News and Events

Through the New Vitae Wellness Foundation, the work goes beyond education. It creates opportunities for real conversation, deeper understanding, and connection in ways that challenge stigma at its core. That work continues to grow through a developing partnership with DeSales University, expanding locally by meeting individuals where they are and providing consistent, meaningful support. This spring, that partnership came to life through a five-week workshop series held at DeSales University’s Veterans and Military Services Center.

For more than three decades, Heather Ritton (Kramer) has been a reliable and familiar part of daily life at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery, consistently supporting residents and the rhythm of the home at Quakertown House. Heather joined New Vitae in 1996, beginning her career in housekeeping at Quakertown House. From those early days, she became known for her strong work ethic and willingness to help wherever she was needed within the house.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and for us at New Vitae, this is more than a calendar recognition. It is a reminder of the real lives behind the clinical presentations we see every day. Brain injury is common among the individuals we serve, and its effects often shape cognition, emotion, coping, and engagement in ways that can be misunderstood without a brain-informed lens.

When we think of grief, we think of funerals. Of casseroles and sympathy cards. Of a clear line between “before” and “after.” But brain injury creates a different kind of loss, one that rarely receives acknowledgment. The person you love is still here. They may look the same. They may even sound the same. And yet, something has shifted. A spark, a rhythm, shared memories, a way of being together that once felt effortless.

This year marks 30 years of service for Adele Lemak of New Vitae Wellness and Recovery, where she serves as Office Manager at the Recovery Center. In recognition of this milestone, New Vitae is sharing Adele’s story—highlighting her impact, dedication, and the heart she has brought to the organization since joining in 1995 as a Case Manager at Quakertown House.

At New Vitae Wellness and Recovery, we recently celebrated Jim’s Peace Patio dedication at Quakertown House—a beautiful tribute to a beloved former resident. We believe in the power of connection, remembrance, and creating spaces that bring joy and healing

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery is proud to celebrate Michelle Beck, Vice President of Business Operations, as a 2025 Woman of Influence Honoree, recognized by Lehigh Valley Business.

For Brian, success isn’t about a single achievement—it’s a continuous process. As a newly Certified Peer Specialist now working at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery’s Main Street Commons, Brian offers support not just through training, but through lived experience—including his own time as a participant at New Vitae.

At New Vitae Wellness and Recovery, we recently hosted a special Brain Injury Awareness Event to celebrate the strength, courage, and determination of our residents. On Thursday, March 27, our Action Recovery Brain Injury Program brought together residents, staff, and community members to honor the resilience of our Brain Injury Warriors.

Black Mental Health Awareness is an essential topic, especially during Black History Month. Historically, Black individuals have faced unique challenges in accessing mental health care, yet resilience and advocacy have led to progress.

At New Vitae Wellness and Recovery, we proudly recognize individuals who go above and beyond in providing care, encouragement, and hope to our residents. The 2024 Theo Amoah Iris Award honors Theo Amoah, a Certified Peer Specialist, for his dedication and compassion in helping individuals on their recovery journeys.

The Pride Award at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery is presented to individuals who exemplify innovation, ownership, and pride in their work and in advancing our mission. This year, Brian Considine wins the Pride Award, celebrating his dedication, leadership, and commitment to our residents and team members.

Welcome to the final edition of our quarterly newsletter for 2024! As we close out the year, we’re excited to share highlights of our achievements, meaningful collaborations, and impactful programs that have made this season memorable.

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery is proud to announce that three of its outstanding team members—Taliah Mason, RN, Robert Dromboski, and Samara Speakes—have been named recipients of the prestigious 2024 PA Forensic Rights and Treatment Awards. The awards were presented at the annual PA Forensic Rights and Treatment Conference, hosted on December 4th and 5th by Drexel University.

Since its grand opening in early 2023, The Browne Cottage at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery’s Mount Trexler Manor property has become an integral part of our Action Recovery brain injury program. Designed to combine a home-like environment with advanced rehabilitation programming, the cottage has become a cornerstone for recovery and growth, celebrating significant milestones in its first year of operation.

We are honored to announce the completion of a vibrant new mural at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery’s Philadelphia program, marking a collaborative effort to inspire community involvement and civic pride. Created as part of the Philly Votes project, the mural was designed to highlight the importance of civic engagement and to serve as a reminder of the power of voting and community connection.

The New Vitae Wellness Foundation was proud to host an inspiring and transformative event this month, featuring motivational speaker Joshua Holi. In partnership with St. Luke's Penn Foundation, we welcomed staff and residents for a powerful session that delved into themes of personal struggle, resilience, and the strength found in shared experiences.

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery was proud to announce that we had been named a recipient of the Family-Owned Business Award by the Philadelphia Business Journal. This recognition underscored our enduring commitment to the community and our success as a family-operated business in the behavioral health field.

We are proud to celebrate that Justin Wunderler, Veterans Service Coordinator at New Vitae Wellness and Recovery, has been honored with the Veterans in Business Award by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery is excited to announce that our New Vitae Outpatient Clinic has been awarded a five-year federal contract with the U.S. Probation Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This significant partnership, set to begin on October 1, 2024, will enable us to provide comprehensive outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment to individuals involved in the federal probation system.