Derek's Place

09/06/2024

Wow!

I just turned the tv on and this was the first thing I saw!

This is the most beautiful park and big!
Derek was found, in Wissahickon Park, on January 8, 2018.

He was found by that “creek” on a big, flat rock.

💜💜

09/06/2024

If you are a parent that has a child suffering from SUD or have lost a child to addiction, please know that I am here for you!

I see you, I understand what you are going through and you don’t have to go through it alone💜

Please reach out! We can meet for coffee or whatever. ~ theresa 💜

09/06/2024

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎

Rhonda Patricelli

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

Rhonda thank you for your support! We appreciate you 💜

08/21/2024

Hi ya’ll!

We are not able to host the Lights of Hope this year. That’s ok though.

We are working on some other things and we will be needing volunteers.

If you would like to volunteer for future events, please send me a message and I will reach out to you when it’s time 💜

Thank you for your continued support 💜

Theresa

Here’s a picture of me so you know who you’re talking to. I know I’m a hot mess but I’m unpacking soooo

08/16/2024

Why I do what I do; the creation of Derek’s Place.

Derek Alexander Kardos was born on November 26, 1985. My only Son 💜

On January 8, 2018 Derek Alexander Kardos died of a heroin/carfentanyl overdose. 💜 Forever 32.

When Derek died I made a promise to him. I promised him that I would spend the rest of my life helping people just like him. Lost souls that deserve love 💜

Derek’s Place was started in June 2018 because of that promise.

During that time we have served over 5,500 meals, handed out countless hygiene products, blankets, pillows, clothes and shoes. We have saved lives with the Narcan and fentanyl test strips we have handed out. We have given a lot of people resources that they need. We have helped people get housing and into rehab. At Christmas time we have the Christmas Joy Drive for Kids and have given over 100 families Christmas gifts.

I am very passionate about what I do and am not going to stop.

I know that I am not able to do this by myself and have no desire to do so.

What we have accomplished couldn’t have been done without the amazing volunteers and people that have donated. I appreciate you all so much 💜

I have learned a lot in the last 6 years; I have learned how to love unconditionally, I have learned how to not judge people that live different lives than I do, I have learned that I need to set better boundaries and so much more. These are life changing lessons and I wouldn’t change a single thing 💜

08/16/2024

Here is our updated Amazon list 💜

08/16/2024

Due to lack of interest and no volunteers I have had to make the hard decision to cancel Lights of Hope this year.

At the beginning of the year, for several months, there was a former board member that was slandering myself and Derek’s Place. I’m not sure of the purpose of all the evil things she did but, unfortunately, I’m afraid that a lot of people believed her lies.

This has really hurt us and we’re having to rebuild our reputation. Nobody wants to volunteer or donate and we can’t do what we do without volunteers and donations.

We aren’t going anywhere and will always have our street outreach program.

Please reach out if you are interested in being on our board, volunteering or donating.

08/06/2024

Good morning ya’ll!!

I just returned from a 5 day camping trip at a private campground and it was soooo relaxing and peaceful that I almost didn’t come home!

Lights of Hope is on September 7th this year!

If you are in recovery and want to be on our recovery banner, please submit your photo to [email protected]. This is the only way to submit a photo to make sure you are on a banner!

If you have lost a loved one to their addiction and want their photo on that banner please submit a photo to [email protected].

All photos MUST be submitted by September 1st to make sure they are on a banner!!

ALL photos must be submitted to [email protected] to ensure they are on a banner! No exceptions!!

These are the banners that we had last year. If your photo is already on a banner you do not need to submit another photo!

07/20/2024

Kim and I went down to Heartside Park last night, with snacks, and to make sure everyone was ok after the overdoses this week.

Everyone was ok and there were no deaths.

They needed clothes bad so today we packed a cooler of water, 2 great big bags of snacks and a few totes of clothes and went back.

The trump rally is today and the line goes from the VanAndel all the way passed the Downtown Market. Of course a lot of them were gawking at our homeless friends. I get it, a lot of people don’t understand the homeless. I used to be one of those people.

A lady walked by when I was getting more water out of my car and she said “sell that and you’ll make a million.” I said I’m not here to make a million I’m here to help the homeless, you should give it a try.

It felt so good to be down there talking with familiar faces 💜

07/15/2024

Please, please, please!

Carry Narcan and use the fentanyl test strips!

There’s another bad batch out there and we want you to live!!

Please reach out if you need help!

****Because some people had some feelings about the post I shared to explain what was going on, I have changed the photo to show all of the emergency vehicles that were at Heartside Park when multiple people overdosed at the same time.
Please don’t bring your drama to our page. I will not tolerate bullies and I’m not the one that should be ashamed of myself.

07/03/2024

💜

06/23/2024

I am so proud to call Kim my friend!

If you are ready for help please reach out!

I love her so much! She is working hard and is growing every day!!

Many pregnant women who struggle with drugs put off prenatal care, feeling ashamed and judged. But as fatal overdoses rise, some clinics see pregnancy as an ideal time to help them confront addiction.