Recovery Events
Easy Does It, Inc. hosts community events throughout the year to promote and celebrate recovery. Recovery oriented events include: monthly breakfasts, family groups, holiday parties, and Soberstock.
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Help us make a difference in our community by making a tax-deductible donation to support EDI housing programs and recovery services.
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Easy Does It, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals recovering from the effects of substance use disorder. Discover more about EDI.
Easy Does It, Inc.’s Programs and Services include:
Supportive Housing
- EDI is committed to providing supportive housing programs with a living environment characterized by mutual respect, daily structure, and personal accountability to help residents begin or continue their journey of recovery.
Recovery Support Services
- Every resident works with a certified recovery support specialist (CRS, RSS). Beginning with an assessment of recovery capital, each resident develops an individualized recovery plan to identify goals and action steps for their recovery journey. Residents also participate in daily peer support groups facilitated by certified recovery specialists.
Other Programs and Services:
- Life Skills Groups
- Recovery Oriented Events for the Community
- Recovery Awareness and Advocacy
- Training and Educational Programming for the Community
David B.
When I got to EDI I was welcomed with open arms. Not by just anyone, but by people just like me. They not only welcomed me but taught me there IS a way to LIVE again. This was a program that involved EVERYTHING, not just the alcohol and drugs, but my health, and how I lived.
Easy Does It Inc.
2020-01-29T08:17:47-05:00
https://easydoesitinc.org/testimonials/david-b/
Tami L.
Easy Does It gave me peace of mind to know I was safe. With the help and encouragement of a well trained Recovery Support Staff I was given guidance and held accountable for actions. In doing so, I began to honor my responsibilities, and learn to begin changing my life. I found willingness to make this new start and heal my mind, body, and spirit.
Ever Grateful, Tami L.
Ever Grateful, Tami L.
Easy Does It Inc.
2021-02-09T08:19:30-05:00
https://easydoesitinc.org/testimonials/tami-l/
Robert T.
The structure is a blessing, it has enabled me to organize and create a schedule that is conclusive to living a happy sober life. I especially enjoy participating in Soberstock, paddleboarding, and the Men’s Spiritual Breakfast.
-Robert T. -Sober since 2/2019
-Robert T. -Sober since 2/2019
Easy Does It Inc.
2021-03-16T11:12:17-04:00
https://easydoesitinc.org/testimonials/robert-t/
Isaac L.
"I enjoyed the independent yet supportive environment EDI offered. The staff and community were essential to my success. They helped me build trust, set and achieve realistic goals. I was introduced to many different options to help me find my way. EDI even introduced me to new, fun, and exciting activities to help keep me centered and active."
Easy Does It Inc.
2021-04-06T14:27:19-04:00
https://easydoesitinc.org/testimonials/isaac-l/
Dan M.
“I write this as I approach my 13th year of sobriety and a bedrock of my recovery foundation was laid during my time at Easy Does It. The mentorship I received from staff I still think of today, lessons that have served me so well in the years of early recovery. The community it have brought me into has also served as an invaluable resource to myself and my family. We are lucky to have an organization like this in our backyard and I will forever be grateful for the time I spent here. In the years of recovery I have also been able to work with EDI as one of their vendors and it’s safe to say they are the client that means the most to me. “
Easy Does It Inc.
2023-01-19T15:50:30-05:00
https://easydoesitinc.org/testimonials/dan-m/
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Easy Does It Inc.
Latest News
Reading Eagle reports Easy Does It, Inc. awarded $50,000 grant from opioid settlement fundsMay 1, 2023In The Media / News
Reading Eagle Reports Recovery PartnershipFebruary 3, 2023In The Media / Newshttps://www.readingeagle.com/2023/02/02/easy-does-it-partnering-with-wyomissing-church/ [...]
State leaders discuss need for treatment centers to curb opioid epidemicMay 7, 2022In The Media / NewsEllen Kolodziej
BERN TWP., Pa. – State officials gathered at a treatment center in Berks County to search for solutions. It comes as the feds say more than 70,000 people died from a drug overdose in 2019.
“They’ll be able to rebound quickly and save up some money and feel secure and get a good foundation of recovery that they are ready to move on,” said Scott Althouse, of Easy Does it Incorporated in Bern Township, where those suffering from addiction can get a fresh start.
“I think the value of a recovery house is not often understood due to a lot of reasons, primarily stigma,” Althouse said.
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But state and local drug experts are hearing from Pennsylvanians that there aren’t enough of these treatment centers to help curb the opioid epidemic.
“And so the need for continued recovery support services, whether that’s housing or whether that’s support groups or whatever else, is really critical to ensure that an individual’s journey remains intact,” said Jen Smith, Secretary of The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
“You know a lot of people have a loved one that they know they sent to detox, they sent to short term treatment, then they come home, but there’s a recurrence of use, then a second or third time in detox or more than that.”
