Ramona Davis

At POWER since 2002
Starting position: POWER Connection Mentor
Current position: POWER Connection Mentor Supervisor

Ramona Davis has been sharing her gifts with clients, colleagues, CYF, and other providers for nearly 20 years. She came to POWER as a mentor; now she leads former clients as they train the next generation of mentors.

What Ramona’s Colleagues Say

POWER Connection Program Manager Lisa Penn says it best. “Ramona is the GOAT.”

“She’s pleasant and even tempered. She’s not judgmental and is able to accept people completely. The people she leads feel prepared, supported and empowered. Her peers look to her for sound advice. She understands the human aspect of addiction and easily applies the science of it in her conversations with CYF (i.e. reducing stigma and explaining the “how’s and why’s and what’s” to help caseworkers work with their families in a more humane and knowledgeable way). She’s reliable and constant, true to her word.”

Lisa says she has learned a lot from Ramona over the last two decades.

“I’ve learned to listen more and say less. I’ve learned that if I’m more organized and structured than it’s really less work—if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. I’ve learned to get more information before I make a decision, to ask questions to gain perspective. I’ve also learned life lessons about being a better partner and mother.”  

Who Inspires Ramona

While there is much to be said about how Ramona influences others, her response when asked about her own inspirations is immediate and concise. “My God and my children.”

Lisa Penn

At POWER since 2004
Starting position: POWER Connection Supervisor
Current position: POWER Connection Program Manager

Lisa Penn has been a steady figure in POWER for nearly 18 years, removing barriers for clients and advocating for her colleagues.

What Lisa’s Colleagues Say

Clinical Director Kara Hall says her favorite thing about Lisa is her sense of humor.

“Lisa fully embodies the mission and culture of POWER. She is always friendly, welcoming, and helpful for anyone who is new or visiting POWER. Everyone at CYF absolutely loves her and if you try to go anywhere with her in public (pre-pandemic) you have to be prepared that she knows absolutely everyone, and EVERYONE wants to say hi and chat with Lisa. She looks out for everyone, always asking her colleagues how they are doing if they are ok. “

POWER Connection Supervisor Ramona Davis says Lisa is one of her heroes and a great role model.

“She’s been in my life for a very long time. She has guided me, pushed me, hugged me, and, I know, loved me every step of the way.”

POWER Connection Susanne Forquer appreciates Lisa’s calming presence.

“She does a great job of reminding us to ‘breathe’ and take care of ourselves. She is a wonderful collaborator and knows exactly who to call when there’s a barrier to be addressed.” 

Who Inspires Lisa

Lisa’s maternal grandmother, Laura (Roach) Colbert, is a fount of inspiration. She is described as loyal, empathetic, selfless, and spiritually grounded. Ms. Colbert’s was also the first African American graduate of Mount Mercy College (now Carlow College), a classically trained pianist, and the mother of 8 children who were all groundbreakers in their own professional endeavors.

Cynthia Wright-Jones

At POWER since 2003
Starting position: Mentor
Current position: Central Intake Specialist

Cynthia Wright-Jones is a strong advocate for POWER’s Mission and is proud to have been able to grow with POWER throughout her 19 years of ongoing employment. As a Mentor and Mentor Trainer, she provided guidance and support to her clients and POWER colleagues. Now, as a Central Intake Specialist, she is the voice of comfort when people struggling with addiction call for help.

What Cynthia’s Colleagues Say

When faced with challenges, Lisa Childers asks herself, “What would Cynthia do?”

“Cynthia has always been a great person to bounce ideas off of, is a great resource, and her positive interactions with clients appear effortless.”

Cynthia taught Lisa to look for the ‘Mentoring moment’, the best time to provide feedback to clients, and how to do so in a positive way. 

“Cynthia has a way with clients that makes them immediately receptive. Cynthia is always calm and inspiring in her interactions. Watching her client interactions made me want to be like her as a Mentor. Cynthia is dedicated to POWER and the clients we serve.”

Who Inspires Cynthia

Her daughter Shakina is an inspiration because she has accomplished so much over her lifetime thus far: obtained a Master’s Degree, bought a home, and is a great mother to twins. Shakina is supportive of Cynthia in everything she does and is always willing to help those in need. Cynthia says she and her daughter have always had a close relationship, even during difficult times.

