WILDWOOD – With financing from Ocean Inc., and partnerships with local municipalities and Christians United for Recover (CURE), Cape Assist is able to extend their Public Advocacy program to Lower Township. Previously, a Public Advocate was offered in Wildwood and Middle Township. “There are no substance abuse resources available for less serious offenders in local municipal court,” said Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana. “So, when a defendant appears in the local courtroom, the defendant, family members, those suffering from addiction and even the judge have few options regarding treatment or assistance. By providing a Public Advocate in the municipal courts, we are able to provide assistance to families in crisis and get them help before their crimes escalate into more serious offenses.”
Cape Assist provides a New Jersey Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor to serve as a Public Advocate, and partners with Christians United for Recover (CURE) to ensure that the defendant & their families get the needed treatment. “CURE is an amazing group of volunteers that are dedicated to providing transportation and support to people in early stages of recovery,” explains Kim Mounce, Cape Assist Senior Coalition Coordinator. “Our advocate work would not be nearly as successful if we did not have CURE in our community.”
The Public Advocate is now present in the Wildwood, Middle Township and Lower Township municipal courts to assist defendants suffering from addiction and their family members by providing information about available treatment programs and resources. “Our partnerships with law enforcement, the courts, community volunteers and Ocean Inc. allow us to help those suffering with addiction, to reduce recidivism and ultimately reduce crime,” said Katie Faldetta, Executive Director of Cape Assist.
The Public Advocate will also serve as a resource for the police department in providing information about treatment programs to individuals who need assistance and information regarding substance abuse for them, a friend or a loved one.
If you, a loved one or your family would like counseling or need information, a public advocate can provide counsel, inform and guide you through the process of seeking help for any substance abuse issue.
For more information, stop in at Cape Assist, call (609) 522-5960 or email info@capeassist.org
The Cape Assist organization is a nonprofit agency, dedicated to servicing Cape May County for over 30 years. Cape Assist promotes health and wellness in the community, implementing research-based services to seniors, schools, businesses and organizations, all structured to enrich families and build healthy communities.
CURE (Christians United for Recover) is comprised of dedicated volunteers that help community members attain recovery.
