Local Leaders Discuss Addiction Recovery at Theatre Horizon Event

Montgomery County officials gathered at Theatre Horizon in Norristown on September 9, 2025, to address the ongoing challenges of addiction during the event titled Reflections in Recovery. The forum featured personal stories and expert insights, highlighting the critical issues surrounding substance abuse, particularly in light of the national opioid epidemic.

Randy Winder, a resident of Pottstown, shared his personal journey with addiction and his ongoing recovery. “Two years later, the battle is just as hard for me today,” he stated, emphasizing the continual struggle faced by many who seek sobriety. Winder’s sister, Jamila Winder, who serves as the Vice Chairwoman of the Montgomery County Commissioners, participated in a candid discussion about their family’s experiences with addiction.

The event, coinciding with National Recovery Month, attracted a diverse audience including elected officials, judges, county staff, and advocates. Jamila Winder reflected on her brother’s journey, noting that his experiences have informed her work as a commissioner. “We went to some really dark places, but that journey has made me better as a commissioner,” she remarked, underscoring the personal impact of addiction on public policy.

Addressing Addiction Through Community Engagement

The forum featured two panel discussions that explored various aspects of addiction and recovery. One panel, titled “Recovery and the Power of Family,” was moderated by Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Other panelists included Darnell Hinton, founder and president of Teach One Feed One and CEO of Unity Sober Living Homes, which provides housing for those in recovery.

Jamila Winder emphasized the need for public input in shaping substance abuse policies. She stated that community voices must guide decision-making to effectively address the needs of those affected by addiction. “Real people have guided our opioid settlement fund allocations,” she said, referencing initiatives aimed at supporting recovery, such as the upcoming emergency behavioral crisis center.

Randy Winder candidly shared his experiences, noting how addiction had profoundly affected his life and relationships. “Addiction took such a great hold on me. All the things I thought I would never do started to become a reality,” he explained. Despite his struggles, he now sees hope and support in his recovery journey.

The Role of Recovery Centers in Sobriety

The discussions during the event also highlighted the importance of recovery centers in providing necessary support for individuals battling addiction. Jamila Winder praised the efforts of local organizations like Unity Sober Living Homes, noting that they offer a safe environment for individuals to focus on their recovery. “If it was not for Darnell and his program, I don’t know where we would be,” she said about her brother’s progress.

Randy Winder acknowledged the negative impact his addiction had on his family, stating, “We create a lot of wreckage when we use and abuse substances.” He recognized the significant toll that addiction takes not only on individuals but also on their loved ones.

As he continues his recovery, Randy Winder benefits from the support of his family, particularly his sister. Jamila Winder described their weekly conversations as “pep talks,” where she encourages him to remain positive and cherish the moments spent with his son and family. “You have to honor those moments and those successes even if they feel small,” she advised.

The event served as a reminder of the ongoing need to address substance abuse at both individual and community levels. Through personal testimonies and expert insights, the forum aimed to foster a greater understanding of addiction’s impact and the importance of recovery resources in Montgomery County and beyond.