Oasis Recovery Club Receives $712K to Expand Services and Meet Growing Community Needs

Oasis Recovery Club has been awarded $712,690 to expand its services and better meet the needs of individuals seeking recovery support. With this grant, Oasis will be fully equipped to serve all individuals in need, with the necessary personnel, systems, and resources in place.

Since 2019, Oasis has provided a safe, inclusive space for individuals to access education, support, and resources to continue their recovery journey. However, Oasis has identified a growing need within the community that exceeds its current resources, recognizing that expanding services is essential to fully support those in recovery.

To address the need for additional resources, Oasis reached out to Betsy Kramer, CEcD, EDP, program manager at SEDA-Council of Governments, to seek funding to expand its services. With Kramer’s assistance, Oasis applied for funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs earlier this year and successfully secured the grant in December. These funds will enable Oasis to expand its substance use disorder drop-in center services.

These funds are part of a nearly $20M investment by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to fund and support life-saving resources for people battling substance use disorders.

The expansion of Oasis includes offering more group meetings, such as 12-step programs, and extending drop-in support hours to provide greater flexibility in meeting community needs. Services will include daily AA and NA meetings, harm reduction initiatives, peer support groups, and resources like food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.

Another key component of this expansion is increasing staffing to ensure consistent and comprehensive support at all stages of recovery and allow Oasis to increase its operating hours to 40 hours per week. It will enable more one-on-one support, additional group sessions, and increased access to resources, significantly enhancing Oasis’ impact on individuals in recovery. Staff changes include transitioning from a part-time to a full-time certified recovery specialist and hiring a community resource coordinator.

Additionally, Oasis plans to purchase a passenger van to enhance its ability to serve the community. This van will provide crucial transportation for individuals who face barriers accessing Oasis’ services, particularly those in rural or underserved areas. It will also support outreach efforts by expanding Oasis’ reach to remote communities, delivering resources such as food and clothing, and facilitating transportation to treatment appointments or recovery-related activities. This addition will ensure that more individuals can benefit from Oasis’ services.

With these enhanced resources, Oasis will be better equipped to meet the growing needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorder in the City of Shamokin and Northumberland County. By doing so, the center will play a pivotal role in promoting broader social and economic improvements, supporting individuals in maintaining employment, stabilizing housing, and reducing the strain on healthcare services. Additionally, Oasis will contribute to addressing the opioid crisis and strengthening community resilience.

For individuals in need of support, those who know someone who could benefit, or anyone interested in learning more about Oasis Recovery Club’s services, please visit oasis4recovery.com or call 570-500-0759.