Schuylkill Community Action
Thomas Kruss

When Thomas Kruss first entered the Schuylkill County Bridge House Program he was unemployed, lacked transportation, was in recovery for alcohol abuse and suffered from short term memory loss. But through his persistence and determination, and with the assistance of Schuylkill Community Action, he rose above his challenges and moved on to self-sufficiency.

Overcoming Obstacles
When he was a teenager, Tom was struck by a drunk driver while walking along a road. He was in a coma for two weeks and was hospitalized for six months. As a result of the accident, he suffered from brain injuries and memory loss.

He also developed an alcohol problem and was admitted to the Penn Foundation for alcohol abuse. He completed treatment there and, in October 2002, was accepted into the Schuylkill County Bridge House Program, a program whose services he felt he needed to succeed.

A Prescription for Success
While at Bridge House, Tom established numerous personal goals and received intensive case management services, with staff closely monitoring his activities. He attended weekly community meetings, completed daily chores, attended a minimum of three Alcoholics Anonymous meetings per week, attended life skills programs and met weekly with his Bridge House Case Plan Specialist, Elaine Wapinsky. Tom was able to attend drug and alcohol counseling at White Deer Run and received job coaching services at Goodwill. He also utilized Schuylkill Community Action’s local food pantry.

Achieving Goals
During his one year residency at Bridge House, Tom, 34, realized all of his goals. He obtained social security disability income as well as part time employment at the Schuylkill County Court House. He purchased his own vehicle which allowed him to travel to work and attend appointments. He now lives in his own apartment, completed counseling services and has been sober for two years. Tom maintains contact with Bridge House staff and participates in Project CARE, an aftercare program.

His Case Plan Specialist reports, “Tom never gave up. He did everything he needed to do and he continues to make progress.”

Tom says, “Bridge House helped me by allowing me to start my life over. It helped me with my goal of staying sober. Although I am two years clean, I still take my recovery day by day.”

Schuylkill Community Action’s mission is to promote nd facilitate self-sufficiency among low-income residents and families through a variety of program and resources.