Tag:

Addiction Recovery

Morris County Dad Mike Kaschak Dies Suddenly, 30 Morris County Dad Mike Kaschak Dies Suddenly, 30
Morris County Dad Mike Kaschak Dies Suddenly, 30 Michael Anthony Kaschak, a beloved Netcong husband and father of two, died suddenly on Monday, Dec. 5, according to his obituary. He was 30.  Loved ones said Mike worked as a heavy machinery operator, and cherished his time in the outdoors, especially riding quadrunners and camping with his family.  Mike leaves behind a wife, Mary, sons Marco and Michael, parents John and Anita, and many siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends, his obit says.  The family intends to set up a non-profit foundation in Mike's honor, "Kickin' It With Kaschak," which they say wi…
Beloved Sussex County Dad Of 3 Anthony Conti Dies Suddenly At 31 Beloved Sussex County Dad Of 3 Anthony Conti Dies Suddenly At 31
Beloved Sussex County Dad Of 3 Anthony Conti Dies Suddenly At 31 Beloved Sussex County father of three Anthony Francis Conti died at his home on Oct. 5. He was 31. Born in North Bergen, Conti grew up in Franklin and lived in Vernon at the time of his death, his obituary says. Conti worked in the HVAC industry for 10 years and enjoyed skateboarding, snowboarding and riding quads in his free time. Above all, Conti was known for his unending love for his three daughters, Alexa, Morgan and Carly, as well as his wife, Kristin Salzano Conti. In addition to his wife and daughters, Conti is survived by his parents, Frank and Eileen (Gannon) Conti; sister Allys…
New Jersey Mom 3 Years Sober Shares Inspiring Recovery Story Amid Daughter's Custody Battle New Jersey Mom 3 Years Sober Shares Inspiring Recovery Story Amid Daughter's Custody Battle
New Jersey Mom 3 Years Sober Shares Inspiring Recovery Story Amid Daughter's Custody Battle A New Jersey mom who spent nearly half her life addicted to heroin and crack is sharing her inspiring addiction recovery story as she fights for custody of her 9-year-old daughter. Madison McManus was 15 years old when her then-boyfriend introduced her to the hard drugs  "I was always very self conscious and never felt comfortable in my own skin," the now-28-year-old said. "I felt like I wasn't a part of. But alcohol and drugs brought me out of myself.  "They were like a temporary mask and I didn't have to worry about if I was good enough or going to fit in. I didn't care." Avoi…
Morris County Native, Addiction Recovery Advocate Heather Ryan Dies After Cancer Battle, 35 Morris County Native, Addiction Recovery Advocate Heather Ryan Dies After Cancer Battle, 35
Morris County Native, Addiction Recovery Advocate Heather Ryan Dies After Cancer Battle, 35 Morris County resident, and addiction recovery advocate Heather Ryan died Feb. 7 after a five year battle with breast cancer. She was 35. Born in Dover, Ryan attended Mount Olive High School, where she played soccer, basketball, and ran track, graduating in 2004, her obituary says. Ryan went on to study business and marketing at Villanova University School of Business, where she graduated in 2008, her memorial says. Ryan was then employed in the marketing field for several years, most recently working for Wyndham Worldwide, according to her obit. Outside of work, Ryan loved to spend time …
Once Homeless & Addicted To Heroin, New Jersey Man Sworn In As Attorney Once Homeless & Addicted To Heroin, New Jersey Man Sworn In As Attorney
Once Homeless & Addicted To Heroin, New Jersey Man Sworn In As Attorney Graduating drug court in 2012 has been Landon Hacker's greatest accomplishment for the last several years. That changed on Wednesday, when he was sworn in as an attorney by state Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Stuart Rabner. If not for guidance from his own attorney in 2012, things may not have turned out this way for 33-year-old Hacker. "If you put everything you have into something, if you want something bad enough, anything is possible," Hacker said. Hacker -- who spent his nights under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Camden --  was facing five years in prison after violating …
COVID-19: Group Meetings Cancelled In NJ, NY Complicate Addiction Recovery COVID-19: Group Meetings Cancelled In NJ, NY Complicate Addiction Recovery
Covid-19: Group Meetings Cancelled In NJ, NY Complicate Addiction Recovery Social distancing is something that people recovering from addiction can least afford, especially amid a worldwide pandemic that only ramps up the anxiety.  But concerns that hospitals and churches have about the coronavirus has eliminated group meetings in New Jersey and New York. And no one knows for how long. From Bayonne to Boonton, the list of cancelled Northern New Jersey Alcoholics Anonymous meetings continued to grow on Saturday. Paramus, Hoboken, Montclair, West Orange, Saddle River -- anywhere someone in need might find a meeting now can't. At the same time, the arm of AA th…
Police Ticketing Drivers In Newark Who Give Cash To Panhandlers Police Ticketing Drivers In Newark Who Give Cash To Panhandlers
Police Ticketing Drivers In Newark Who Give Cash To Panhandlers Citing concerns over safety and a need to help the homeless obtain services, Newark’s Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose has ordered increased enforcement of traffic laws meant to discourage drivers from giving cash to panhandlers. The agency also stressed that Newark Hope One, a mobile police unit, will regularly visit areas where panhandlers congregate in order to offer services like addiction recovery and housing assistance. Hope One has aided more than 120 people so far this year, Ambrose said. “I’m pleased Hope One Newark is making an impact in meeting the needs of those add…