Advocacy

Please join us as we bring awareness and break the stigma associated with addiction!
Supporting and uplifting grieving parents, spouses, siblings, family members, and friends of those we've lost to overdose is an important and integral part of the DEAWAA mission and will be the focus of this event. The event kicks off at 1:00 pm the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (1600 Fowler Ave, Berwick, PA 18603) with a walk to Sponsler Park for the unveiling and dedication of their Overdose Memorial. Upon conclusion of the dedication, participants return to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where there will be several organizations (including Speak Up for Ben, Inc.) present to offer support, guidance, and available services related to addiction and overdose. Along with speakers and testimonies, we hope to hear from elected officials and law enforcement. Food will be available. Most importantly, there will be fellowship, friendship, and love. The event concludes with a lantern walk/candlelight vigil in memory and in honor of all lives lost to overdose. 

 The Angels of the Valley Banner Project aims to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic and reduce the stigma associated with people who have lost their lives due to substance-related causes. This project also recognizes the grief felt by families, friends, and our community for those who have lost a loved one as a result of substance use. The banners signify the passing of someone cherished and send a message that the tragedy of substance-related death is preventable, and those who are suffering should feel no shame in asking for help.  Banners are displayed at ArtsQuest's SteelStacks campus in south Bethlehem, from August 31 (international overdose awareness day) through September (National Recovery month).   

New submissions accepted by ArtsQuest in July 2021. Contact us (info@oasisbethlehem.org) if you would like a submission reminder email sent to you. 

Theresa Clower, a bereaved mom and artist, founded the nonprofit Into Light with the mission of erasing the stigma of substance abuse disorder. Into Light pairs sketch portraits and narratives of people that have lost their lives to substance use disorder. The exhibit lets viewers see the beauty, humanity, and complexity of each individual life. According to Clower, the drawings are “all made up of light and dark — we all are. No one should be defined by that darkest moment.”  

The Pennsylvania exhibit was held in March 2021 with additional exhibits planned for each of the 50 states. 

The Pennsylvania exhibit included sketches from two of our OASIS families... Ben Miller (son of Rhonda & Jerry Miller) and Chris Deckman (son of Brenda & Doug Deckman). You can view the exhibition video below:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR21mVqKmMxAFN2p_v-rscaDEHS7umjf3dUf3gY_JxWU55yHJ8smRE5yS7I&v=mb08KpvfbtM&feature=youtu.beTake a video tour of the sketches and narratives of the individuals featured in the Pennsylvania exhibit :https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_d9HH6rkwW5fh7toXrz8FQ  

Check back soon! 

Check back soon!