BridgeWay House, located at 720 Buck Run Road in East Fallowfield, will host its first Community Days fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 1 to 8 p.m. Admission is free, although some of the activities will have a nominal fee.

Proceeds from the event will be used to renovate a barn at BridgeWay House, a nonprofit addiction treatment center. Once completed, the building will be named Joey's Barn in memory of Joey Bilder.

According to his mom, Jacqueline Bilder, who is a BridgeWay House board member, Joey struggled with addiction for eight years before he died at the age of 27. "I believe with all my heart that if my son Joey could have connected with BridgeWay, he may still be with us today," she stated. "Joey passed away in April 2022 from a fentanyl/heroin overdose after doing well in his recovery. I make it my goal to stand with those at BridgeWay House who are doing amazing work and saving lives."

Community Days will feature children's activities, food trucks, a silent auction of gift baskets and chances to win prizes, including a 70-inch television. A DJ will provide music and a local barber will offer haircuts by donation.

"We will have pony rides and a bouncy castle and food, including hamburgers and hot dogs and baked goods. We are blessed that so many have come together to donate items and materials. We would love the community to come out," said Bilder. "(Since) this event is focused on recovery and addiction services to support those in recovery, we will have some of the recovery homes coming out." She noted that members of the East Fallowfield Police Department will also be on hand to meet with the community.

Visitors to Community Days may also sponsor a plaque that will be placed inside the barn once it is renovated. The plaques may include personal messages such as "One Day at a Time," "Stay the Course" and "Just Live This Day!" "These (messages) will provide constant inspiration for those who see them," Bilder said.

Joey's Barn will serve as a gathering and education space where BridgeWay's residents can support one another in their journey to recovery.

Bilder reported that construction work in the barn has already begun. "The plumbing has gone in, and they have put a floor in, and a lot of the wood (framing has been installed). The electricians are starting to run wire. It's so exciting," she said, noting that the barn will be open on Community Days. "(The building) always had good bones. It needed HVAC, electric and plumbing to winterize it. People can walk through it and see the work that is being done."

BridgeWay House aims to provide safe, secure and supportive programs; housing and job placement assistance; and more for those who are trying to stay sober. It is certified by both the Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences and the National Alliance for Recovery Residences.

More information about the BridgeWay House can be found at http://www.thebridgewayhouse.org and http://www.facebook.com/thebridgewayhouse. Those who have questions may email Jessica Lynch at jessica@thebridgewayhouse.org.