INTEGRITY HOUSE

A substance abuse recovery program, Integrity House, was started by David Kerr, a member of our congregation, over 20 years ago. It continues to strive to grow and change with the needs of its members.

     Integrity, Inc., fondly referred to as Integrity House, is a carefully managed, highly effective Therapeutic Community (TC).  Their long-term residential and outpatient treatment programs are licensed by the State of New Jersey to serve those with substance abuse problems and pre-release inmates. 

     Integrity has two locations in New Jersey—Newark and Secaucus.  Their programs primarily serve poor and criminal justice involved individuals from Essex, Hudson and Union counties.  At any one time, Integrity is actively treating 550 individuals and supporting hundreds more through outreach efforts, mentorship, and alumni activities. 

     Integrity works hard to educate the community on the realities of addiction and the true human and financial costs by working with the Division of Addiction Services, criminal justice system, conducting symposiums, and collaborating with local community leaders.

     Integrity is the lead agency for the United Way’s Bridge to Recovery, a consortium effort of over 200 agencies dedicated to help those with addiction problems.  Integrity strives to continually improve itself and the continuum of care for the benefit of the client. 

To learn more: http://www.integrityhouse.org/

Contact: Jenny Ogden (973) 783-1446

BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY

The Bread for the Journey program was established about ten years ago by the Glen Ridge Congregational Church.  Each month 20-35 women travel to GRCC from Integrity's facilities in Newark and Secaucus to join with GRCC women.  Together they participate in a combination of group activities and devotional time.  Led by the Reverend Cindy Reynolds, the sessions are designed to support Integrity's women in recovery. 

     Each "journey" begins with introductions, a reading and often a guided meditation.  Conversation follows around a theme for the day: forgiveness, new starts, acceptance.  Art activities of journaling sessions are part of this time together.  The women gathered at GRCC share stories with one another from their lives and experiences. 
Contact: Cindy Reynolds 743-5596 ext. 12

     After the two-hour session, members of GRCC serve lunch.  More sharing and conversation occur informally on the theme of the morning.  The most profound conversation tends to take place as the women sit together in small groups outdoors, in the Garden of Memory, or in the sanctuary.

     Rev. Reynolds comments, "My time with Bread  is so rich, so fulfilling, so wonderful.  It's the highlight of my month!  We are indeed sisters on the journey together - Muslim, Jew, and Christian.  I thank God for the opportunity to serve and be served through Bread."  Integrity members describe this monthly outing as peaceful and inspiring.  Bread for the Journey provides an opportunity to bond and share openly.

Contact:  Rev. Reynolds (973) 743-5596 X 12

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.

     Habitat has a open-door policy:  All who desire to be part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background.  Habitat for Humanity has always had a policy of building with people in need regardless of race or religion, and they welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.

     The Newark Habitat has completed a number of new and remodeled homes for families. The “Faith House” program, volunteering of time on a work day and monetary donations will help realize Habitat’s goal.

To learn more: http://www.habitatforhumanity.com/

Contact: Jenny Ogden (973) 783-1446

M.E.N.D.

Meeting Emergency Needs with Dignity (M.E.N.D.) is an interfaith anti-hunger network that has been providing emergency food to individuals and families in crisis for over twenty-five years through a network of thirteen emergency food pantries in Essex County.  Last year alone, M.E.N.D was able to provide hope and emergency food to 36,244 people facing difficult times.

     There are thirteen M.E.N.D. pantries in Essex County.  In Newark - Apostle's House, Bessie Green Community Center, Blessed Sacrament Church, Grace Reformed Church, Elizabeth Avenue Presbyterian Church, St. Ann's Food Pantry, St. James A.M.E. Church, St. Mary's Church/Pierre Toussaint, Trinity Reformed, Bloomfield Church on the Green and Bethel Church of Love and Praise in Bloomfield.  Also included are First Presbyterian Church in Orange and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in East Orange.  Pantries affiliated with M.E.N.D. also provide counseling services, child abuse prevention and young mother programs, emergency shelters and soup kitchens. 

Contact:  Jenny Ogden (973) 783-1446

BLOOMFIELD FOOD PANTRY

is located in the Presbyterian Church on the Green. Volunteers are needed to sort and shelve food and to staff the pantry during hours of operation. Donations of canned or nonperishable foods are needed at any time and can be left in the white box provided in the back of the Narthex of our church. The pantry is part of the MEND program (Meeting Emergency Needs with Dignity).
Contact: the church office (973) 743-5596

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (IHN) WEEK occurs once a year. Our church is part of a large network of area churches who open up their buildings and provide volunteers to host families who are temporarily homeless. There are opportunities to cook, serve meals, play games with children, sleep overnight at the church, do laundry and set up and take down furniture.
Contact: Cara Richardson, (973) 771-9267

SUBURBAN CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL

ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (SCEEP)

A group of children from a Newark elementary school are welcomed each week to our church. They are given a hardy snack, one hour of tutoring, followed by an hour of enrichment activities such as arts and crafts, fieldtrips, dance, etc. Volunteers are needed to tutor, assist with activities or provide snacks.
Contact: Nancy Bigelow (973) 228-1247

Special Offerings that are collected during the year include Neighbors In Need, One Great Hour of Sharing (both distributed by the National Church), and the Christmas Eve Offering (usually divided among local benevolences).
Contact: Jenny Ogden (973) 783-1446