The Oasis Community Center charted new ground when it opened with a ceremony attended by more than 150 guests recently.

Located in the historic Park Plaza Farmhouse, at 3400 Bath Pike, the center is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania and will serve families and individuals impacted by Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

Special speakers at the June 28 grand opening included Jennifer Smith, secretary, PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; Lamont McClure, Northampton County executive; Marcia Hahn, Pa state representative; Robert Donchez, mayor, City of Bethlehem; and John J. Finnegan Jr., Hanover Township manager.

The Oasis Community Center is operated under the auspices of Speak Up for Ben, Inc, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization and is made possible through support from the County of Northampton Department of Human Services Drug and Alcohol Division.

“As a nonprofit organization, we are thrilled to announce the opening of the Oasis Community Center for Northampton County,” said Rhonda Miller, Speak Up for Ben executive director.

“Opening a recovery center for families has been a dream of ours for many years as we battled alongside our son Ben’s disease of Substance Use Disorder.” “We know first hand that families often lack the support they need. We are excited for this project to finally come to fruition,” Miller said.

The Miller family founded Speak Up for Ben, Inc. after losing their 23-year-old son and brother, Ben, in 2016.

The Oasis Community Center is not a drug and alcohol or mental health treatment facility, nor will anyone reside at the location. Rather, the center serves families who have experienced substance-related loss and for those currently dealing with a loved one’s substance use by offering resources, support and holistic healing activities.

The center offers family support meetings, grief recovery groups, and experiential healing activities. Details on the center’s events and programs will be determined by the executive director and a steering committee comprised of Northampton County community residents who are committed to promoting and advancing family recovery.

“On any given day, for example, there may be a 12-step family support meeting, an art or cooking class, and a children’s program,” said Matthew Bartos, Speak Up for Ben board president. “The healing modalities will be very nurturing. We welcome anyone who has experienced a loved one’s substance use to visit.”

The drop-in center will be open weekdays for regular programs and on occasional weekends for special events. At least one Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) will be on-site. A Certified Family Recovery Specialist is specifically trained in supporting family members seeking recovery from a loved one’s addiction.

For more information, visit www.oasisbethlehem.org, on Facebook at oasisbethlehem, or email rhonda@speakupforben.org.

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