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A BRIEF HISTORY

Friends of Addiction Recovery-New Jersey, a project at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-New Jersey, was founded in September 2000. The first organizational meeting took place in Hamilton Square on Sept. 16 with 33 participants.

The new grassroots recovery community organization, comprising individuals in recovery, family members, friends, supporters and other allies, began meeting monthly. A vision and mission were developed and members were welcomed regardless of how recovery was achieved.

With the aid of a five-year federal grant of $200,000 a year and state funding, the fledgling organization began its task of working with the recovery community in New Jersey to promote and celebrate recovery, and overcome the stigma associated with addiction.

Midway through 2002, FOAR-NJ shifted its focus to maintain its sustainability and began developing a recovery support service that is now being offered to the recovery community. In 2003 the first recovery support learning circle was started at NJ State Prison. Today, FOAR-NJ facilitates 10 circles, including a drumming circle. The three community circles - South Jersey (Cherry Hill), Central Jersey (Hamilton) and Northwestern Jersey (Netcong) - are followed by monthly FOAR-NJ chapter business meetings. The learning circles are peer-driven, peer-led learning groups that provide awareness and knowledge on various topics that support and strengthen recovery.

In 2002, FOAR-NJ organized the first Recovery Walk of it's kind in New Jersey. Last year, the annual Recovery Walk drew between 1,200 and 1,500 members of the recovery community; an overwhelming success for it's second year. The organization continues to take its message to the public and recovery community in New Jersey, providing training opportunities for members and others interested in serving the recovery community, as well as, outreach, networking, advocacy and other activities. Recent efforts include collaborating with faith-based communities and the state's drug court system.

The organization maintains connections with the addiction recovery movement through its contact with Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) and other addiction recovery community organizations nationwide.

FOAR-NJ's efforts are coordinated by about 30 core members. There are more than 800 individuals on the organization's mailing list. FOAR-NJ holds leadership, organizational and other trainings for its members and others who wish to participate. This enables individuals to strengthen their existing skills while collaborating with others to help them with their service work.

ANONYMITY

Though many members of Friends of Recovery choose to disclose their recovery and talk about it publicly, there is no pressure placed on members to do so. The organization is aware of and respectful of the traditions of 12-Step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon and Narcotics Anonymous. Members who belong to a 12-step group are encouraged not to divulge their membership when speaking to the press, radio, television and other members of the media. We see the primacy of recovery as a key value in our organization. We urge new members and individuals in early sobriety to focus on recovery first.

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