Mary Yoder became hooked on pain pills that were prescribed to her following a car accident during her teenage years, and the addiction led to heroin use. When she woke up in the hospital after an overdose last year, Mary knew it was time to get help.

She found Lasting Change, a Hagerstown-based nonprofit that houses women and teaches them important skills as they transition out of drug addiction treatment facilities and work to rebuild their lives. The organization offers a career development program that women can participate in during their stay to help them re-enter the workforce.

The program is funded in-part by a $10,000 grant from Potomac Edison. A few months into her journey, Mary landed a job as a waitress, and she credits the career development program with helping to turn her life around after years of battling addiction.

“It’s very rewarding to be clean and sober and be working. It gives me a purpose,” she said.

The career development program begins with a one-on-one session led by a staff member to discuss the participant’s skills and the type of work they enjoy. Participants then attend a 10-week course to learn how to complete job applications and enhance their interview and networking skills.

Of the nearly 100 program graduates, 80% of them are either working, volunteering or back in school. Over time, the organization hopes that success rate will lead to the revitalization of local communities impacted by the drug epidemic.

Operations Manager Wayne Rummel, who serves on the nonprofit’s board of directors, has seen the meaningful impact Lasting Change has had on the local community.

“Drug addiction does not discriminate, and many of our own employees’ families have been impacted by substance abuse in one way or another,” said Wayne. “There’s nothing better than seeing the transformations of these women. I’m proud that Potomac Edison supports meaningful causes backed by its own employees.”

In addition to the company’s monetary donation to Lasting Change, FirstEnergy and Potomac Edison employees have volunteered countless hours of their time to complete projects around the facility.