Todd Belfus, M.A.
Recovery is possible from the scourge of addiction
Todd Belfus, M.A., is program manager at the renowned Livengrin Foundation, 9140 Academy Rd. Their Mission Statement is: “Making sustainable recovery possible through professional, accessible and successful treatment options.” Their Vision Statement is: “Provide a process of change for those suffering from addiction whereby a life of recovery is achieved, emotional and physical health is stabilized and family networks are improved.
Their Values Statement is: “Our mission and vision can best be achieved by respecting the rights and meeting the needs of our patients, their families, and our co-workers – thus enriching the communities we serve – while maintaining our commitment to professional and financial integrity.” Todd took a few moments to answer five questions about Livengrin from GNPCC inFocus staff writer Don Brennan.
Don Brennan: Tell us a little about Livengrin. We know it has an outstanding reputation as a caring, compassionate and effective treatment center.
Todd Belfus: The history of Livengrin starts in 1966, as Philadelphia-area advertising executive and entrepreneur Standish Forde Hansell was finishing renovations to a 50-year-old country estate house. His plan was to open a retirement community, where gentlemen of means could continue a pastoral lifestyle and live and grin into their golden years. Instead, on the advice of a few trusted friends, he turned his 46-acre property into one of the very first non-hospital facilities in Pennsylvania to treat alcoholism. Mr. Hansell believed in his heart that there was a tremendous need in the region for a nonprofit to help the many people that were suffering. The often whimsical Hansell kept the Livengrin name.
Throughout the past 50 years, Livengrin Foundation built its reputation as a trailblazer, launching numerous innovative programs such as its Family Education Program and extensive Aftercare and Outpatient Services. The organization also collaborated with the business and labor communities, identifying those among their workforce who were challenged by addiction, and offering them opportunities for treatment and recovery.
The Foundation has continued to grow, implementing a network of Pennsylvania counseling centers throughout Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Lehigh, and Philadelphia Counties. Specialty programs have been created to respond to emerging needs, such as the healthcare professionals’ track that assists nurses, pharmacists, and physicians. We host scores of postgraduate students and professionals who come to study and gain real-life experience.
Standish Hansell planted the seeds of what was to become a caring, professional, and progressive organization that has helped more than 125,000 patients and families struggling with the disease of addiction to find help, hope, and healing.
Don: Why did Livengrin become a member of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce? What are you hoping to accomplish as a member?
Todd: Livengrin joined the Chamber in order to raise awareness about addiction with our local businesses. Addiction is a deadly disease that affects the addict, the family, the community, as well as our local businesses. The cost to business is real, yet very few businesses understand how to deal with addiction.
• How much direct productivity is lost every year to alcohol and drug addiction in your workforce? How much does it cost to replace and retrain?
• Are your employees missing work not only for their own possible addiction but because they have a loved one who is addicted?
• How much of your health insurance utilization is driven by addiction services and do you even know what are you actually paying for?
• Do you have an Opioid Workforce policy for legal protection? When should you help and when should you fire someone (helping versus enabling)?
• Do you have information on hand when the crisis arises?
Livengrin’s Northeast Philadelphia office is on Academy Road. Many people in the area are familiar with our Bensalem location that offers residential services, but Livengrin also offers a full range of outpatient services. We are hoping to establish strong connections with area businesses and educate the community about addiction and recovery.
Don: There is so much in the news these days about opioids and heroin, and how to find help and where to seek treatment. Frankly, it is frightening and confusing. What makes Livengrin the right choice for care?
Todd: Livengrin is unique in that we offer a full continuum of care from detoxification, residential rehab, outpatient services, and aftercare throughout Pennsylvania. We also offer a FRAT (First Responder Addiction Treatment) program for combat veterans, police officers, firefighters, and any other first-responder. Another specialty program is our HCP (Healthcare Professionals) program. Both specialty programs our offered at out Northeast Philadelphia location. In addition to our outpatient programs, we also offer DUI services.
Don: Have you had the opportunity to attend any of the GNPCC events?
Todd: I attended the business breakfast at PJP Marketplace and I’m registered to attend more workshops and networking sessions in the upcoming weeks. I’m looking forward meeting and establishing connections with the Chamber. I am also excited that the Northeast Philadelphia Livengrin office will be hosting networking breakfast on June 14 about managing substance abuse in the workplace.
Don: We are excited about that as well! Tell me a little about yourself.
Todd: I am from Northeast Philadelphia and I have lived in the Philadelphia area my entire life. I graduated from Central High School. I have a Bachelor’s degree from Temple University and Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from La Salle University. I have been with Livengrin Foundation for 4 years, first working with the DUI department, then as an outpatient counselor, and now as a program manager. I am a huge fan of all Philadelphia sports teams and I also enjoy biking and golfing.
Website: http://www.livengrin.org
Phone number: 215-335-3419
Email: tbelfus@livengrin.org
Address: 9140 Academy Road, Philadelphia PA 19114