Essex Vicinage to Hold Recovery Court Graduation

The Essex Vicinage will hold its recovery court graduation ceremony for 13 participants on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Leroy Smith Building in Newark, Assignment Judge Avion Benjamin announced today.

Superior Court Judge Thomas A. Callahan, the vicinage's recovery court judge, will preside. Students from the Essex County College music department will perform. Graduates will share their experiences of strength and hope. Noah Deutsch, social work advocate from Operation RISE, will give the keynote address.

The day will mark the graduates' accomplishments and recognize the beginning of their journeys. Families, friends, and loved ones will be present to support their graduates. Current recovery court participants also will attend.

The Judiciary's recovery court program operates within the Superior Court to address non-violent drug-addicted offenders. The rigorous program requires completion of several phases of intensive drug and alcohol treatment that includes intensive probation supervision, frequent drug testing, and virtual court appearances.

The vicinage's recovery court program has more than 200 participants. Recovery court participants are expected to comply with all treatment recommendations, attend support meetings, gain employment, and demonstrate payment of fines.

The event will be held in the 14th floor conference room of the Leroy Smith Building, 60 Nelson Place, Newark.

For more information, contact vicinage Recovery Court Coordinator Caroline Modrzejewski 973-766-9300, ext. 57086.