Sen. Chris Coons pushed for funding to help renovate 44-bed residential treatment center amid soaring addiction and overdose rates in Delaware.
WILMINGTON, De. (March 15, 2022) – Gaudenzia, Inc.’s Fresh Start treatment center, which has served Delaware clients with substance use disorder for nearly two decades, will receive $337,000 for renovations under a federal appropriation spearheaded by Sen. Chris Coons.
The funding will allow Gaudenzia to make a number of repairs at the 44-bed residential facility, including replacement of windows and flooring, an upgraded HVAC system, a renovated basement and enhanced security. These renovations are needed to improve the patient experience, allowing them to better focus on their treatment.
Fresh Start opened in 2003 in Newark and moved to its current site in Wilmington in 2006. The 88-year-old building it occupies now is the former Goldey-Beacom College.
Fresh Start provides evidence-based residential treatment services for substance use and co-occurring disorders. Medication-assisted treatment is offered as an option to all clients and will soon offer three options for withdrawal management: Medically supervised, clinically supervised and ambulatory. These services are needed more than ever as addiction and overdose rates have soared in Delaware and the U.S. during the past two years due to the pandemic.
“We are grateful to Sen. Coons for this appropriation and his commitment to those experiencing substance use disorder,” said Dr. Dale Klatzker, chief executive officer of Gaudenzia. “Day after day people arrive at Fresh Start who are in dire need of addiction treatment services. They are often alone and without a strong supportive network. Through the various treatment programs at Fresh Start, we give them the evidence-based care, support and counseling needed to thrive. This benefits us all.”
Services at Fresh Start include individual and group counseling, AA/NA meetings, GED help, educational and vocational planning and referral, spiritual support and connection to medical, legal housing and continuing care services.
“When patients complete our care, they have a plan to follow that includes personal, vocational and housing goals,” Klatzker said. “This provides a support structure needed for long-term success.”
Gaudenzia operates two facilities in Delaware, which serve approximately 250 people a year.
More information on Gaudenzia’s programs, which help the neediest clients in the communities they serve, can be found at gaudenzia.org. Those who are in need of treatment can call Gaudenzia’s 24/7 Treatment and Referral Helpline at 833-976-HELP (4357).
