Integrity House, Newark's preeminent addictions treatment program, recently celebrated the opening of a new women and children outpatient program at 659 MLK Blvd on June 24th. Not only is this a sign of hope in the city we all can be proud of, but Integrity House's director, David Kerr is also involved with the Newark Interfaith Coalition with several of us from Newark Presbytery, including Administrative Assistant, Ms. Deirdre Malloy (who can be observed right behind Mayor Corey Booker in the photo on our Welcome page). I am proud of the commitment of Presbyterians who are involved in the community with groups like Integrity House, Newark Interfaith Coalition, and each of our congregations.
Newark's Presbyterian congregations are demonstrating the love of God through many services, worship, and programs in their communities including (not an exhaustive list!): Memorial West (many food ministries), Church of Our Saviour (Head Start), Clinton Avenue (food ministries), Elizabeth Avenue-Weequahic (food ministries), Elmwood United and the community development ministries including child care and education at Harambee, First Hispanic Presbyterian (youth ministries), Old First (music and worship programs), Roseville (youth and food ministries), St. Paul's (housing, food, and youth), Third (food and housing), and Wolff Memorial (worship and housing).
In what ways can we keep providing what is working and still revision what new opportunities God may be extending to us? What resources can be mobilized that can help your church demonstrate God's love more clearly? How can your church be even more effective as a service station of the Good News?
Cory Booker was present for the ribbon cutting at Integrity House and has, even more importantly, been leading a resurgence of community serving organizations again taking the city seriously and stepping up to the new challenges and opportunities. I have told the Mayor that Presbyterians are ready (or soon will be) to redirect their ministries to not only serve their congregations, but everyone in their community as they focus their unique gifts for the common good in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Presbytery of Newark, all of our congregations in Newark and many other cities, do not have everything that's needed, but what we have, we are giving. Thank you for your partnership and prayers in this important work of delivering hope in the city places.
Kevin
Integrity House has been and is a place that has foundational and tangible support to me both personally and professionally. As the former Executive Assistant to the President, Dave Kerr, and my current role as a member of the Integrity, Inc. Board of Trustees, and a recent Honoree, this is an important milestone and achievement that I would not have missed for the world.
In my representing the opening of the facility for the Initiative for Women and Children at the press event as a Board Member to Integrity, Inc. I accept the opportunity that my christian-non denominational presence has created, (I am a member of a 6,000 plus church in Montclair, NJ) as the office manager and administrative assistant for the Newark Presbytery center office, for hopefully scores of people who are Presbyterian and within the Newark Presbytery to serve their community in a greater way.
I have been involved with Integrity since 1993 and as a Board Member, mentor to the women, and supporter of the staff and programs, I am proud to be a face for them and other organizations that truly care and make a difference in the communities.
Integrity House is one of four organizations I am actively involved in, in very tangible ways within the City of Newark.
I hope to see many other people out in the communities of the City of Newark. Paying it forward!