


Changing Lives - Empowering Individuals
A Message from Our President and CEO
Douglas C. Williams

During summer months, it’s sometimes easy to kick back and forget about the pressures of our everyday lives. But with fall around the corner, I think about the men, women and their families in our care at Renewal. Their struggles don’t take a summer holiday. As they work to rebuild their lives, it’s a daily challenge we hope is made a bit easier by the compassion and skill of the Renewal team.

As you read through this newsletter you will meet Charles who credits Lydia's Place with helping him to restart his life. Through programs like the ones provided at Lydia’s Place, individuals can relearn and repair a path that we hope will lead to a better life and fond memories to come.

It is my hope that Renewal can continue to be the gold standard in innovative programs and opportunities striving to provide our clients with the tools needed to assist those who have experiences similar to Charles as they work toward a new beginning and season in their lives. 

Doug Williams
President and CEO


New Non-Hospital Detox Program Fills in Treatment Gaps
Renewal has opened a new non-hospital Detox Program licensed by the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs on July 23, 2018 at our 704 Second Avenue facility. This service is provided to males and females in the community as well as to those with criminal justice involvement. The programs Renewal offers to individuals in various stages of their reintegration such as Housing Assistance, mental health and substance use treatment programs, numerous reentry Support Services, Workforce Development, Family Support and Strengthening, to name a few, along with our skilled and professional staff, can assist individuals from the beginning of the new chapter in their lives and beyond. 

Harold Leavy accepts plague at CCAPA event
At the recent meeting of the Community Corrections Association of Pennsylvania (CCAPA), Harold Leavy, long-time Renewal employee and manager of security, received a sponsorship plaque on behalf of Renewal. “It was an honor to be included in the CCAPA’s meeting and a great opportunity to trade best practices with our colleagues in the community corrections,” said Leavy. The CCAPA’s mission is to advance community professionals through training, networking, and discussion at the county, state and private facility level.  
2018 OPIOID SUMMIT
STRATEGIES FOR RECOVERY
Representatives from Renewal attended the 2018 Summit for Clinical Excellence in downtown Pittsburgh. The information gathering, recruitment and networking event was entitled “The Opioid Crisis: Strategies for Treatment and Recovery.” Attendees discussed how prescription drug and opioid abuse is affecting the Greater Pittsburgh region and how stakeholders can identify ways to work together to heal communities, promote recovery, and address stigma. Linda Hoover, Human Resources Director and Rich Shenk, HR and Compliance Specialist for Renewal, Inc., handled the informational table and was able to meet and talk with several individuals who were interested in employment at Renewal, Inc.
CHARLES' STORY
After 23 years of incarceration and literally starting from nothing and going nowhere, Lydia’s Place allowed me the opportunity to stand on my own. With the help they offered, I was able to get training, information and assistance with badly needed housing. I was able to gain independence and integrate back into my community. I can truly say that Lydia’s Place has been a blessing for someone in my position looking for a chance to reclaim my life in some way.  I would recommend and refer anyone in need of real support to this important, caring and accessible program for both men and women. It helped me change my life. It can help you change yours too.