ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A rebirth for an Allentown building that’s helping those in need of one themselves.
After a long wait, Treatment Trends 6th Street residential program is now fully open again.
“We’re here to give them that that second chance, third chance, fourth chance. It doesn’t matter how many times that it takes them to get it, we’re always going to be here,” said Treatment Trends facility director Chelsea Edmunds.
This grand-re-opening represents an Allentown building’s second chance that’s been a home of second chances.
“That’s what gets me emotional, because this facility itself has been around for 53 years, maybe not in this direct building, but it saves lives,” she said.
Lives on edge, disrupted in May 2024 when escalating maintenance costs closed the 6th Street building. Thanks to a 1 million dollar renovation, fully funded through the state’s opioid settlement funds, and directed by the Lehigh County DA’s office, the halls are brighter, and bigger, as are a slate of new bedrooms, lounges, exam rooms create a family atmosphere, to help reduce risk of a relapse says Executive Director John Dillensynder.
“Treatment works. Recovery is possible, and that’s what I believe. And when I see that, it’s great. When people don’t make it. We hope that they come back again,” he said.
A return address for some that still includes an individualized treatment plan with a counselor, group therapy, total support to succeed.
For Edmunds, who’s family has both succeeded and fallen from addiction, this place is one built on second chances.
“Someplace, safe, be fed, be provided clothing. Having somebody see them as a person and not as a number,” Edmunds said.
The residential building re-opened quietly in December. There are currently 13 residents with room for 50.