Community Connections Marks Two Years of Providing Lifeline Services in Morris County

Innovative program aids court-involved individuals with recovery and reintegration services, marking a significant milestone in the community.

Morris County officials celebrated the second anniversary of Community Connections yesterday, marking two successful years of an innovative program that provides essential services to individuals involved in the court system.

Community Connections was launched as a joint initiative by the Morris County Sheriff's Office Successful Transition and Re-Entry (STAR) Program, the New Jersey Administrative Office of Courts, and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. It aims to help individuals reintegrate into the community post-judicial involvement.

The celebration ceremony was held in the public meeting room of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners in Morristown. Notable speakers included Sheriff James M. Gannon, Superior Court Judge Robert M. Hanna, Commissioner Director John Krickus, and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor LaJuan Tucker.

The audience also heard from Charisse Avoletta, Assistant Municipal Division Manager, and Justin Sudol, Community Connections Coordinator Correctional Police Officer. Curtis Bowers, Jr., a successful participant of the program, shared his personal story of transformation.

"Any time I needed something, I called, and they answered... I went back to school, I paid my fines. I got my license back after 20 years all because of this program," said Bowers, Jr., who now works for the Mental Health Association (MHA) and is pursuing certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist.

Community Connections stands out as the first program to assist court-involved individuals by connecting them to a range of services including substance abuse recovery support, mental health services, and social services. The initiative focuses on addressing the risk factors that may lead individuals back into the judicial system, such as homelessness, lack of education, unemployment, mental illness, and substance abuse.

Sheriff Gannon praised the program's effectiveness. "Community Connections is an innovative approach that connects court individuals to mental health and substance abuse services, as well as social service benefits. These three main services were identified to be the foundation for which these individuals can build upon to be successful."

Serving as a pilot program for the State of New Jersey, Community Connections has already made a significant impact, connecting over 280 individuals within the court system to life-changing services.

Director Krickus echoed the sentiment, highlighting Morris County's pioneering initiatives in social services. "With Community Connections, we see help for individuals who might be struggling with substance abuse or a mental health disorder," said Director Krickus.

The Mental Health Association and "Prevention is Key's" Center for Addiction, Recovery, Education & Success are crucial partners in providing these life-saving resources.

Court-involved individuals can access the program by filling out the online referral form on the Morris County Sheriff's Office Community Connections webpage or by scanning the QR code on the Community Connections brochure.