That’s why the head of The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs joined State Senator Judy Schwank., to listen to those on the front lines of the crisis, about what’s most needed to keep people on the path to recovery.
“What was most important to us was to showcase what a really great recovery house can look like, what a recovery organization can look like and the value of it,” Althouse said.
Because many here believe without places that treat the root of the problem, the opioid crisis will just continue to spiral out of control.
If you or a loved one needs help finding treatment, call the State’s hotline at 1-800-662-HELP. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Opioid EpidemicScott AlthouseBern TownshipBerks County
Ellen Kolodziej [...]
Reading Eagle- Coronavirus distancing a hurdle for addiction and recovery communityApril 13, 2020In The Media / UncategorizedScott Althouse of Easy Does It in Bern Township works with recovering addicts in a time of the coronavirus pandemic. The facility is closed to visitors but full of clients. All the work with clients is done through video link. · BILL UHRICH — READING EAGLE
For a recovering alcoholic like Greg, there’s
nothing quite like being in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Sitting in a room with others battling similar
struggles can be moving. There’s a unique kinship in hearing others’ stories,
in being able reach out with a supportive hand.
“There’s a power there,” said
Greg, whose last name is being withheld because of the anonymous nature of
AA. “It’s very palpable.”
But as the new coronavirus continues its deadly
spread those meetings have become too dangerous to hold. Groups are no longer
allowed to gather in the days of COVID-19. Social interactions must take place
at a distance.
The impact of the current coronavirus crisis has
been felt by the addiction and recovery community, leading to significant
changes in treatment, counseling and support efforts.
During one of her recent daily briefings, Dr.
Rachel Levine, state secretary of health, stressed that addiction treatment
remains open during this trying time. She said those struggling with addiction
need to continue to put recovery first, saying she knows this can be an
especially difficult time.
“Even during these unprecedented times,
let’s not forget that treatment works and recovery is possible,” she said.
Alcoholics Anonymous
“It’s meant quite a lot,” Greg, web
servant for Reading Berks Intergroup Alcoholics Anonymous. “It’s changed
everything.”
Greg said that all in-person AA meetings in
Berks County have been shut down. That doesn’t mean those looking for support
can’t find it, however.
The Reading Berks Intergroup
website — readingberksintergroup.org —
has 28 pages filled with meetings being held online across the country with the
video conferencing program Zoom.
“There’s thousands of them there,”
Greg said.
Greg said the website also has a section of
local AA meetings that are being held online. He’s dropped in virtually on
about 40 meetings over the last few weeks, saying he’s found they don’t live up
to the real thing but do offer support that can help people through this
unprecedented time.
“There’s no substitution for in-person
meetings, there just really isn’t,” he said. “What I’ve noticed
personally is I don’t have the same feeling as I do when I’m in a confined
space with other people in recovery.
“But what everybody is saying online is
that it’s good to see the faces. Seeing the faces, knowing we’re all still
together, we’re all moving forward and carrying the message of hope. The
dynamic is still there.”
Easy Does It
Scott Althouse, executive director of Easy Does
It Inc., said the coronavirus crisis hasn’t done much to stifle the supportive
housing program. The 50-resident facility is about 100% occupancy despite the
pandemic.
But some of what normally goes on inside the
facility is being impacted.
The biggest change, he said, is with a
resident’s ability to meet with licensed drug or mental health counselors from
the community. Before COVID-19, those counselors would come to Easy Does It for
face-to-face meetings.
With the Easy Does It facility shut down to
visitors, that is no longer a viable option.
“That’s where we’re seeing a lot of
changes,” Althouse said. “Most aren’t doing face-to-face, they’re
doing Zoom meetings or telemedicine.”
Easy Does It has a computer lab for residents,
Althouse said, and recently upgraded its internet connection to provide
sufficient bandwidth for all the online meetings.
Althouse said his residents who rely on
medicinal treatments like methadone are still able to access them. In some
cases, he said, those providing those services are being a little more
flexible, providing extra doses so that clients don’t have to continue to show
up in person on a daily basis.
Countywide perspective
Stanley Papademetriou, executive director of the
Berks County Council on Chemical Abuse, said the experiences of Alcoholics
Anonymous and Easy Does It are emblematic of what he’s seeing in the treatment
and recovery community as a whole.
“We’re in kind of like a different kind of
territory here that we haven’t had to deal with before,” he said.
“This is not a one- or two-day snow shutdown. It’s lasted quite some time,
and it’s projected to last a lot more.”
For the most part, Papademetriou said, people
are still seeking treatment and recovery services, and are able to get it.
“It’s not like the drug and alcohol system
went to sleep here,” he said. “Right now, today, the system is still
operating. The long and the short of it is people still need care and we still
have a way to get them care.
