Essex Vicinage to Hold Recovery Court Graduation

The Essex Vicinage will hold its recovery court graduation ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, Assignment Judge Sheila Venable announced today.

This event, the program’s fifth virtual ceremony, will honor 18 participants who have maintained recovery from drugs and alcohol. Graduates consist of all early graduates who have successfully completed the program sooner than the prescribed time and will be in-person for the ceremony.

Superior Court Judge John I. Gizzo, the vicinage’s recovery court judge, will preside. Graduates will share their experiences of strength and hope. Gerard “Jersey Jerry” Gilfone, host of a popular sober podcast, will give the keynote address.

The day not only acknowledges the graduates’ accomplishments but also recognizes the beginning of their journey. Families, friends, and loved ones will be able to support their graduate virtually. Current recovery court participants will participate virtually.

The Judiciary’s recovery court program operates within the Superior Court to address nonviolent drug-addicted offenders. The program requires completion of several phases of intensive drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. This level of supervision permits the program to support the recovery process but also allows the recovery court team to react quickly to impose appropriate therapeutic sanctions or to reinstate criminal proceedings when participants do not comply.

The vicinage’s recovery court program has more than 305 participants. Recovery court participants are expected to comply with all treatment recommendations, attend support meetings, gain employment, and demonstrate payment of fines.

The public can view the ceremony at https://www.njcourts.gov/public/channels.html.