Rockaway, N.J. (October 25, 2024) – Prevention Is Key (PIK), a north Jersey-based non-profit substance misuse prevention and recovery support agency, announced today that it has received three scholarships from the LEAD National Support Bureau to send staff to the LEAD National Convening in Seattle WA on October 28, 2024.

The LEAD Team from Phillipsburg has been invited to participate in a national meeting of like-minded practitioners.  LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) is a public safety initiative managed by Prevention Is Key, Inc. of Rockaway, New Jersey.  Prevention Is Key staff Pamela Clark (Project Manager), Anthony Doran (Outreach & Intake Coordinator) and Ilsamir “Mimi” Blue (Case Manager) were invited by the LEAD National Support Bureau several weeks ago as recognition of the significant program development and outcomes achieved during the pilot phase of funding. 

Purpose.Dignity.Action and the LEAD Support Bureau are excited to welcome over 200 practitioners from around the country on October 28, 2024 to, “the home of LEAD” in Seattle Washington. The LEAD National Convening will bring together practitioners to discuss their LEAD initiatives and build upon their current skill sets.  Attendees will also participate in conversations about the evolution of LEAD in a changing landscape, learn from practitioners from across the country, explore technological advancements in data-sharing, and even making time for networking at fun social activities in the evening. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their regional challenges and accomplishments and learn more about unique, cutting-edge innovations happening in Seattle, as well as hear about all the exciting programming at LEAD sites in over 100 jurisdictions across the country. Sessions will include exploring topics such as data/research, growth and sustainability, gaining stakeholder buy-in and working with folks who have lived experience.

Originally funded by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Phillipsburg LEAD has made great strides in developing sustainable changes for individuals affected by substance use disorder, mental health issues, and/or poverty/homelessness. Using a harm reduction model of meeting people “where they are” in their life journey, 46 adults in Phillipsburg have been enrolled and are receiving intensive case management services – assistance with accessing food and clothing; getting identifying documents and public benefits; access to emergency housing, mental health, medical and substance use treatment; help finding employment; transitional support for court-involved individuals; transportation; etc.   More referrals are pending from the Phillipsburg Police Department. LEAD staff have also been working diligently to address organizational and systemic barriers that affect people seeking to make positive changes specifically in the areas of employment, transportation, and homelessness. In conjunction with the NORWESCAP Food Bank LEAD has established a Food Pantry on site, recently conducted a Job Fair with partner agencies at the EnVision Center, provided significant feedback for improvements for public transit within Warren County, and helped to coordinate the Point In Time Count and Project Homeless Connect with Warren County officials to meet the needs of the growing homeless population locally.  Most importantly, has been the top down and bottom-up support from the Phillipsburg community which has enabled the staff to be able to help so many people to improve their futures. 

Since the conclusion of the funding from the pilot project this summer, Prevention Is Key has been floating the costs of implementing LEAD in Phillipsburg pending notification of additional support from the NJ Office of the Attorney General. In recognition of the initiative’s development and outcomes in their inaugural year of operation, the LEAD National Support Bureau is graciously providing three scholarships to Phillipsburg LEAD staff to attend the LEAD National Convening.  This covers airfare, hotel, and meeting costs.  Prevention Is Key is appreciate of the program acknowledgement and grateful for opportunities afforded by these scholarships. 

About Prevention Is Key

Prevention is Key (PIK) is a 501(c)3 organization that has successfully delivered culturally competent, evidence-based prevention services in Morris County and the surrounding counties for over 35 years. The agency was founded in 1989 to coordinate substance misuse prevention in Morris County.  From our roots as a resource center and awareness campaigns with a modest budget, to our current implementation of both direct service and environmental change strategies, including our recent addition of the Center for Addiction Recovery and Success (CARES) Peer to Peer Recovery Center, has made PIK the premiere substance misuse prevention agency in north central New Jersey. For more information visit www.Preventioniskey.org.