Documentary Reveals the Raw Truths of Mothers Navigating Recovery

Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol and the Center for Humanistic Change (CHC) are proud to announce their partnership in hosting a special screening of the documentary Recovery City on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Civic Theatre of Allentown located at 527 N 19th St, Allentown, PA 18104. This free, public event and film screening will shed light on the challenges and triumphs of women with children who are battling and overcoming addiction.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Lisa Olivieri, Recovery City follows four women in Worcester, Massachusetts, as they navigate the complex challenges of recovery, custody battles, housing insecurity, and stigma. This documentary reveals the struggles of rebuilding after addiction, the impact of systemic stigma, and the strength of camaraderie and community support.

“By collaborating with CHC to offer “Recovery City” at no cost, Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol hopes to foster understanding, compassion and support for mothers in recovery. We provide tools and support to combat addiction and community education which is vital to the process,” says Molly Stanton, Assistant Administrator, Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol.

Prior to the film screening, attendees are invited to a Resource Fair from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. featuring local recovery and family support organizations including Valley Youth House, Mid-Atlantic Rehabilitation Services’ FORT Program, Journeys, Westminster Homes, Lehigh County, and CHC. Free Narcan kits will be distributed at the event to support overdose prevention. The first 100 guests will receive a $10 movie snack voucher.

Attendees may register at: https://www.thechc.org/event_calendar/event_calendar.html/event/2025/05/14/documentary-screening-recovery-city/520495. .

Event Details:

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N 19th St, Allentown, PA

5:00–6:00 p.m. Resource Fair

6:00–7:45 p.m. Film Screening

7:45–8:15 p.m. Lisa Olivieri, Director Q&A

The screening preempts the launch of a new recovery housing initiative led by Lehigh County, Westminster Homes of the Lehigh Valley, and the Journeys Program, offering recovery housing and resources for pregnant women and mothers impacted by opioid use.

For additional information, contact Molly Stanton, Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Services, at (484) 656-5891 or MollyStanton@lehighcounty.org.