It’s not just a renovation. It’s a transformation.
And not only for a building, but for those the building serves.
Lehigh County Drug & Alcohol Services, in partnership with Treatment Trends, Inc., Lehigh County District Attorney’s office and Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, has reopened Treatment Trends Allentown Residential following a $1-million renovation funded through Pennsylvania’s opioid settlement.
The March 6 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated center city Allentown facility was attended by county, area and state officials.
In addition to opioid settlement funds, the project was funded by drug arrests forfeiture money.
Treatment Trends Allentown Residential, formerly Keenan House, is a 50-bed facility for reentry-focused services.
The residential treatment facility, 18 S. Sixth St., Allentown, supports those returning from incarceration.
The four-floor facility has bedrooms, gym, relaxation rooms with computers, television, pool table and other amenities, bathrooms, meeting rooms and staff offices.
“I’m so excited about this program. This was one of the strongest programs in the state,” Gary Tennis, secretary, 2012-2017, Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, said to a reporter for Lehigh Valley Press at the Treatment Trends event.
“This is an incredible victory for Lehigh County,” Lehigh County Executive Joshua Siegel said in opening remarks at the podium.
“Really, the victory here is for the previous Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin and Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan in [use of] the opioid settlement,” said Siegel.
“This facility represents hope and healing,” Siegel said, adding, “Let’s continue to do the good work.”
Holihan said the project almost didn’t happen.
“The money was not spent. We had five months to spend $1 million,” Holihan said, referring to the opioid settlement funds. “We were able to redirect the money,” said Holihan, praising the collaboration of Lehigh County Drug & Alcohol Services Administrator Joe Martellucci.
“Once we realized what the needs were in our community, we utilized the opioid settlement funds and drug cases arrest forfeiture money,” Holihan said.
“The concept is that recovery should be available and make recovery less a privilege and more a right,” said Holihan.
“For more than 50 years, this has been more than a building,” Facility Director, Allentown Residential, Chelsea Edmunds said of the newly-renovated facility, noting that admissions were suspended May 1, 2024.
“We were at a crossroads. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Lehigh County Drug & Alcohol Services, just as we give second chances, we were given a second chance,” said Edmunds, adding, “This isn’t just a reopening. It’s a rebirth.”
Architect firm for the project was Alloy5. Construction was by Elevate Construction Partnership.
“This building may be renovated, but it’s the people inside who make it extraordinary,” Edmunds said, concluding, “At Allentown Residential, we restore each person.”
“It’s totally different. It’s peaceful and welcoming,” Executive Director, Treatment Trends, Inc. John E. Dillensnyder III said of the renovated facility.
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank the founders of this organization, the Csandl family,” Dillensnyder said, referring to Keenan House-Treatment Trends co-founders Richard S. Csandl (1937-1988) and Robert Csandl, former executive director, Treatment Trends.
State Sen. Nick Miller (D- 12) presented a proclamation to Dillensnyder.
Andrew D’Angelo, Executive Director, Center for Humanistic Change, was event emcee.
Speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Lehigh County Commissioner Geoff Brace.
Attendees included Joe Martellucci, Administrator, Lehigh County Drug & Alcohol Services; Molly Stanton, Assistant Administrator, Lehigh County Drug & Alcohol Services, and Michelle Ellison, Opioid Settlement Program Manager, Lehigh Valley Intake Unit.
The Treatment Trends project restores 50 local inpatient beds after residents were being placed outside the county.
The program is introducing a specialized track for individuals reentering from incarceration, aimed at improving recovery outcomes and public safety.
Lunch at the ribbon-cutting was catered by Tacos Y Tequila. Refreshments and other event elements were underwritten by the Center for Humanistic Change.
Treatment Trends information: https://www.treatmenttrends.org/
PRESS PHOTO BY SHERI BAYNELeft to right: State Sen. Nick Miller (D- 12) in proclamation presentation to John Dillensnyder, Executive Director, Treatment Trends, Inc. Allentown Residential.
PRESS PHOTO BY SHERI BAYNELehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan
PRESS PHOTO BY SHERI BAYNEJohn Dillensnyder, Executive Director, Treatment Trends, Inc. Allentown
PRESS PHOTO BY SHERI BAYNEChelsea Edmunds, Facility Director, Treatment Trends, Inc. Allentown
PRESS PHOTO BY SHERI BAYNELeft to right: John Dillensnyder, Executive Director, Treatment Trends, Inc. Allentown Residential; Gavin Holihan, Lehigh County District Attorney; Joe Martellucci, Lehigh County Drug & Alcohol Services Administrator; Chelsea Edmunds, Facility Director, Treatment Trends, Inc. Allentown Residential; Geoff Brace, Lehigh County Commissioner; Josh Siegel, Lehigh County Executive, and State Sen. (D-14) Nick Miller at March 6 ribbon-cutting for renovated Treatment Trends, Inc. Allentown Residential.