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Local Voices

Prisoner Reentry: Breaking the Cycle Conference to Be Hosted by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop

Governor Chris Christie and US Attorney Paul Fishman to Deliver Keynotes

Co-Sponsored by Integrity House and Saint Peter’s University the Event Will Focus on Successful Reentry Initiatives and Model Plans for Non-Violent Ex-Offenders

JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY (April 10, 2014) – Jersey City Mayor, Steven Fulop will host the Prisoner Reentry Conference: Breaking The Cycle on April 17, 2014, from 9 AM to 4 PM at Saint Peter’s University.  The conference will focus on successful reentry initiatives for non-violent ex-offenders, and provide a platform to discuss the design and implementation of model plans for local and regional reentry efforts. Featuring keynote addresses by both New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and US Attorney Paul Fishman, and sponsored by Saint Peter’s University and Integrity House, a nationally recognized substance abuse rehabilitation center, the goal of the conference is to establish reentry best practices to better the success of ex-offenders returning to society.

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An overwhelming number of ex-offenders are clinically addicted, making substance abuse treatment an essential component of successful re-integration into society. The conference will take a deeper look at addiction treatment, the current challenges surrounding the lack of available sober housing, and the importance of job training and employment in developing model reentry plans to successfully integrate non-violent ex-offenders back into civil society.

“The cost of failing to reintegrate ex-offenders into our society ultimately exceeds the cost of an effective re-entry program,” said former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, now Executive Director of the Jersey City Employment & Training Program as well as current member of the Integrity House Board of Trustees. “Studies have shown conclusively that every dollar invested into treatment programs saves seven dollars in law enforcement and criminal justice costs.  Long-term treatment and recovery are proven to help addicts achieve and maintain sobriety, allowing them to move forward and contribute to society in a positive way. This conference serves as a critical platform to continue the discussion on addiction treatment and develop best practices for prisoner reentry.”

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Confirmed speakers include Governor Chris Christie, United States Attorney Paul Fishman, former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, former NBA player Jayson Williams, who will speak on his personal journey of reentry, United States Magistrate Judge Madeline Arleo and Hudson County Director of Corrections Oscar Aviles. The conference will also feature panel discussions and workshops which will provide attendees with an opportunity to contribute thoughts and ideas.

For more information on the conference please contact Alma Kadric at 201-793-0844 or Alma.Kadric@dol.sate.nj.us.

About Integrity House:

Integrity House is celebrating more than 45 years of providing substance abuse treatment and support services for over 2,000 adult and adolescent addicts annually. The groundbreaking work of Integrity House is recognized as both a national and international prototype for recovery. This non-profit treatment program is based in Newark and Secaucus, N.J. For more information, visit www.integrityhouse.org or call 973 623.7246.

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