Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol to premiere “Voices of Recovery,” featuring firsthand testimonials, community recognition, and the opening of new Journeys family support resources at the newly renovated lower level of Change on Hamilton
ALLENTOWN, Pa., March 17, 2026 – Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol, through its Rise Above Opioids campaign, will host Voices of Recovery: Stories of Strength, a community event sharing firsthand video testimonials of recovery while celebrating new Journeys programming designed to support individuals and families with children affected by substance use disorder.
Open to the public, the event will take place Friday, March 27, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Change on Hamilton Recovery Center, 927 Hamilton Street in Allentown, Pa. Lunch will be provided for attendees.
“Voices of Recovery: Stories of Strength” is designed to humanize addiction and recovery by centering real people and real stories. Participants share their experiences with substance use, mental health challenges, and other struggles, as well as the support systems that helped rebuild their lives, relationships, and health. By sharing openly, they help break down stigma to show others that recovery is possible and that no one has to face addiction alone.
“At the heart of our work is the belief that recovery is possible for everyone,” said Joe Martellucci, administrator of Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol. “When individuals share their stories of resilience and healing, it reminds others who may be struggling that help is available and that there is hope for a healthier future.”
At the center of the program is the premiere screening of a Rise Above Opioids video testimonial series, featuring local individuals who have experienced addiction and found diverse paths to recovery. Through candid storytelling, the participants reflect on the challenges of addiction, the importance of treatment and peer support, and the hope recovery can bring to individuals experiencing active addiction and to the families who love them.
The event will also include special recognition of the individuals featured in the videos, several of whom will be present and may offer brief remarks about their personal journeys.
Voices of Recovery: Stories of Strength
Video presentation, remarks and community celebration
When: Friday, March 27, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (lunch served)
Where: Change on Hamilton, 927 Hamilton St., Allentown, Pa. 18101
Event Registration: Voices of Recovery: Stories of Strength Registration
The program will also celebrate the grand opening of Change on Hamilton’s newly renovated lower level, now home to Journeys, a program for families and children which includes the center’s
Child Watch program, a support service that allows individuals enrolled in various recovery programs to attend meetings, counseling sessions, or other recovery-related appointments while their child receives short-term care onsite.
“Families are often deeply impacted by substance use disorder. Recovery becomes stronger when we support the whole family,” said Molly Stanton, Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol’s assistant administrator. “Programs like Journeys and Child Watch help remove real-life barriers that can prevent someone from getting the help they need, especially parents who may otherwise have to choose between attending recovery services and caring for their children.”
These extended services and programming are part of Lehigh County’s broader Rise Above Opioids initiative, which combines prevention, education, treatment access, harm reduction, and recovery support to respond to the opioid crisis through evidence-based strategies and strong community partnerships. For more information, visit RiseAboveOpioids.org.
About Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol
Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol is the county’s central agency for planning, funding, and coordinating behavioral-health services related to substance use and recovery. The department works closely with treatment providers, healthcare systems, schools, law enforcement, and community partners to deliver prevention programming, screenings and assessments, outpatient and inpatient treatment referrals, case management, and recovery supports. Recent investments, guided by community need and supported in part by opioid settlement funds, have expanded local treatment capacity and harm-reduction services, including Narcan distribution and community education initiatives. Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol is committed to reducing barriers to care, promoting evidence-based practices, and supporting people and families on the path to sustained recovery. To learn more about county services and local resources, visit RiseAboveOpioids.org or contact Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol.
About Change on Hamilton Recovery Center
Change on Hamilton Recovery Center is a vital part of Lehigh County’s harm reduction strategy, operated by volunteers in recovery and professional staff. Change on Hamilton’s mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for individuals navigating all stages of recovery from substance use. The center provides case management, 12-step support groups, recovery activities, clothing banks, and community drives to meet the diverse needs of those seeking support. While not a treatment facility, the center offers referrals to treatment and essential resources for individuals at all stages of recovery. The center’s programs are designed to foster hope, inspire change, and empower individuals to build meaningful lives in recovery.
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