Leanna Ballester, a Lead Peer and Co-Responder with Blueprints for Addiction Recovery in Lancaster County Wins Prestigious Award!
 

The Manheim Township Police Department would like to recognize an event that is truly meaningful to us and other leaders in Lancaster County.  Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition named Leanna Ballester as Peer Advocate of the Year.  Ballester, and her host company, Blueprints for Addiction Recovery have partnered with the Manheim Township Police Department since September of 2025, after Chief Freysz made a co-responder program a key aspect to his administration.

“Our agency has had countless success stories from partnering with Leanna," Chief Brian Freysz said.  "Two particular cases that come to mind involve an elderly couple with the husband needing at home medical services. Leanna worked directly with the Office of Aging in getting the couple the assistance they needed.  In another case, an 84-year-old female experiencing a mental health crisis was also claiming to have been evicted. Officers turned the case over to Leanna who was able to drive the female to the Blueprints facility for additional assistance and resources.  This award is well deserved, and we look forward to future triumphs.”

This recognition reflects the incredible impact Leanna's advocacy, dedication, and commitment to supporting others makes daily.  Her work is deeply rooted in education, advocacy, and diversion-focused initiatives.  As a Lead Peer and Co-Responder, she is on the front lines of that work every day.

Leanna works one-on-one with officers to respond directly to individuals experiencing mental health and / or substance use crises, to offer immediate connection and support.  Her work comes in many forms: direct requests from officers on scene, scheduled ridealongs, and referrals after the fact from officers having encounters with individuals open to support.

Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams had expressed strong support for starting a co-responder program with Blueprints for Addiction Recovery and Lancaster County police departments in early 2024.  The program then started in West Lampeter Township and soon spread to Strasburg Borough, East Hempfield Township, and Manheim Township.  Its successes have been countless.

“This honor is a great achievement for Leanna and Blueprints as an organization, and demonstrates a real commitment to changing lives," District Attorney Adams said.  "We appreciate the important work that peer advocates like Leanna do in assisting law enforcement and are happy to see her receiving this well-earned recognition.”

This award is not just well deserved, it reflects the consistent, high impact work she shows up to do every single day.  Work that often happens quietly, but changes lives in real and lasting ways.  MTPD is very proud of Leanna and her work on this well-earned, outstanding achievement!
 

MEDIA POST CONTACT: Lieutenant Michael T. Piacentino, W: 717-569-6401 Ext: 1583, C: 717-340-2130, piacentinom@manheimtownshippolice.org