Community Commitment

Chris Herren Connects with Audience at Journey Bank Event

Bloomsburg, PA - Over 400 attendees gathered on the evening of Thursday, March 12, at the Arts and Crafts Building at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, where Journey Bank hosted former NBA player Chris Herren for a powerful and deeply personal presentation on substance use and addiction.

The free event, open to the public, created a meaningful connection with the audience as Herren shared his life story with honesty and openness. Beginning with his youth, he guided attendees through his upbringing, school years, basketball career, and family life, interweaving the decisions that ultimately led to his struggles with addiction and how it impacted every aspect of his life. Both audience members and Herren himself were visibly emotional as his experiences resonated with many in attendance.

Over the past four months, Journey Bank partnered with Herren to visit 16 local high schools, reaching approximately 9,000 students across the region. During these school visits, he delivered age-appropriate presentations focused on prevention, decision-making, and the realities of substance use. These sessions reinforced the same message of honesty and awareness that defined the evening community event, while encouraging open dialogue among students, educators, and families. His time in the schools significantly broadened the overall impact of his visit.

Journey Bank is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the communities it serves, recognizing that substance abuse impacts families, workplaces, and entire communities. By bringing speakers like Herren to the region, the Bank aims to spark meaningful conversations, promote prevention, and provide hope to those who may be struggling.

“Hearing Chris’s story is incredibly impactful because it’s honest and relatable,” said Journey Bank President & CEO, Lance Diehl. “At Journey Bank, we believe in investing in our communities beyond financial services and creating opportunities for conversations that can truly make a difference. Chris’s mission to reach even one person and change their path resonates deeply with our values.”

Herren concluded his presentation by sharing his journey to recovery and his ongoing commitment to living as a person in long-term recovery. A question-and-answer session followed, offering further insight into his personal journey. During this time, Herren emphasized the importance of being present for others, particularly friends and family who may be facing challenges similar to those he once endured. The evening’s presentation left attendees with a deeper understanding of addiction and the reassurance that they are not alone.

Journey Bank announced that Chris Herren will return to the region on October 29th for another community presentation, which will be held at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center in Williamsport.