The CarePlus Foundation will hold its 20th Annual Courage Awards Gala on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at the Venetian in Garfield to benefit the clients and programs of CarePlus NJ.
As the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Gala celebrates those who tirelessly advocate on behalf of the mental health community. This year, Marie-Alice (“Macs”) Stout is being honored for courageously facing her own addiction, and for using that strength to guide others through the path of recovery.
“The director of the CarePlus Addiction Services Division recommended Macs as an honoree this year,” explained Keri Diamond, Associate Development Director at CarePlus. “She has worked closely with her throughout her recovery and was inspired by her story.”
Macs has completed the Addiction Services continuum of care at CarePlus, and the staff that she had worked with commented that Macs is a constant source of motivation and strength for those she serves.
In working for the Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources through Children’s Aid and Family Services, Macs serves as a Recovery Specialist for the “Opioid Overdose Recovery Program” of Bergen County. In this position, she provides peer support to individuals struggling with addiction. Macs has also been involved with programs like “Operation Helping Hands,” the “Heroin Addiction Recovery Team” program and the “Not Even Once” curriculum speaking at Paramus and Garfield High School student.
“Not only does she value and express gratitude to CarePlus for helping through her darkest times, but she also shares a passion to pay it forward,” Diamond continued.
Macs has recently begun a full time position at Blue Crest Recovery Center as a Counselor Intern, where she will be able to fulfill her career goal in become a Drug and Alcohol counselor, while still being deployed as a Recovery Specialist. All of her work entails helping the still sick and suffering.
Proceeds are dispersed over many important channels, including: educational scholarships for those enrolled in CarePlus services, housing and medication assistance, substance abuse services, outpatient treatment and therapy for children and adults, as well as advocacy and community education.
For more information, to sponsor or register please visit the event website or contact the Foundation Office at 201-986-5070.
CarePlus NJ, INC. is dedicated to excellence in mental healthcare and has a commitment to life-long support needed by individuals and their families to ensure that they achieve their full potential and improve the quality of their lives.
