Snapshots of BIPOC-Led OUD-SUD Programs and Services

Organization Profiles of Selected Campaign Partners

Three Rivers Youth

Helping Youth, Families and Adults with the Support
they Need Towards a Successful SUD Recovery

Primary neighborhoods served or site location –
East Side, Braddock and McKeesport

What They Do in a Nutshell –

Case management services; diversion prevention programs; recovery support with Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS); level of-care assessments; and outpatient treatment.

 

Differentiator –

Three Rivers Youth focuses on intervention and diversion from coping with drugs and alcohol for youth and rebuilding foundations for adults experiencing substance use/misuse disorders.

Desired Outcomes –

Known for their drive and desire – Three Rivers Youth has been committed to East Side community members since 1880 and is invested in restoring the lives of children, adults and families in the broader community.

Read More About Three Rivers Youth

One of the nation’s oldest organizations serving Black youth, Three Rivers Youth (TRY) is committed to helping and providing behavioral health, employment, treatment and recovery support services for at-risk youth and their families.

With locations and services across the County, its primary focus is serving at-risk BIPOC middle and high school students by providing a range of resources that include drug & alcohol related services, behavioral health, foster care and more. Although TRY is known for helping young people, they are also known for providing exceptional treatment and recovery services to adults experiencing substance use disorders (SUD).

The TRY drug and alcohol program is rooted in an evidence-based, restorative practice and diversion prevention program, which aims to divert kids from the school-to-prison pipeline by supporting their academic achievements. In lieu of academic suspension, students can participate in this program while continuing to learn and stay present in the school setting.

Through this intervention method, Three Rivers Youth aims to redirect mindsets from coping with drug and alcohol substances. TRY also provides outstanding out-patient treatment service for youth and adults struggling with substance use disorders and offers recovery support services through Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS).

Peggy B. Harris, President, and CEO

Digital Presence:

Contact Three Rivers Youth:

Central Outreach Resource and Referral Center

Does a Grassroots Approach Really Work?
The Central Outreach Resource and Referral Center Would Know

Primary neighborhoods served or site location –
Hill District area and the surrounding neighborhoods 

What They Do in a Nutshell –

The referral center does intake assessments over the phone; drug and alcohol treatment referrals; HIV/STD/Hep-C testing and aftercare support services; and provides services for people without insurance.

Differentiator –

Clients can call and get immediate intake assessments and information over the phone. By providing support groups and counseling, Central Outreach Resource and Referral Center is known for understanding and supporting their clients’ cultural and personal needs while helping them get the care they need.

Desired Outcomes –

Central Outreach Resource and Referral Center takes an old-school, grassroots approach to community-based services. Known for their boots-on-the-ground outreach, they are extremely effective at the work they do.

Read More About Central Outreach Resource & Referral Center

Central Outreach Resource and Referral Center (CORRC) aims to be the go-to resource for people affected by drug and alcohol use disorders. With a focus on serving the Hill District area, CORRC is a resource for people who are looking for and are ready to receive treatment and start their path towards recovery.

Many people who reach out to CORRC are part of the African American community. A center that helps connect people, CORRC refers individuals to a range of resources, including in- patient and out-patient withdrawal management options, HIV/STD/Hep-C testing and provides aftercare and support services and programs.

They also offer mobile testing where they provide rapid testing and health screenings. CORRC is dedicated to connecting people throughout their recovery process whether it is through mental health and support programs, community outreach or educational programs. The Central Outreach Resource and Referral Center is also well known for their boots-on-the-ground outreach and grassroots-centered, community-based resources. This helps people struggling with substance use disorders get the help and services they need and deserve.

