To: Christopher Christie, Governor of New Jersey and Governor Phil Murphy
The People to Save John Brooks Recovery Center
Help to save our Recovery Center here in Southern New Jersey that's been in business since 1969.
Why is this important?
We the undersigned would like to bring your attention to the following problem, with recommendations:
John Brooks Recovery Center (JBRC) is a nonprofit agency providing Substance Abuse services to the residents of NJ since 1969. Clients are able to access various levels of care based upon an individual assessment. Psychiatric evaluations, medication monitoring and individualized care are offered to all clients. Medication assisted therapy is also available in all modalities. JBRC is a 119 bed facility located in Atlantic City, providing long term inpatient care. This represents ten percent of the long term treatment beds in New Jersey and the only long term residential facility in South Jersey serving the uninsured general public. The residential treatment programs are for adult men and women whose lives have been significantly impacted by the use of drugs and/or alcohol. The program is 3 to 6 months long depending on the individual’s progress.
Originally an agreement was struck to relocate JBRC with Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) picking up the tab—a move that Governor Christie supported; however casinos began to close. Ultimately the CRDA agreed to fund part of the agreement. Under the new agreement JBRC would receive $8.1 million; 4 million for the relocation and renovation of two outpatient sites outside of the Tourist District and 4.1 million for the purchase of its buildings in AC. The construction costs of a new facility to fully replace the 119 beds is approximately $10 million. With the current proposal in place, JBRC would only be able to provide outpatient services (including the methadone clinic). The $8.1 million is really not enough to fund a new facility.
Part of the problem is unmet promises by the state to increase the fees for residential treatment from the current $68 per day. If the $68 that is currently being paid is increased it may be possible to obtain a bank loan for the remainder of the funds needed to rebuild with the same capacity. JBRC receives almost all of their funds from the state.
The recommendation is to have CEO Alan Oberman from JBRC sit down with state officials and the CRDA to work on a financial solution.
John Brooks Recovery Center (JBRC) is a nonprofit agency providing Substance Abuse services to the residents of NJ since 1969. Clients are able to access various levels of care based upon an individual assessment. Psychiatric evaluations, medication monitoring and individualized care are offered to all clients. Medication assisted therapy is also available in all modalities. JBRC is a 119 bed facility located in Atlantic City, providing long term inpatient care. This represents ten percent of the long term treatment beds in New Jersey and the only long term residential facility in South Jersey serving the uninsured general public. The residential treatment programs are for adult men and women whose lives have been significantly impacted by the use of drugs and/or alcohol. The program is 3 to 6 months long depending on the individual’s progress.
Originally an agreement was struck to relocate JBRC with Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) picking up the tab—a move that Governor Christie supported; however casinos began to close. Ultimately the CRDA agreed to fund part of the agreement. Under the new agreement JBRC would receive $8.1 million; 4 million for the relocation and renovation of two outpatient sites outside of the Tourist District and 4.1 million for the purchase of its buildings in AC. The construction costs of a new facility to fully replace the 119 beds is approximately $10 million. With the current proposal in place, JBRC would only be able to provide outpatient services (including the methadone clinic). The $8.1 million is really not enough to fund a new facility.
Part of the problem is unmet promises by the state to increase the fees for residential treatment from the current $68 per day. If the $68 that is currently being paid is increased it may be possible to obtain a bank loan for the remainder of the funds needed to rebuild with the same capacity. JBRC receives almost all of their funds from the state.
The recommendation is to have CEO Alan Oberman from JBRC sit down with state officials and the CRDA to work on a financial solution.