Education
At NJ-CARS, we are committed to educating stakeholders and enhancing the skills of Recovery Support Providers and Peers to ensure the delivery of the highest quality services.
Leadership Academy
Initiative Overview: Launched in 2022, the Leadership Academy is designed to bolster the resilience and potential of our communities. This program provides mentorship and access to essential resources, supporting personal and professional growth.
Program Features
Participants engage in a 7-week course that includes weekly one-on-one mentorship and virtual workshops with peers. Workshops cover key topics such as:
- Becoming a Leader
- Leadership Essentials
- Self-Care
- Recovery Work
- Workplace Agility
Certification
Upon completion, participants receive a certificate approved by the Certification Board of New Jersey, applicable towards CPRS recertification credits.
Equity Dinners
Join us at our annual Equity Dinners, where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across various societal sectors. These dinners offer a unique platform for sharing experiences, perspectives, and ideas through discussions and performances, fostering a brave space for dialogue and community building. Open to all NJ-CARS members and the broader New Jersey community, these events are designed to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and strengthen community bonds.
Event Details
For information on the next NJ-CARS Race Equity Dinner, please check our event calendar.
Understanding DEI
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Equity, in the context of DEI, refers to the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement of all individuals, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Diversity
Diversity acknowledges the presence of differences among people, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, physical abilities, religious beliefs, and political ideologies. Embracing diversity means recognizing and valuing these differences as strengths and actively seeking to include individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
Equity
Equity focuses on ensuring fairness and justice in the treatment of all individuals, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or disadvantaged. Equity involves recognizing that different people have different needs and may require different levels of support to thrive. It requires identifying and addressing systemic barriers and biases that perpetuate inequality, such as discriminatory policies, practices, and attitudes.
Inclusion
Inclusion refers to creating environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their background or identity. Inclusive practices involve actively involving and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating spaces where everyone can contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Inclusion goes beyond mere representation to ensure that diverse voices are heard, respected, and included in all aspects of organizational culture and operations.
Join Us
Participate in our Equity Dinners to engage in meaningful conversations that drive change and contribute to a more inclusive community. These gatherings are a cornerstone of our commitment to understanding and advancing DEI within New Jersey.
Trauma-Informed Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (TI-ROSC)
At NJ-CARS, following the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s framework, we have initiated local Trauma-Informed Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (TI-ROSC) planning committees across several pilot counties in New Jersey. These committees include multi-sector representatives who engage in extensive community assessment activities such as focus groups, surveys, key informant interviews, and other data collection efforts. The outcomes of these activities inform actionable plans with clear, measurable goals and objectives tailored to community needs.
Following the framework developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, NJ-CARS has empowered member organizations to establish local Trauma Informed Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (TI-ROSC) planning committees across numerous pilot counties across the state.
The pilot committees have engaged multi-sector representatives and conducted focus groups, surveys, key informant interviews, and engaged in other data collection activities to assess community readiness, assets, and needs. Each committee finalizes action plans with measurable goals and objectives.
Pilot Program Achievements:
- Enhanced Coordination: We’re working to improve coordination between treatment providers, recovery services, and adjacent support systems.
- Trauma-Informed Training: We provide training and technical support to enhance the trauma-informed capabilities of provider organizations.
- Increased Awareness: Through locally targeted marketing campaigns, we aim to raise awareness of available recovery support services.
NJ-CARS Vision for Care:
- Accessibility: Ensure every New Jersey resident impacted by substance use is aware that recovery is possible and knows where to find help.
- Compassionate Options: Offer a compassionate, comprehensive menu of care options, which may include but are not limited to, formal treatment and medication.
- Quality and Continuity: Connect individuals to high-quality, long-term recovery support services that are culturally responsive and holistic.
- Empowerment: Empower individuals affected by substance use to lead healthy, meaningful lives.
Training Opportunities:
TI-ROSC Train the Trainer Workshops
We offer free training sessions for those interested in becoming trainers in trauma-informed service delivery within the SUD continuum. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive, supportive, and effective service delivery system.
Get Involved
To participate in a TI-ROSC Train the Trainer (ToT) workshop in your county, please contact us.
