Many important visitors have come to Integrity House during the summer months in Newark. In June, Congressman Donald Payne came to discuss the effects of the healthcare reform on the substance abuse population. In August, Attorney General Paula Dow came to speak with Dave Kerr, Ed Lyons and Bob Budsock about possible cost-effective changes to the Drug Court system to include Therapeutic Community treatment. Also, in August, Justice Barry Albin toured the Newark campus and even had lunch in the Rose Garden with student-members from A&B House. Another new familiar face is that of Jim McGreevey who can be seen around the Newark campus in groups and working with Dave Kerr on new and exciting projects at the agency.
We’ve also celebrated many successful events this summer. In June, over 100 golfers participated in the Annual Golf Outing at the Essex County Country Club in West Orange. The July 4th Fireworks and Craft Show on the Yankee Ferry raised money for the 2010 Gala which benefits the Integrity Initiative for Women and Children. The Gala Commitee members put together a wonderful event! In August, the Recovery Festival brought together over 1,000 Newark residents, community organizations and student-members from both Newark and Secaucus. The music was great and all of the organizations brought information about their programs.
Each outing has been a great time for all of the Integrity House family. In June, Weequahic Park, was a great way to start the summer. In July, student-members and staff from Newark and Secaucus braved shark sitings and a few sunburns at Island State Beach. Finally in August, student-members and staff from Secaucus has a great time at Swartzwood Lake.
Besides visitors and events, many exciting things happen everyday at Integrity House. The Integrity Pride Softball Team has played games in Newark almost every week during the summer. The team brings together student-members from each program and campus to play against other organizations in Essex County. The summer has also brought many accomplishments for our staff from Associate Degrees, Bachelor Degrees, Food Service Certificates and Masters Degrees. Also, student-members from Secaucus visited the Liberty Science Center with Ms. Nancy from the Education Dept. They learned about skyscrapers, saw an IMAX movie and even got to experience a real hurricane.
It’s definitely been a busy summer at Integrity House! We are looking forward to another park outing in September, the 2010 Past, Present and Future Gala, more exciting visitors and the 2010 Corporate Run in the fall.
