The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), in partnership with Immaculata University, collaborated to host A Night with Chris Herren on April 22. This free event helped to kick off mental health awareness month and was an unforgettable night filled with a message of hope, resilience, and inspiration for the community.

“The Chris Herren event was one of the most powerful evenings we’ve ever experienced," said Andrew Reigle, special education supervisor at the CCIU. “Chris’s story was raw, honest, and deeply humane, and it resonated in a way that left the entire room moved and inspired.”

Herren, a former NBA player from Massachusetts, spoke about his struggles with addiction to alcohol and drugs. He reflected on his experiences growing up in a home impacted by addiction and how it affected his journey. Herren has been living in recovery for over 16 years. The evening concluded with a brief question-and-answer session. 

With honesty and directness, Herren shared his personal journey, offering the audience a powerful new perspective on addiction and recovery. Following his own path to sobriety, he founded the Herren Project- a nonprofit dedicated to providing free support services for individuals and families affected by addiction. He later established Herren Wellness, which expands on this mission by offering a range of wellness-based services in Massachusetts. Through life coaching, holistic therapies, and family support, both organizations are committed to fostering long-term recovery and healing.

To learn more about the resources available from the Herren Project and Herren Wellness to help individuals and their families recover from addiction, please visit www.herrenproject.org/family-support-resources and www.herrenwellness.com/our-services.

As part of the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s ongoing commitment to mental health and well-being, the CCIU prioritizes mental health by ensuring that adequate resources and support systems are available to everyone in the community.

“Bringing Chris Herren to our community was more than just an event—it was a catalyst for reflection, conversation, and hope,” stated Reigle. “The success of the night speaks to the hunger people have for authenticity and the power of shared stories.”