‘Operation Helping Hand’ Launches In Essex County | Newark, NJ Patch – Newark, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Integrity House, one of the largest nonprofit providers of substance use disorder treatment licensed in the state of New Jersey, has partnered with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for Operation Helping Hand.

Centered around the rehabilitation of people arrested on minor, non-violent drug charges, Operation Helping Hand seeks to offer the option of a diversion program instead of jail time and promotes treatment through the help of certified peer recovery specialists, according to the organization.

First established in Essex County in 2019, Operation Helping Hand takes a recovery-focused approach to resolving law enforcement incidents involving drug use. People who have been arrested for the purchase of illegal drugs are immediately connected to recovery and treatment services.

Charges may be dropped if the person subsequently enrolls in treatment. Aimed toward treating those struggling with the disease of addiction instead of punishing them, Operation Helping Hand is another program that underscores Integrity House’s efforts to promote long-term, long-lasting recovery for all.

Composed of two certified peer recovery specialists (CPRS) provided by Integrity House, the Operation Helping Hand team is professionally trained in providing services that are both trauma-informed and delivered with cultural sensitivity. In working closely with these individuals, the CPRS seeks to carry out the mission of educating and supporting individuals on their journey toward wellness and recovery.

The overall goal of the Operation Helping Hand program is to provide direct aid and recovery resources to high-risk individuals via certified peer recovery specialists. Trained professionals work to assess the needs of these individuals and coordinate care with Integrity House.

Functioning as a direct resource for the program’s participants, the CPRS offer a multitude of services including:

● Psychoeducation
● Advocacy
● Crisis intervention
● Community integration
● Skill development

“Integrity House’s participation in the Operation Helping Hand program will continue to honor our 50+ year commitment to promoting recovery in Newark and Essex County,” said Robert J. Budsock, President and CEO of Integrity House. “Time and time again, we have strongly supported the belief that providing those struggling with substance use disorder with resources geared toward their recovery rather than jail time yields better outcomes for individuals, families, and the community. By working closely with Essex County law enforcement to identify individuals who need our help the most, we will continue changing the narrative surrounding those affected by substance use disorder by helping them become the best and healthiest versions of themselves.”

Integrity House offers substance use disorder treatment programs in Kearny, Newark, Secaucus, Toms River, Morris Plains, and Paramus. For more information on the recovery services offered through Integrity House, visit: https://integrityhouse.org/.