— Trenton Times file photo
ROBBINSVILLE, N.J. — With the success of the benefit segment to his State of Robbinsville annual address since 2015, Mayor Dave Fried will continue to “Pay it Forward” to the Community Addiction Recovery Effort (C.A.R.E.) program this year.
According to the Township’s website, C.A.R.E. is an ongoing effort that offers treatment options for those suffering from opiate/opioid addiction.
For the past three years, Fried and his constituents have included this charitable effort that they have dubbed, “Pay it Forward,” and this year’s benefit for the C.A.R.E. program will take place May 8 at his annual address.
“Robbinsville Township and the C.A.R.E. program recognize addiction as a disease, and we are committed to providing every possible resource during the short window of opportunity when the arrested addict is at his/her most receptive moment,” Fried said.
C.A.R.E. has been the standard operating procedure used by the Robbinsville Township Police Department since Jan. 2016. On-duty officers coordinate an action plan to aid those arrested in the Township who are struggling with such addiction at the time of arrest.
“This is a nationwide epidemic and Robbinsville is not immune. But we are determined to do our part by providing a pathway for recovery. We can’t save everyone. But we can save one. That alone will make it all worthwhile,” said Fried.
The C.A.R.E. program helps arrestees who have no current arrest warrants or detainers in their names. Officers assist by offering a pathway to recovery: providing resources, access to treatment, and guidance from trained addiction professionals.
Since 2015, the State of the Township and Pay it Forward have raised nearly $150,000, reports the Township’s website.
This year, the Township of Robbinsville in conjunction with MidJersey Chamber of Commerce, The Way Foundation, and Recovery Advocates of America will support the C.A.R.E. program at various sponsorship levels.
The 2018 sponsorship levels are:
• C.A.R.E. Guardian: $25,000
• C.A.R.E. Warrior: $10,000
• C.A.R.E. Hero: $5,000
• C.A.R.E. Advocate: $2,500
Beverage/cigar sponsorship opportunities are available for $500. Keep it Local sponsorships are $250.
Reservations are $110 per person, and $1000 for tables of 10 persons. Anyone who cannot attend, but would like to donate $25 anonymously, or in an addict’s name, may do so prior to the event.
Sponsorships and donations to the C.A.R.E. program will be used for partial scholarships, travel expenses to get into recovery, lodging expenses, and essential items for treatment and recovery.
Treatment options and essentials are based on eligibility and availability.
Admission to the C.A.R.E. program does not exclude the arrestee from his/her legal obligations.
If you or someone you love is in need of intervention, call Recovery Advocates of America at 888-360-7788.
To become a sponsor at the various levels, or to attend the event, contact Jodi Stephens at jstephens@robbinsville.net.