Thomas King announced through the following email in late August that Mary Taylor, Director of TC2 Newark has decided to retire after 27 years of service to Integrity House.
 
“Many of you know Ms. Taylor and the amazing work she has done with our Student Members, helping to save lives & give hope.  Some of you even came through these doors yourself under her guidance. Those of you who may not know her personally, I’m sure have at least heard of her. So everyone who is reading this email, lets all take the time out to remember the good times, experiences, and the many interesting stories I’m sure you can share! 
 
When she leaves, the Agency will be missing a good friend, positive role model, & a hard worker.  I’ll be losing all of the above, as she was my immediate supervisor, and played an instrumental role in molding and shaping me…. Working under her has certainly been a pleasure, and an experience I won’t  forget. But, we should all be happy she is moving on to a new chapter is her amazing life!  Integrity Works!  And Mary Taylor is certainly an example of that, and much more.”

Staff will celebrate Ms. Taylor today at a luncheon at Iberia in the Ironbound.

Friends of Integrity, Andrea Biggs Farina and Mary Elizabeth O’Connor, worked with the Women of Integrity in Secaucus on August 26 to add new books and put the library in order.  Chuck and Pam Farina also donated a full set of encyclopedia in excellent condition to add to the collection. Staff members from DYFS were on site to accept new and gently used children’s books for use on family visits.

Andrea, Mary Elizabeth and their hard-working resident-helpers worked many hours to recycle torn, tattered, and inappropriate books received earlier as “donations.”  Integrity can always use new and recent books that support education, recovery and leisure reading, but not personal collections or used paperbacks. A lending-library system is being set up by student-members to assure availability of quality materials for a range of reading interests.

Staff and student-members in Newark hosted a celebration in honor of the 42nd Anniversary of Integrity House on Monday, August 23rd in the Rose Garden. Pictures of the event will be posted on www.integrityhouse.org shortly!

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.

For staff, tomorrow will be a ‘dress down day’ for the festival.

Postion: Director

How did you get started with Integrity House?  Dave convinced me to come to work at INTEGRITY.

How long have you been at Integrity House? 18 + years

What is your educational background? School of Hard Knocks

In one sentence, respond your responsibilities? Assisting staff and members with financial & social services needs.

What is your best memory at Integrity House? Attending many commencement ceremonies to congratulate members and staff on their accomplishments.

What is the best thing about working at Integrity House? The opportunity to work with individuals who care about making a difference in the lives of others.

What do you do for fun? Spend time with family & friends.

What do you want others know about your department? The staff are hard workers and good team players.