Board of Directors, Face the Facts Delaware

Profession: Director of Staff Success, Pike Creek Dental - In June of 2025 Penny will celebrate 40 years with PCD. 

I'm a lifelong resident of Delaware. I have two children. Gabriella and Vincent. Gabriella is in recovery and Vincent passed away in 2017 from an overdose. Since that time I have gone on to be the Co-Founder of Face the Facts Delaware and Overdose Awareness Day. This organization is a grassroots movement that I believe affects real change.  

Quote: Living life to its fullest in ordinary ways is the best way to make life extraordinary. - Alex Tyree

What unique do you bring to Face the Facts?:  I would like to believe that I bring hope that while an addict is breathing, there's a chance they're going to find the gift of recovery and embrace it.  I bring hope that by example I've shown that after the loss of a child which is just immeasurable that life does go on. You can do beautiful things in memory of the person that you have lost. After I lost my son. I saw something that said Great grief comes from great love. 

Profession: Regional Sales Representative, Action Unlimited Resources

Delaware native, advocate for recovery and addiction treatment services. I've been affected by addiction since my first breath; I come from a large family, and my only older cousin suffered with addiction until his last overdose in December of 2011. Many of the struggles we faced then getting him into treatment and services, our state still faces today. I am a firm believer in second chances, a person should not be judged by their worst mistake.  What makes us 'different' is also what makes us uniquely individual. Define us by our character, but allow us the opportunity to grow when we should falter.  I believe that every life has value, and there is hope beyond the hopeless - we must provide it to all who can't see it for themselves. 

Quote: Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall. - Confucius 

What unique do you bring to Face the Facts?: Without lived experience, or the loss of a child - I bring a perspective of what 'collateral damage' can happen to those who are closest to the person in active addiction or recovery. I was taught from a very young age to give back and I know my life wouldn't be how it is today without all those who gave me things my parents could not; so I reach back and help with any time or talent I may be able to lend. 

Profession: Business Development, White Deer Run Treatment Network

Founder & Director, Mindful Progress

 Vito Barbato is a dedicated advocate for recovery and mental health, A husband, father, and a man in recovery, Vito is passionate about giving back to the community through his professional role in business development for a treatment network and his own nonprofit, Mindful Progress. He believes deeply in helping others navigate the early stages of recovery, finding purpose in connecting people with resources, and creating opportunities for sustainable change.  

Quote:  Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. - C.S. Lewis 

What unique do you bring to Face the Facts?: I bring both lived experience and professional expertise in the recovery field. My personal journey through recovery keeps me closely connected and engaged with the recovery community, giving me firsthand insight and a deep network of resources. Additionally, my enthusiasm, positivity, and commitment to this mission allow me to help foster a supportive and uplifting environment for our team and the community we serve.