The Jersey Journal, 10/10/2018
By Ron Zeitlinger
Two former governors will be honored when Integrity House, the nationally recognized non-profit substance use disorder treatment center, hosts its 50th anniversary Golden Gala Nov. 17 at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.
The annual gala recognizes leaders who continuously make a difference in the community and in the lives of those who suffer from substance use disorder. This year’s honorees are James McGreevey and Chris Christie.
The Integrity House cited McGreevey’s stalwart, persistent and passionate advocacy for prisoner re-entry services, addiction counseling and evidence-based programs that reduce recidivism and lead to long-term jobs.
McGreevey is the executive director of the Jersey City Employment and Training Program and is chairman of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, a non-profit that works to remove all barriers to employment for citizens returning from jail or prison.
In the second half of his second term, Christie earmarked hundreds of millions from annual state budgets to fight the opioid epidemic. The state spent $43 million on a series of opioid addiction commercials that featured Christie in his last term as governor — and had to be shelved when Murphy was elected.
Christie, who ran for president and later supported Donald Trump’s candidacy, served for a time as chairman of the President’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission.
“Our annual gala helps us to continue to expand our services and provide highly effective treatment programs to the increasing number of individuals battling daily for their recovery,” said Robert J. Budsock, president and CEO of Integrity House.
Integrity House, which has locations in Newark, Secaucus, Jersey City, Paramus, Toms River, Morris Plains and Kearny, provides evidence-based integrated addictions treatment for men, women, and families.
“Integrity House has been rebuilding lives since 1968 and will not rest on history alone,” Budsock said. “In recognizing our 50th anniversary we are also redoubling our commitment to pioneering evidence-based protocols and treatment regimens that help to promote long-term sobriety and an improved quality of life for people in recovery.”
High-visibility sponsorship packages are available for purchase as are full tables and individual tickets. Additional support opportunities are available for leadership gifts, journal ads, and raffle donations. For more information, please visit: www.integrityhouse.org/events.