By Robert Budsock, LCADC, MA, President and CEO
From its humble origins as a “social club” helping individuals on parole address their addiction in the wake of the 1968 Newark uprising to one of New Jersey’s largest providers of licensed treatment, Integrity House has grown significantly over the years. We’ve established programs in Secaucus, Morris Plains, Toms River, Kearny, and Paramus. We’ve moved beyond treatment for substance use disorder to provide prevention and recovery programs. Throughout this growth, two things have remained unchanged – our mission to help people achieve positive, long-term lifestyle change and our commitment to the city of Newark.
Integrity House’s largest campus is located in Newark. We operate nine programs that help individuals experiencing substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health conditions recover and improve their overall health. We’ve complemented our clinical programs with community outreach and prevention initiatives like Mobile Community Care and a Nurse Care Management Program that provides comprehensive care for the prevention, screening, and treatment of physical health conditions that often affect individuals experiencing SUDs. We’ve fostered partnerships with numerous organizations that also work to serve and care for Newark residents, which has led to a greater and more sustained impact.
In 50+ years, a lot has happened. This year, we’re doing something more. On Thursday, August 22, 2024, Integrity House will host Integrity Day, an inaugural wellness event in Lincoln Park, Newark, across from Integrity House’s headquarters. The Honorable Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, a long-time partner of Integrity House, will give remarks.
Integrity Day promotes access to whole-person well-being for all. The event is free and open to the community and will offer a range of activities and services that lead to better physical, mental, and emotional health. This includes:
- Screenings for substance use disorders and other mental health conditions
- Blood pressure checks
- Harm reduction supplies, including Narcan
- Infectious disease education and screenings
- Yoga and breathwork sessions
- Wellness giveaways
We’re excited to celebrate a community we’ve called home for 56 years. Event partners are welcome, but registration is free. I hope you will join me.
Wonderful
Nov 1970, my husband J Dennis Cadigan entered Integrity. Dave Kerr and the staff worked w/Dennis a 160% disabled vet and 2 years later Dennis graduated. Married, w/two children, he went on go get a PHD in Psychology, open a private practice and bless the lives of myself and many others. Dave made the difference at a crucial time, he and Den remained the best of friends until Dennis passing in Nov 2916. May Integrity continue to help others turn their lives around.
Margaret,
We are very sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. Thank you for sharing his story.
I have been involved with this wonderful program since 1975 . As a former client and now a residential aide in the Secaucus facility ,it’s been a honor to work and be in this family of peers and co workers over the years. my experience here, have been and still to this day enjoy the process of growth . always a encouraging word from Mr Budsock. Dave Keer and Richard G.The ability to persevere and remain consistent in this journey of recovery is the main two ideals i owe to Integrity House.