Gaudenzia/Lancaster

Gaudenzia helps people with chemical dependency, mental illness and related conditions to achieve a better quality of life as productive and accountable individuals. This is accomplished through comprehensive treatment and prevention methods guided by a philosophy of mutual concern and responsibility.

Gaudenzia also conducts research and educates the community on the causes, of treatment and preventions of addictions, mental illness and related conditions. Gaudenzia Inc. is the largest, non-profit provider of drug and alcohol rehabilitation/treatment and services in Pennsylvania. Gaudenzia also has programs in Maryland and Delaware. Currently Gaudenzia operates 180 programs at 108 sites.

Gaudenzia Vantage on East King Street in Lancaster which opened in 1979 was the first and remains the only long-term residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for pregnant and parenting women and their children in Lancaster County. Vantage allows women to bring 2 of their children into treatment with them. Vantage is a 4-6 month residential program. The women and children live on site.  The school age children attend school in the School District of Lancaster and the infants and preschool children attend our childcare. One of the most unique features of Vantage is the Prevention Component for the children of the residents. Gaudenzia/Lancaster has expanded to include additional programs in Lancaster which form a Continuum of Care for addicted women and their families. 

Along with Vantage. Gaudenzia also provides Outpatient counseling--either in-person or through Telehealth.  This service is available to individuals who need drug and/or alcohol addiction evaluations and/or out patient treatment. 

Gaudenzia's Family Alternatives program works in conjunction with Lancaster County Children and Youth to identify women and children in need of services and provides intensive case management to help the client make better choices.

Another program is our Bair-O'Malley House Apartments which offers affordable independent living in a safe environment for women who have completed treatment.

Since 1979 Gaudenzia has been committed to helping women face the challenge of their addiction to drugs and alcohol. Based on the Therapeutic Community all programs are geared to understanding the individual needs of each mother and child. The emphasis placed on education and developing parenting skills as part of the Prevention component at Vantage helps prepare women to make better choices for themselves and their children. Vantage is a 24 hour facility serving the women and children of Lancaster County. We welcome visitors and volunteers and encourage individuals to telephone to arrange a visit and tour. The Elsie Shenk Outpatient Center was opened in 2004 in response to the community need for outpatient counseling for women in recovery who are living and working in Lancaster County and are in need of treatment as they work to make better choices for their families. All Gaudenzia/Lancaster programs appreciate the support of the community and are interested in welcoming volunteers at many levels.