Offering a Safe Place to Heal: Recovery Bank Opens in Scranton

Posted: Jun 6, 2019 / 12:41 PM EDT / Updated: Jun 6, 2019 / 12:57 PM EDT

(WBRE/WYOU-TV) Since 2014, Overdose deaths have gone up nearly 160 percent. In Lackawanna County people in recovery now have a safe place to heal. Eyewitness News Reporter Anja Whitehead shows us the New Recovery Bank in Scranton.

Here at the recovery bank on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton, they have transformed an old bank building into a home-like setting for people seeking help with addiction.

“The focus is, recovery. The idea being we are trying to connect with people who have been successful in recovery, various pathways to their recovery. With newer people who are new to recovery,” Said Frank Bolock, Project Manager The Recovery Bank

The recovery bank runs on volunteers. Many touched by addiction themselves showing visitors they are not alone.

“Because I am in recovery that’s one of the biggest things to help me stay well is to help other people. And I do love watching people grow,” Said Rose Nogan. Volunteer Coordinator The Recovery Bank

They have a number of healing techniques, from faith-based, to yoga, to art.

Helen Lavelle lost her sister 8 years ago to addiction and painting helps her in her own healing process.

“I really needed to move through my grief and art was a wonderful way to do that. I picked up a brush and haven’t stopped since. And I’ve also imparted that on other people too,” Noted Lavelle.

Addiction can be difficult to overcome but there is a community behind healing in Lackawanna County.

“The only way I’m able to stay sober because of the people who have helped me. And I was taught that in order to keep what I have I need to give it away,” Said Rose Nogan.

“We step forward, we move on, because believe me, this place is dedicated to those who have gone before us and they don’t want us to do anything except live out lives in the most positive way,” said Helen Lavelle.

If you or someone you know is struggling.. The Recovery Bank opens Friday, June 7 at 4 p-m.