Recovery Simulation Events continue to prove popular. SOS Berks hosted their third simulation on April 17, with about 80 people in attendance, including both participants and numerous volunteers.
A Recovery Simulation is an interactive event that allows participants to experience and better understand the challenges faced by those in early recovery. Each participant receives a life card that represents a person in early recovery. They must then complete tasks on the life card within a 15-minute time frame by visiting tables manned by volunteers. Tasks may include seeking employment, visiting social services, paying rent, finding transportation, and meeting with a probation officer. Participants often must wait in long lines, and are sometimes faced with unforeseen circumstances like power outages or traffic jams that make it impossible to complete their tasks.
This is the third simulation hosted by SOS Berks. Two others were held in 2023, and a fourth event will be held later this year. The latest event took place at Penn State Berks in the Beaver Wellness Center. This marked a change from the earlier events, which were both held at Easy Does It, Inc, in Bern Township. Participation in the most recent event was limited to Penn State Berks students and Berks County employees. Among those participating were Berks County Commissioners Dante Santoni and Michael Rivera, who serves as the co-chair for SOS Berks.
Click here to read about the last SOS Berks Recovery Simulation