From left to right, Project Chesapeake partners Joe Rogers, Rebekha Rogers and Eugene Shuttle.
Prince Frederick, MD – Substance abuse and addiction are universal problems. Smaller communities have long realized it has become a big city-sized problem. For Calvert County, one more resource has become available to help the community grapple with the issue. On Thursday, April 13, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house was held at the newest location of Project Chesapeake. The business, which offers services to aid those struggling with substance abuse, mental health, anger management and domestic violence, opened its first location in Annapolis in 2014 by Joe and Rebekha Rogers. Along with their partner, Eugene Shuttle, the Rogers’ subsequently opened offices in Brooklyn Park, Elkton and now, Prince Frederick. In May, they will open a fifth location in Leonardtown.
“It’s a huge problem, we’re all fighting the same fight,” said Joe Rogers.
Substance abuse affects people of all age groups and social strata. For the abuser trying to find a way to overcome the problem, Rebekha Rogers stated, “you are always in recovery.”
“We heard there were a lack of resources and a need,” Shuttle told TheBayNet.com. “Whoever walks in, we want to help. We don’t turn anyone away. We try to build a support system for them. It’s a community-wide effort.”
Rebekha Rogers, who is a licensed certified clinical social worker, said each location is staffed by licensed counselors and mental health clinicians. In addition to their policy of accepting all walk-ins, Rebekah Rogers said Project Chesapeake also accepts referrals from Parole and Probation, drug court, public defenders, private attorneys, health departments and patient facilities. The Prince Frederick location has opened with a staff of six. “We will hire as needed,” Rebekah Rogers stated.
Shuttle said that since Calvert County is such as spread out community, Project Chesapeake plans to purchase a van to provide transportation to the facility for those who need it.
Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was arranged by Calvert County Government’s Department of Economic Development, County Commissioners’ President Tom Hejl called Project Chesapeake’s new location on Sherry Lane in Prince Frederick “a blessing and a curse.” Hejl explained while he is glad to see a new business open in the county, the fact that such services are needed is cause for concern. “We need to get our society back to being clean and healthy,” he added.
In addition to Hejl, other public officials who attended the open were Sheriff Mike Evans, Circuit Court Judge Marjorie Clagett, Chesapeake Beach Mayor Pat Mahoney and Deputy State’s Attorney Kathryn Marsh.
In addition to services for substance abuse and mental health, Project Chesapeake has a psychiatric rehabilitation program (PRP), which their web site describes as “an array of services designed to help adults and adolescents capitalize on personal strengths, to develop coping strategies and skills to deal with deficits, and to develop a supportive environment in which to function as independently as possible.”
“We kind of bring people together, promoting health and wellness,” said Project Chesapeake Prince Frederick staff member Andrea McDonald. “The time to help someone is when they want it.”
Project Chesapeake accepts all forms of insurance and affordable out-of-pocket payment plans are also available. For more information, visit their web site at www.projectchesapeake.com
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
