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9 April 2015

Sefcik Family to be Honored at Care Plus NJ Foundation Courage Awards Gala

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Care Plus NJ

Sefcik FamilyApril 9, 2015 – Paramus, NJ – The Care Plus NJ Foundation is proud to recognize the Sefcik family at the 17th Annual Courage Awards Gala being held on June 3, 2015 at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ. The family is being honored for their community education on youth Behavioral Health and suicide prevention.

“Remembering T.J. – A Story of Teen Depression, Lessons and Hope” is a program that the family has been presenting, fueled by the painful lessons that they learned after their son T.J. died by suicide in 2010. Since then, the Sefcik family has been actively battling the stigma against mental illness by encouraging students, educators, parents, and community members alike to start the conversation and become educated on the important public health concerns surrounding Behavioral Health and suicide prevention.

“The Sefcik family has taken a private and personal experience, and created a public education forum to promote prevention, Behavioral Health recovery and resiliency,” stated Jamisin Saracino, Director of Client Advocacy and Community Education at Care Plus NJ. “They truly embody what the Courage Awards Gala represents.”

The Care Plus NJ Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year will celebrate courage, hope, and happiness by honoring those who work tirelessly, like the Sefcik family, on behalf of individuals and families facing the daily and life-long challenges of mental illness and substance abuse. The event also helps to raise the much-needed funds for those very same individuals and families

This year’s honorees also include John Cosgrove, Mayor of Fair Lawn and supporter of the Fair Lawn Stigma-Free Zone initiative; and Kenneth Ehrenberg, the Chief of the Paramus Police Department and collaborative leader in crisis de-escalation and Behavioral Health awareness. The Care Plus NJ Foundation will also award Dr. Dina Vaynberg with the Compassionate Care Award for her work at Care Plus NJ, representing the best in the field of Behavioral Health care. In addition to the honorees, the event will recognize the recipients of the 2015 Bernard Dubnick Scholarship.

The Courage Awards Gala includes a cocktail hour, dinner, live and silent auctions, 50/50, raffle and more. The event attracts attendees from across the state, including representatives and supporters from the Northern New Jersey business community. Individual tickets are available for $150 each, with full tables of 10 offered for $1,400.

The Foundation is currently welcoming dinner guests, sponsors, and auction donations. For more information, click here or call 201-986-5070.

Donate today to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

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Belief

Belief refers to the confidence, faith, and conviction that individuals have in their ability to overcome addiction, make positive changes in their lives, and maintain long-term recovery. In substance use recovery learning self efficacy (self-belief), challenging negative beliefs, creating a positive mindset, and investing in new values gained from addressing one’s substance use disorder and Behavioral Health issues – improves oneself, relationships, and the future.

Every patient at Care Plus NJ has access to Behavioral Health professionals, including psychiatrists, and psychologists. In addition, each is assigned a case manager, drug and alcohol counselor, and peer recovery specialist who play a pivotal role in the treatment process.

As a Behavioral Health professional, they guide education, group therapy and support groups and other Behavioral Health services as indicated based on each persons needs.

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Motivation

Motivation refers to the internal drive, desire, and commitment of an individual to initiate and sustain positive changes in their behavior, lifestyle, and overall well-being. It is a crucial factor in the C.L.I.M.B. recovery process, as overcoming addiction often requires significant effort, perseverance, and a genuine commitment to change.

Motivated individuals in recovery set clear and realistic goals for themselves. Utilizing the stages of change model, Care Plus NJ walks patients through various stages of a substance use disorder, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse prevention. Understanding these stages helps individuals navigate their unique recovery journey.

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Insight

Insight refers to a deep and clear understanding of oneself, one’s behaviors, and the factors contributing to substance abuse. It involves gaining awareness into the root causes of addiction, recognizing patterns of behavior, and developing a clearer understanding of the impact of substance use on various aspects of one’s life. Insight is a critical component of the recovery process as it provides a foundation for positive change and sustained recovery.

Insight involves exploring the underlying issues that may contribute to drug abuse, such as past severe psychological distresss, Behavioral Health issues, or unresolved emotional challenges. Addressing these root causes is essential for long-term recovery.

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Courage

Courage in the context of recovering from drug addiction, refers to the ability to confront and overcome the challenges and fears associated with the recovery process in a person’s life. It involves facing one’s vulnerabilities, acknowledging the need for change, and taking positive steps toward a healthier and drug-free life.

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Love

Love plays a significant and multifaceted role in the process of recovery from drug and substance abuse. Having a network of supportive and understanding family members, friends, or partners is immensely valuable during the recovery journey. Community, fellowship and support groups emphasize the importance of connection with others who understand the challenges of addiction. Repairing relationships damaged by substance use often involves acts of love, forgiveness, and rebuilding trust.

In essence, love in the context of substance use recovery encompasses self-love, support from others, understanding, accountability, community, rebuilding relationships, and a renewed appreciation for life.

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