River Edge Woman Honored For Helping Recovering Alcoholics

RIVER EDGE, N.J. — Lisa Gladwell wanted to change the conversation about addiction.

Gladwell received a Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Friday. The awards are distributed by Ramapo College, and honor Garden State residents whose community service and charitable contributions have made a substantial impact on the lives of others.

After completing treatment at the Van Ost Institute for Family Living in Englewood, an alcohol treatment facility, Gladwell took a leadership role in the program’s alumni organization.

Gladwell earned her law degree and provides pro bono legal assistance to people in need.

She has brought 12 Step meetings to men and women in halfway houses and the Bergen County Jail’s drug rehabilitation program.

She is also part of the newly formed New Jersey Recovery Coalition, a statewide group working to increase dialogue among recovery agencies to foster more prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Gladwell has also spearheaded the group New Jersey Recovery Advocates, a non-profit of volunteers working to bring hope to those afflicted by addiction.

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