Cynthia is also inspired by POWER CEO Rosa because she is approachable, supportive to all, has an open door policy, and truly listens to colleagues.

Women experience substance use disorders differently than men.

While women are just as likely as men to develop a substance use disorder, there are many differences in the effects of addiction between men and women. They also face unique obstacles to effective treatment.

How addiction affects women differently:

• Women are more likely to start using substances to self-medicate. 
• Women develop dependency more quickly.
• Women may experience more severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 
• Women are at greater risk for fatal overdose and relapse. 

Biological factors such as hormone production and body composition are responsible for some of differences in how our bodies respond to substances. We can also see the impact of society in how addiction affects women and men differently.

Women bear multiple loads of responsibility like work, childcare, home care, and community involvement. These responsibilities, as well as addiction stigma, relationship dynamics, and more, affect how women access treatment and what they need from it.

Research shows that women are most successful with their recovery when the care they receive is holistic, strengths-based, and addresses the issues that matter most to them. A woman-centered treatment team sees women for who they are and individualizes treatment accordingly

If you or a woman you know are struggling with alcohol or other drugs, we can help you find woman-centered addiction treatment in the Pittsburgh area. Call the POWER Line at 412-243-8755.

POWER Mentor Stephanie learned Becky* wasn’t attending outpatient therapy as part of her addiction treatment because of transportation issues. Becky said she didn’t understand the bus system and didn’t feel comfortable riding the bus alone for the first time.

As a woman in long-term recovery herself, Stephanie understands the importance of building a solid foundation in the early stages of recovery. She knew Becky’s chances of success would be much better if she could continue her treatment with a therapist trained to deal with trauma and substance use disorders.

Stephanie was committed to helping Becky find a workable solution.

She helped Becky research the bus lines she would need to take to get to therapy. She secured two bus tickets for the initial trip and ensured Becky would have ongoing access to Port Authority passes.

Then, together, Becky and Stephanie boarded a bus bound for POWER New Day. After a successful one-hour trip to therapy, the pair finished the day with another hour-long bus ride home.

According to Stephanie’s supervisor, “This is a perfect example of how POWER Mentors help women in recovery overcome barriers to treatment by coordinating services, transferring skills, and instilling confidence!”

It was exactly what Becky needed to overcome another obstacle to recovery.

Becky says she is much more comfortable using the bus now. As a result, she is attending outpatient therapy at POWER New Day to strengthen her recovery from addiction. Research shows that the longer Becky is able to receive treatment, the better her chances for long-term recovery.

Stephanie wasn’t able to shorten the travel time required for Becky to get to treatment. But she did teach her client an important lesson about recovery and life: no matter how long the journey, it’s easier to take with a partner and a plan.

*Name changed to protect client’s privacy.

By Karen Harris Brooks

Mary E. Calland, known as “Emmie,” is proof that the power of a woman is valued and appreciated in the business world today, be it non-profit or corporate. But when one is found who possesses enthusiasm, empathy, and ethics, you come across a genuine and transparent leader. Known for her work in the realm of non-profit, the Director of Strategic Projects and Foundation Initiatives for The Pittsburgh Foundation is a woman who continues to make strides in a world that opens opportunities for others. The Mt. Lebanon native carries within her heart a “passion for volunteering.” Possessing the gift of recognizing community needs, her dossier includes experience with the Vincentian Service Corp, Americorp, Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, and Higher Achievement Pittsburgh.

Passionate about her roots and the community in which she grew up, Calland studied Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree. Continuing her education, she returned home to pursue her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public and International Affairs. During her studies, the department’s Leadership Program recognized the capabilities of the graduate student, thereby recommending her to serve as a Board member for the Pennsylvania Organization of Women in Early Recovery (POWER). The one-year appointment enabled the born leader to “not only serve but continue a path of learning while serving.”

