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

The Program Manager of POWER New Day is an amazing young woman who is passionate about the mission of the Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery. When she began her educational quest, Rachael Perlick never planned to work in the field of substance use disorder treatment. Obtaining her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, the Psychology major continued her graduate studies at Slippery Rock University, majoring in Counseling.

It is evident that positive motivation is a huge part of Rachael’s life as she talks about a journey where the “pieces fell into place.” While working at Gateway Rehab as a Therapist, it was her compassion and strong desire to help others that brought her to the realization that she was in love with the work she was doing. “Intrigued by the POWER program, working with women, and the supportive trauma environment,” Perlick decided to take a step into a “different kind of role.” The beginning of a new year in 2017 brought that change to fruition when she accepted the position of Clinical Supervisor of POWER New Day.

The clinician knew “this is what I am supposed to be doing and where I am supposed to be doing this work.” Two years later, expecting her second child, the young mother made a conscious decision to “step down” to the part time position as the Perinatal Hope Therapist. By doing so, she was able to spend more time with her young family. Working with pregnant and post-partum women with substance abuse was a challenge, but she knew it placed her in a position to help change the lives of women who hold the future of their children in their own hands. In the 16th year of her own recovery, she acknowledges that POWER’s mission plays a huge impact” in the life of Rachael Perlick. “In particular, the mission to decrease the incidence of future generations is personal. My children have not seen me in active addiction,” she states. “That is so impactful in their development.” That commitment is the foundation of her relationship with her family. It also impacts her role in assisting those in recovery, ultimately affecting the development of ongoing generations.

Therapy requires courage and the PND Manager owns it without hesitation. There is a seriousness about her that embraces a sense of humor that she willingly shares in the midst of a stressful day. “When I am having a difficult day, I can go to certain people without a filter. We do very serious work, but what is more important is to take care of myself. At work, I do the best I can, but when I close that office door, I’m going home to take care of myself and my family. At the end of the day, the genuine part is finding my sense of humor and keeping it.” It is the support of her husband Jeff, daughter Harper (5) and son Hudson (3), who remind her of the joy when the light dims.

The changes within her department have also been challenging. However, with sincerity, she gives credit to her hard-working staff and also the support she receives from her direct supervisor. “That’s what makes the difference.”

It is that belief, confidence and strength within herself, as well as the women she serves, that proves she is a force that will touch ongoing generations of children. That is possible because of her dedication to women going through a struggle that was once so real for her. It is Rachael’s appreciation and love for her work that helps women reach for stars they thought they could never touch. Her heart is open, her personality is real, and her commitment is admirable.

POWER’s mission is to help women reclaim their lives from addiction and related emotional health issues and improve the well-being of future generations. For POWER New Day Program Manager Rachael Perlick, every word of that is personal.  

After earning her Master’s Degree in Counseling at Slippery Rock University, Rachael spent six years working as a therapist at Gateway Rehab. She discovered her passion for helping people who have substance use disorders. In 2017, intrigued by “the POWER program, working with women, and the supportive trauma environment,” Rachael came to POWER as the clinical supervisor of its outpatient program. She knew, “this is what I am supposed to be doing and where I am supposed to be doing this work.” 

Two years later when she discovered she was expecting her second child, Rachael decided to make another change. 

She moved into a part-time position to have more time for her own family. As a therapist for Perinatal Hope, POWER’s partnership with Allegheny Health Network to provide addiction treatment to pregnant and post-partum women, she worked with women who held their own children’s futures in their hands. 

Rachael knows the difference one woman’s recovery can make on future generations. She’s been in recovery for 16 years. 

“My children have not seen me in active addiction, and that is so impactful in their development.” 

Today, Rachael is the program manager for POWER New Day. She relies on courage and a sense of humor to serve her clients and her colleagues. She also knows that self-care is essential.

“At work, I do the best I can, but when I close that office door, I’m going home to take care of myself and my family.” Her husband Jeff, daughter Harper (5) and son Hudson (3) remind her there is always joy to be found. 

Rachael is dedicated to the women who come to POWER in the midst of a struggle that was once so real for her. She knows there is confidence and strength to be found in recovery, and she is committed to making life better for future generations. Her heart is open, her personality is real, and her commitment is admirable.

This post was based on a profile written by Karen Harris Brooks. Read the full article here.