The Cumberland County Department of Human Services announced that it has received a grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (“DMHAS”) to develop a regional Community Peer Recovery Center (“CPRC”). The $100,000 grant provides start up funding for peer-to-peer recovery support services to prevent recurrence of substance abuse and promote sustained recovery. Cumberland County Department of Human Services Director Melissa Niles stated, “We are excited to be one of seven statewide recipients to receive this grant funding for this innovative program which was a very competitive process.” Explaining the peer to peer concept Niles added, “All recovery activities and services are led and driven by individuals who have experienced addiction and recovery, either directly or indirectly as a family or friend.”
Cumberland County Freeholder Director Joseph Derella cited the importance of developing a Community Peer Recovery Center stating, “The CPRC provides a safe place for recovering individuals to gather in support of one another and experience sober living in a community setting.” Niles continued, “It is the ideal welcoming place for those in recovery to receive peer to peer support and attain guidance in a number of life-skill areas, while providing an opportunity to give back to their community and fostering their senses of empowerment and independence.”
Freeholder Director pointed out that the COVID-19 public health emergency has done nothing to interrupt the chronic public health crisis that is substance abuse. Director Derella stated, “While we marshal our resources to battle COVID-19 we cannot forget the necessity to continue our fight against substance abuse and our need to provide effective recovery support programs.” Director Derella concluded, “This CPRC grant will make effective peer to peer support services readily available to our Cumberland County residents in need and by supporting their recovery we benefit, not only them, but our entire community.”