Delaware County Council declared September as Recovery Month in Delaware County, and praised the work of two recovery house programs, Myra’s Place and MVP.

“September is National Recovery Month, a time when we need to celebrate the people who are living healthy and productive lives in recovery, and a time to recognize the dedicated people who work to make recovery possible,” said Councilman Dave White, a member of the Heroin Task Force. “While our Human Services Department and our partners in the community work year-round to combat addiction, September gives us a chance to spotlight the programs that offer treatment and recovery.

“Any individual who has overcome an addiction knows that it is not an easy process, and it is ongoing. During Recovery Month, we stand with these brave individuals, and we support all efforts to get people into treatment instead of jail.”

The Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol, works tirelessly to make sure all individuals can get connected to treatment. At the Sept. 21 Council meeting, Council presented resolutions recognizing Recovery month and commended two programs that provide housing, education, and support to men and women in recovery.

Myra’s Place was founded by Barri Pepe, a social worker who graduated from Widener University. She’s worked in the field for more than 15 years, and in August 2011, she established Myra’s Place, the first recovery house for women in Delaware County.

Ms. Pepe named her program after Myra Manley, a friend of hers who disappeared in 1983 and has never been heard from again. That tragedy inspired her to create a recovery home for women, where they can live independently while pursuing their goals of recovery, employment, and education.

MVP is a recovery home provider that serves men. MVP stands for Motivation, Vitality, and Perseverance. The owner is Brian Corson, a lifelong Delaware County resident who wants to help people on their path to recovery. At MVP, the staff provides an intense, structured, three-phase program that helps men live responsible, independent, and purpose-driven lives.

“My work on Delaware County’s Heroin Task Force has made me painfully aware of the toll that addiction is taking on our families and our communities,” White said. “You hear about the heroin and opioid epidemic that is taking lives. Now we will try to create an epidemic of recovery to save lives.”

For information on treatment programs, individuals can contact the Office of Behavioral Health at 610-713-2365.