“We’re not going on all eight cylinders
right now, but it’s still working and people are still getting care.”
Of course, Papademetriou said, that doesn’t mean
there aren’t challenges.
“The drug and alcohol system is really
primarily set up as a face-to-face system,” he said.
Everything from being evaluated when seeking
treatment to outpatient services to residential services have always involved
in-person interaction. But with social distancing the name of the game these
days, that has shifted.
More and more, Papademetriou said, services are
being provided over the phone or online. All the providers that work with COCA
to provide public health services are offering distance options, he said, and
many private insurers are covering it as well.
Federal and state regulations about privacy have
been relaxed to allow that to happen, Papademetriou said, easing up on
requirements for patients to provide consent in person for medical information
to be shared.
“This allows treatment access to
happen,” he said. “We can share enough information to make
referrals.”
The coronavirus crisis has had a similar impact
on treatment, which also traditionally has been a largely in-person experience,
Papademitriou said.
“Many of these recovery supports are kind
of built on person-to-person contact,” he said. “Sitting in a group
talking, looking at each other, shaking hands, holding hands, hugging each
other. With social distancing, that kind of gets thrown out the door.”
Papademitriou said that pretty quickly virtual
supports have filled the void.
“Technology has really kind of stepped in
in a good way,” he said. “It’s not all things to all people, not
everyone is using it but it is being used. It’s not the same energy, but at
least there’s a connection there.”
The relapse issue
Businesses and schools being shut down, orders
to stay at home, a constant stream of stories about infections and
deaths — it’s enough to shake even the sturdiest foundation. Those dealing
with drug or alcohol addiction are no exception.
“Recovering people are no different than
anybody, and all of us are feeling the stress and anxiety of this
pandemic,” Papademetirou said.
So far, that hasn’t equated to a big jump in
people seeking treatment, he said.
“Anxiety and stress is one of those
triggers that could push someone into relapse,” he said. “I’m hearing
of some, but not mass, relapses.”
Papademetriou is anticipating a little bump in
the number of people reaching out to COCA about alcohol abuse.
Greg, from Alcoholics Anonymous, said that along
with stress and anxiety, isolation can be a trigger for alcohol abuse.
“We drink in isolation, most of us,”
he said.
But if someone is committed to recovery, he
said, committed to the principles of the program, the pandemic shouldn’t create
undo danger for alcoholics.
“Anybody who wants to stay sober will stay
sober,” he said. “Anybody who wants to drink will drink.”
Silver linings
Times are a bit tough right now, Greg said, but
also somewhat transformational.
“I don’t care what the catastrophe is,
there are silver linings,” he said.
Greg said Alcoholics Anonymous’ need to rely on
technology during the coronavirus crisis has opened up a whole new world. While
he said he doesn’t think it will ever replace face-to-face meetings, it adds
another tool to the belt that can provide people with better access to help.
“We’re discovering there are so many people
who have been homebound, who can’t get to meetings,” he said.
“They’re so joyful now that they have meetings to attend. It’s bringing
them to tears.”
Greg said online meetings will come in handy for
someone who falls ill or, perhaps, is out of town and can’t find an in-person
meeting to attend.
“While the situation is horrible, there are
some things we’re using now that we can use in the future.”
“I’m thankful we have technology to bridge
us through,” he said. “I know that when the dust settles, one of the
things coming out of this is there might be some tools we’re using now that we
can integrate in.
Papademetriou took a similar, positive outlook
on some of the changes that have been forced upon the treatment and recovery
community. [...]
Level III PARR Recovery ResidenceDecember 10, 2019In The MediaFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kimberly CarlanceCommunity Outreach Coordinator610-373-2463kcarlance@ediinc.org
Easy Does It, Inc. Receives Certification as a Level III Recovery Residence
Easy Does It, Inc. (EDI) proudly announces its recent certification as a Level III Recovery Residence by PARR, the Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences. In association with the National Association of Recovery Residences, PARR is an independent body that certifies recovery housing operators to ensure the safety and accountability of residents and facilities.
“Easy Does It, Inc. has always strived to meet the highest standards of safety and care in its supportive housing programs for individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. Receiving Level III PARR certification is further evidence that EDI is the flagship recovery housing provider in Berks County,” stated Scott Althouse, Executive Director of EDI.
Proudly serving and building a supportive recovery community for 30 years, Easy Does It, Inc. (EDI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals recovering from the effects of substance use disorder. EDI’s housing programs are strongly supported by the Council on Chemical Abuse, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Caron Treatment Centers, and many other local organizations and individuals in the Berks County recovery community.
For more information on EDI’s supportive housing programs and recovery oriented events, please visit our website at www.easydoesitinc.org. [...]