Those who struggle with substance use problems now have a local place to get help.

New Roots Recovery Support Center in Tamaqua connects people in need with services for their recovery.

“We want to spread the hope to everyone,” said Kerri Scheitrum, regional director of New Roots Recovery Support Center and a certified recovery specialist.

The organization has a Tamaqua office at 232 Pine St. Other locations are in Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton.

Scheitrum said appointments are not necessary.

“We will help anyone that comes in. We don’t turn anyone away. We want people to have a safe place to come where they don’t feel judged,” she said.

Insurance is not needed.

New Roots isn’t a clinical office, so it can’t dispense medication or clinically treat those with drug and alcohol substance use problems.

“We are a resource hub. We help people navigate the system,” she said.

The center opened Dec. 28.

Employees can assist in getting identification and connections with other social services.

One recovery specialist contacted someone who provided assistance for a woman to get her car fixed.

New Roots also provides a food pantry for those in need. If those receiving services need transportation to medical appointments, staff will also do that. Recovery groups are also planned.

The center receives funding through grants and other revenue sources.

Scheitrum is one of five full-time employees, an administrative assistant and four certified recovery specialists.

A CRS must have 18 months of sobriety from drugs and alcohol. Education courses are also required.

Scheitrum is four years and two months in recovery from drug use. Her experimentation started as a way to numb the emotional pain of her 22-year-old son’s death in 2009.

A doctor prescribed Xanax, then when the doctor would no longer prescribe the medication, she turned to heroin and methamphetamine among other drugs.

“It’s hard to want to cope with it and I didn’t want to cope with it,” she said.

Time in prison provided the opportunity to get clean, although she said the temptation to use exists.

“You work to control the urges,” she said.

She wants people to know overcoming addiction is worth it.

“Recovery is 100 percent possible,” she said.

Courage to change can lead to a better life.

“All they have to do is take that first step and walk in that front door and we are there to help them.”

Hours are 9 to 5 p.m. Call 570-810-2221 for more information.