During that time, a friendship of mutual respect and admiration was formed between Rosa Davis, POWER’s Chief Executive Officer, and the student Board member. Completing her year of service, Rosa and Emmie both came to the realization that it was not time for her ‘POWER tenure’ to come to an end. It was the “mission of the organization” that led the young woman to readily accept a position on POWER’s Board. Without hesitation, she states, “POWER selected me and I selected POWER. Rosa is a wonderful leader who leads a passionate staff. This is a caring organization and that care is evident from the top down. Compassion and care are so embedded in the work itself. We are empowering society’s most stigmatized people. There is a sense of true care and respect in a group that wants to empower women. I was drawn in by the Board, the ethics, and the way the organization does its’ work with so much compassion for people who are experiencing addiction. They do it well and they do it with empathy. The staff, Rosa, and the Board members are there for the right reasons and are improving our city by helping and assisting the people we serve. The organization is focused on the right things. Addiction is something that runs across our entire culture in Pittsburgh.”

Elected President of the Board on June 28, 2018, one can readily perceive that Calland does not take her responsibility lightly. Excited about the accomplishments of POWER, she is also proud of the future opportunities of the organization. “The new Detox Center in Wilkinsburg offers a continuum of care that will provide services to women as they go through this journey, reaching important steps. We are intentional in filling in the gaps for women by providing opportunities and helping them feel full of hope and happiness. The future Swissvale campus of the POWER House will allow us to be able to serve more people while providing a variety of services such as primary health care, child care, resources, and wraparound services.”

When questioned about the Board’s interaction with the personnel and clients of POWER, the confident President states, “I see the Board as being a resource to the staff, supporting them as they work to support our clients. Our position is to help POWER with strategic planning, providing guidance for decision making, and providing financial and legal responsibility for the agency. My hope is that, at the end of the day, the staff and clients can come and let us know where support is needed and how we can help. The Staff is enabled to do their work and the clients should be entitled to their privacy; however, we serve as a constant resource to assist POWER’s staff”.

In response to the tough question of the Board’s input with the active Anti-Racism Task Force, Calland answers thoughtfully, but without hesitation. “My hope is that the Board can really lead the fight against racial injustice. It is a journey and that journey is ongoing. It is not something that we work on for a few months and complete. It is a lens from which we have to do all our work going forward. I want the Board to lead our commitment and in so doing, tackle the tough questions. We need to be a leader in taking the step of commitment that ensures that POWER is an equitable place and a good example of an organization that embraces equity and inclusion.”

There are so many ways that define the qualities of Mary E. Calland. Her integrity stands on the foundation of her ethics; her individuality is enhanced by her empathetic nature and her confidence is embraced by her enthusiasm. It is the leadership of the Board of Directors, the Administrative Team and the POWER staff that provides the opportunity of endless possibilities for the clients of POWER.

These are some of the signs that you may be experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

Of course, not everyone will experience withdrawal when they quit drinking, and symptoms and severity will vary among those who do.

Fortunately, help is available to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and safely begin the recovery journey.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or other drugs, a free screening and assessment can help you determine the best way for you to safely quit drinking. Call the POWER Line at 412-243-8755.

Cynthia, 28 years in recovery

When I go to functions where there is drinking, I always take someone with me that knows that I’m in recovery as support. Because I’m gonna tell you, no matter how much time you have clean, you can still be triggered.

Meg, 22 years in recovery

I’ve been in recovery for 22 years, and this one has served me well. And that is to hang out at the kids’ table and in the game room playing with the kids during holiday events. Keeps me away from the alcohol.

Ramona, 26 years in recovery

Never leave home without someone that would come and get you in your time of need. Have that one person that you can depend on, no matter what time night or day it might be, that your stomach tells you, “you need to get out because it feels uncomfortable.”

Tracey, 13 years in recovery

I like to bring my beverage to any gathering, that way if they ask me if I’d like something to drink, I say, “No, I already have something.”

Kathy, 33 years in recovery

If you’re going out to celebrate with your family and friends, and you’re newly in recovery or you’ve been in recovery for a while, we suggest that you take someone with you. Because the ultimate weapon for the disease of addiction is another recovering addict. Therefore, if you’re in the room with your family or friends, and events are starting to take place and you’re starting to feel as though it’s too much for you, you’ll have someone there to be there as your support.

Enjoy your holiday, and remember: don’t take the first one!

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