Reverend Clifford Foster, Treasurer/Executive Director

Digital Presence:

Contact Central Outreach Resource & Referral Center:

Heuer House

How Heuer House Serves as a Faith-based
Sanctuary for SUD Recovery

Primary neighborhoods served or site location –
Mon Valley and McKeesport; East Liberty, Homewood and Wilkinsburg

They do this –

Drug and alcohol intervention and treatment programs for people with SUD; provides a Recovery Housing Program after treatment and workforce development; Heuer House also opened the McKeesport Resource Center, which is dedicated to helping families of those struggling with substance use/misuse receive help and guidance.

Differentiator –

Heuer House is a faith-based recovery services organization that provides individualized care and a safe and sober space for people experiencing SUD.

Desired Outcomes –

Heuer House’s heart is in it. Through faith-based recovery, they go above & beyond serving African American’s who are experiencing SUD’s.

Read More About Heuer House

Heuer House is known for its client-focused approach to helping people in the Mon Valley Area who are struggling with drug and alcohol substance use disorders (SUD). Heuer House supports both males and females ages 25-60. They have two separate recovery houses which have 14 beds available and promote a safe, sober and structured living atmosphere. The Heuer House recovery program is designed to help their clients address their substance use and help the individual face the emotional issues and trauma that often lead them to it.

As a non-profit, faith-based recovery services organization, patients follow a 12-step recovery program that is “designed to address not only substance use, but the specific emotional issues and trauma that often lead individuals to developing a substance use disorder.” Heuer House’s goal is to, “encourage and instill personal growth through educational, counseling, work-force training and spiritual development.” Some of Heuer House’s services also include providing employment opportunities at their café and thrift store, as well as GED classes and education opportunities that help individuals and set them up for future success.

Heuer House’s goal is to be there to help people struggling with SUD and their families every step of the way. Including their two recovery house locations, Heuer House has also recently opened their brand-new McKeesport Resource Center. This center provides support and extensive information about substance misuse and substance use disorders so family members of those struggling with SUD can learn more about how to support their loved one and be supported as well.

Walter Butler, Executive Director

DeVonna Johnson, Office and Engagement Coordinator

Digital Presence: 

Contact Heuer House

Sojourner House & Sojourner House MOMS

(Mentoring, Opportunity, Motivation, Spirituality)

Safe Haven for…

Sojourner House: Mothers with SUD and their Children
Sojourner House MOMS: Families Experiencing Homelessness

Primary neighborhoods served or site location – Bloomfield, Garfield and East Side areas, including East Liberty and Homewood

What They Do in a Nutshell –

Sojourner House (helping mothers experiencing SUD) and services for pregnant women; Sojourner House MOMS (helping families experiencing homelessness).

Differentiator –

Sojourner House is a faith-based, residential recovery service for mothers with children and expecting mothers who are experiencing substance use disorders. Sojourner House MOMS supports families experiencing homelessness.

Desired Outcomes –

Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS are staples in the community. They support and help deal with the realities of parents experiencing SUD’s and help keep families together.

Read More About Sojourner House

Sojourner House is a compassionate and faith-based organization committed to helping women with children and expecting mothers who are in need of drug and alcohol treatment and/or housing. The agency offers in-patient residential treatment in East Liberty and the surrounding areas, where they provide round-the-clock residential rehabilitation/support services for up to 14 families.

Families can stay between three and six months while the mothers are receiving treatment for their substance use disorder. Sojourner House provides exceptional support and helps coordinate services for mothers on MAT (medically assisted treatment). They also work with other local organizations that help mothers through this process. As of now, they have 14 apartments accessible for mothers with children (up to 3 kids under age 12) who are in intensive treatment. The children also receive counseling and services to help them recover from their own trauma as a result of the mom’s substance use/misuse, behavior, absence, etc.

Since 2004, Sojourner House MOMS, a sister project of Sojourner House, has been providing long-term housing (in approximately 40 units in buildings across the County), and recovery wellness and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness. This program, providing life skills, educational training, referrals to community services and more, has helped parents and their children increase self-sufficiency, so that they can confidently transition back into the community.

