New Addiction Recovery Services Launch in Sussex County, Delaware

Families in Sussex County, Delaware, will gain access to new addiction recovery programs and family support services. The nonprofit organization Be a Part of the Conversation, established in 2011 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, plans to expand its operations into southern Delaware. This initiative aims to provide much-needed support for families grappling with substance use and addiction, an area that advocates highlight as historically underserved.

The move to bring the nonprofit into Sussex County comes after a recognition that available resources are predominantly concentrated in the northern part of the state. Kathy Greeley, the organization’s program manager for Delaware, emphasized this disparity. “We have so many more resources in the Wilmington area than we do down here,” she stated. “Things come into the state and they start north and they come south. They go from New Castle to Kent to Sussex — and we’re kind of the last ones to get those resources.”

Research from the National Library of Medicine indicates that peer support is crucial in recovery. Families who connect with others facing similar challenges can reduce stigma and foster an environment of understanding. While Be a Part of the Conversation does not provide treatment directly, it plays a pivotal role in connecting families with valuable resources and facilitating open discussions about addiction.

Greeley’s commitment to this mission is deeply personal. “I’m a woman in recovery, and I started working in the field of recovery and addiction when I got here,” she shared. Her own journey began with the resources available through the organization, which she found essential during her struggles. “There weren’t any family meetings for just parents. There weren’t many resources for people to go and get information about addiction and how to help their loved ones,” Greeley reflected.

In recent weeks, the nonprofit has secured funding to enhance its services, including plans for a free family recovery course in Sussex County. Recognizing that addiction impacts entire families, the programs are designed to involve parents, grandparents, and guardians. “The biggest thing that we’re going to have is parent partnership meetings, which will be similar to an Al-Anon meeting, but specific to parents, grandparents, and guardians,” Greeley explained. These meetings will cater to family members regardless of the age of their loved ones affected by addiction.

The organization is also set to provide support to other relatives impacted by addiction, addressing a range of issues from substance misuse to behaviors such as vaping and gambling. A community open house in Georgetown, Delaware, scheduled for March 5, 2024, will introduce these initiatives, allowing residents to learn about the new programs and interact with the organizers.

While the immediate focus is on Sussex County, there are hopes to expand the initiative throughout the state. Advocates view this expansion as a vital step in addressing the critical need for addiction support services across Delaware. By fostering community connections and providing essential resources, Be a Part of the Conversation aims to empower families in their journeys towards recovery.