Addiction Prevention Agency Recognized for 35 Years of Service to the Community

Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti read the proclamation which stated in part that the agency is being recognized for “serving hundreds of thousands of residents including individuals, parents, youth, students and educators, faith-based communities and more throughout Middlesex County.”

“We’re honored to have been recognized by the Freeholders,” noted Executive Director Ezra Helfand. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done and will continue to do. Being recognized for these efforts is high praise.”

“The Board of Trustees is especially proud of the Freeholders’ recognition of former Executive Directors Steve Liga and Marcia Smith,” said Board President Jeff Jannarone. “The agency’s leadership has been instrumental in introducing new and innovative prevention programs, as well as educational programs and referral services.”

Wellspring/NCADD has its roots in a solid history of education/prevention activities in the county starting back in the mid-1970s. At that time, an outreach movement began by the National Council on Alcoholism of Monmouth County, which resulted in the establishment of the NCA of Central Jersey, which included an office in Ocean County and one here in Middlesex.

Since 1980, the agency has identified community needs and has met those needs with creativity and persistence.

“We have served hundreds of thousands of individuals through the wide array of programs we provide,” noted Helfand. “Now we are identified a leader in Middlesex County in providing quality prevention education programs and establishing coalitions to address specific needs in the community.”

“I have worked with Wellspring/NCADD for many years and have seen first-hand the positive effects they have had on the Middlesex County community,” said Freeholder Valenti. “They are a fantastic partner in helping us help our residents.”

“Congratulations to Wellspring/NCADD,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “I congratulate them not only for this significant anniversary, but for their success in meeting the needs of our residents. Prevention, education, outreach and referral services are key to helping individuals who may be at risk for or who are facing substance abuse. The organization has touched not only these lives but the lives of their loved ones.”

More information about Wellspring/NCADD is available on the agency’s website at http://wellspringprevention.org/

PHOTO CAPTION
Pictured are (from left) Wellspring Board of Trustee members Vice President Agim Coma, Steve Polinsky (rear), Lisa Velasquez, Rakesh Ganta, Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti, and Executive Director Ezra Helfand.

Photo credit: Middlesex County Office of Communication