De’Netta Benjamin-Miller, Executive Director

Digital Presence:

Contact Sojourner House or Sojourner MOMS:

Za’kiyah House

How Za’kiyah House is Making a Difference in
SUD and Recovery Treatment

Primary neighborhoods served or site location –
Braddock (site location for Donnelle’s Safe Haven for Women) and Homewood (site location for Richard’s Place for Men)

What They Do in a Nutshell –

Recovery housing; immediate intake assessments; outreach programs/services; and family reunification.

Differentiator –

Outreach engagement and recovery events within the community are a staple within Za’kiyah House. Focusing on building relationships with the community and helping families of people with SUD have a better understanding of substance use/misuse, withdraw management and the process of recovery.

Desired Outcomes –

Za’kiyah House knows the recovery process looks different for everyone and is committed to helping people experiencing drug and alcohol use disorders. They recognize that there is no one way to recover and are here to be a support and guide towards whichever recovery path is taken.

Read More About Za'kiyah House

Za’kiyah House is dedicated to helping those who are experiencing SUD and seeking recovery housing in the Homewood and Braddock areas. Available to both men, women and transgender individuals, ages 18-70, Za’kiyah House specializes in individualized mental health services that are modeled around the best practices in the field of social work. It has two recovery housing (male and female) programs available to clients. Richard’s Place for Men, located in Homewood, is an eight-bed residential facility while Donnelle’s Safe Haven for Women, which is in Braddock, has accommodations for up to 14 residents. Both programs are exceptional at providing for people receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT). They also offer support groups, life skills and independent living training and more. On day one they begin with an individual assessment and address any immediate needs, whether it is clothing, food or means of communication.

Za’kiyah House recently acquired a donation where they have been renovating a former church building which they call “The Sanctuary.” Located in North Braddock, the new space will be transformed into affordable apartments, a social hall and sanctuary space to help expand the work and services Za’kiyah House is able to provide.

Ronna Davis-Moore, CEO

Digital Presence:

Contact Za’kiyah House:

aLPhA House

Community Comes First: How Alpha House is Working with Previously Incarcerated Individuals Who Experience SUDs Towards a Better Tomorrow

Primary neighborhoods served or site location –
Shadyside, Wilkinsburg and East Liberty

They do this –

Alpha House provides in-patient residential 24/7 monitoring and can accept individuals without health insurance or formal/official identification; offers outpatient program counseling; group and individual therapy and support.

Differentiator –

Alpha House helps previously incarcerated individuals experiencing SUDs reintegrate into the Shadyside community through neighborhood outings and events that help reconnect residents through their recovery journey.

Desired Outcomes –

“Building New Beginnings” through reconnecting with the community and equipping historically mistreated individuals experiencing SUDs with the tools they need to thrive.

Read More About Alpha House

With over 50+ years in operation, Alpha House has been a known resource for people experiencing substance use disorders in the Wilkinsburg, Shadyside and East Liberty areas. Many of Alpha House’s referrals come from the County’s justice-related services (i.e., individuals who are being released from the criminal justice system and must engage in recovery services as a condition of their release or probation). However, Alpha House serves all adults (men and women) ages 18+ who are seeking a high-quality recovery treatment experience, even those without health insurance or formal/ official identification.

The organization operates a 24/7 in-patient facility that provides residential and community- focused healing, rather than receiving in-patient treatment in a hospital or healthcare setting. Alpha House also offers effective outpatient services such as counseling, life skills training and behavioral health services.

CEO Tonisha Wilson, MSW, has helped make Alpha House a welcoming, culturally, and racially diverse space. Alpha House stresses the importance of connecting residents with outreach and services through community outings to help them through their recovery journey.

Tonisha Wilson, MSW, CEO

Digital Presence:

  • Website – https://alphahouseinc.org/

Contact Alpha House:

      • Phone – 1 (412) 363–4220
      • Email- info@alphahouseinc.org