4 years after son’s fatal overdose, woman opens midstate recovery home
Gina DeMaria recently opened a new recovery home for men in Hanover, The Dominic House. DeMaria started the nonprofit, Anthony’s Way, four years ago after her son died from a heroin overdose. (Photo: Dan Rainville, The Evening Sun)
About four years after her son overdosed on heroin and died, Gina DeMaria is making her goal of opening a recovery home in the Hanover area a reality.
The Dominic House, on Westminster Avenue, Penn Township, is open and already has three tenants with a fourth man expected in two weeks.
The house that used to have writing on its walls, no appliances and some electrical problems has been transformed.
DeMaria, of Hampstead, Maryland, is marketing to find more tenants, men 18 and over, who are battling addiction and looking to stay in longterm recovery.
The house can hold up to eight men at a time, who will be living in a family-style environment to discourage isolation and working together to fight their addictions.
DeMaria said many local businesses donated items for the home.
Buddy’s Home Furnishings donated furniture, Renta Fiestas donated appliances, Hanover Glass and Mirror helped with some of the windows and Suzi Suds donated a $25,000 check, she said.
Not only have local businesses been supportive, but the house’s neighbors on Westminster Avenue have been receptive to the recovery home.
“I hope that sets the tone,” DeMaria said.
The house has been funded by her nonprofit,
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