Lee Cruz CRS, Program Director at YMCA-Camp Joy Reading/Berks is the face of transformation. He is an individual who has been in long-term recovery from substance abuse, and disorders and is currently over eleven years sober. While on his own journey to recovery, it has become his passion to better the recovery or assist and help guide individuals on their pathway and help them find a better quality of life.
Lee’s latest project is the Transformations Recovery Speaks Speaker Series which is normally held at the Hope Rescue Mission in English and at the PA Counseling in Spanish. He is also the author of the book Transformation: How to Get Your 180 Degrees. He is the CEO/President of Transformation TL a non-profit organization founded to help assist people in recovery from a substance use disorder. He is the host of Transformations Podcast, and if that wasn’t enough, he is also an active board member of numerous boards in the community and is always looking to take on a new project.
He is also an advocate for the PA Harm Reduction Network and the Hispanic population in Reading. One of his greatest accomplishments was the start of a Spanish-speaking transitional living program for men in recovery from a substance use disorder called “Hacia Adelante” and it is now one of the many transitional living programs at the YMCA of Reading. He had noticed that there was a language barrier for the men because they did not understand the language, therefore a program was formatted. There are requirements that need to be met before graduating from the program, such as taking ESL classes and being able to communicate in English, and it’s also encouraged to obtain a GED.
Lee currently resides in Mohrsville PA with his wife Julie. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and finds peace when sitting on any shoreline or riding his motorcycle up and down the East Coast.
Palo Magazine
