Chris Herren to Bring Message of Hope, Recovery, and Second Chances to Williamsport
Posted on October 13, 2026
Free community event at Journey Bank Community Arts Center will include local resource organizations and opportunity to hear from national recovery advocate.
Bloomsburg, Pa. — Journey Bank will welcome nationally recognized speaker and former NBA player Chris Herren to the Journey Bank Community Arts Center in Williamsport on Thursday, October 29, for a free community presentation focused on substance use prevention, recovery, mental health and the importance of making positive choices.
The event is free and open to the public and is designed for anyone interested in learning more about prevention, recovery and ways to support individuals and families facing these challenges. Parents and families, young people, educators and youth-serving professionals, first responders, health and human-service professionals, community leaders, people in recovery and those supporting a loved one through recovery are among those who may benefit from attending.
Herren, a former professional basketball player, has openly shared his own struggles with substance use and recovery and has dedicated much of his life to helping young people, families and communities address substance use and make healthier choices. Through his speaking, he has reached well over a million people across the country with his powerful message centered on prevention, wellness, recovery and the importance of personal connection.
Continuing a Conversation in the Community
Herren's October appearance builds on his previous visits to the region over the past year, where he has spoken with nearly 9,000 high school students about substance use, prevention, recovery and making healthy choices. In March 2026, Journey Bank supported a community presentation in Bloomsburg featuring Herren, continuing the bank's investment in bringing his message and opportunities for meaningful discussion to the area. His previous school and community presentations have provided opportunities for young people, educators, families and community members to hear directly from Herren and engage in conversations about substance use and recovery.
“Chris's message is one that stays with people,” said Lance Diehl, President & CEO of Journey Bank. “We've seen firsthand the impact his presentations can have on students, families and community members, and we believe these conversations are important. Our investment in bringing Chris back to the area is about more than one presentation—it’s
about helping create opportunities for people to talk openly about substance use, prevention and recovery, and connecting people with the local resources that are here to help.”
Community Resource Event
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for a Community Resource Event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Local resource organizations will have informational tables set up in the lobby at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center.
The resource event will provide an opportunity for attendees to talk directly with local organizations, learn about programs and services available in the community, and find resources for individuals and families affected by substance use, mental health and related challenges.
Event Schedule
Thursday, October 29 Journey Bank Community Arts Center, Williamsport, Pa.
· 6:30–7:30 p.m. — Community Resource Event: Local resource organizations will have information tables available for attendees.
· 7:30-9:00 p.m. — Presentation: Following opening remarks and a short introductory video, Chris Herren will deliver his presentation. There will also be a Q&A when Chris concludes the presentation.
The event is free and open to the public.
Media Information
Members of the media are welcome to attend the event. There will not be a separate press conference or media event prior to the presentation.
Media representatives are asked to check in with a member of the Journey Bank Community Arts Center staff or a Journey Bank representative upon arrival, so event organizers know they are present.
To respect the nature of the presentation and the wishes of the speaker, the presentation should not be recorded.
Photographers may take photographs during the first five minutes of Chris Herren's presentation following the introductory video and opening remarks. After those first five minutes, photography should stop unless otherwise authorized by event organizers.
Members of the media are also encouraged to arrive early for the Community Resource Event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., where they may speak with participating local organizations and learn more about the resources available in the community.
About Chris Herren
Chris Herren is a former professional basketball player and national speaker whose personal experience with substance use and recovery has shaped his work in prevention, wellness and recovery. He has founded three organizations that provide programs and services with the goal of overcoming setbacks and navigating life’s challenges. They include, Herren Talks, through which he speaks nationwide, Herren Wellness, a residential recovery community supporting individuals and families struggling with substance use and Herren Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and family members find treatment and support for the disease of addiction.
About Journey Bank
Journey Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout North Central Pennsylvania. With a legacy of more than 125 years, the Bank is proud to be a trusted financial partner in the region, delivering personalized service, local decision-making, and innovative financial solutions that help customers and communities thrive. Headquartered in Bloomsburg, Journey Bank employs nearly 300 team members, operates 22 community offices across Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, and Clinton counties, and serves more than 50,000 customers. As of December 31, 2025, the Bank holds $1.67 billion in assets. Journey Bank is a subsidiary of Muncy Columbia Financial Corporation. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender