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The incidence of alcoholism and drug abuse in our community affects about 12 percent of the population. People can also be addicted to prescription drugs, food, gambling, shopping, and even sex. An addiction is any activity that becomes compulsive and obsessive and begins to interfere with daily life. Addiction is considered such a stigma that many addicts go to great lengths to hide their secret from their family, friends, and even themselves. Approximately 76 million Americans have experienced some form of alcoholism or addiction in their families according to the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.
A Glimpse at Right in Our Back Yard

Our outreach program, Right In Our Backyard, is an engaging outreach and education program designed to educate young people and their parents on the affects of addiction, symptoms of controlled substance abuse, and becoming aware of the signs if a loved one is addicted.

Right in our Backyard

Gregg Wolfe lost his son to addiction in December 2012. To help other parents and prevent future deaths from opiate addiction, Wolfe has collaborated with JFCS on the addiction awareness and education program called Right In Our Backyard. Inspired by Camden County’s awareness campaign, the program offers an interactive panel presentation for youth and their parents. Panelists include a Cherry Hill police officer, a young person in recovery, parents of children who have died from heroin use, and an addiction specialist from JFCS.

To help other parents and prevent future deaths from opiate addiction, Wolfe has collaborated with JFCS on the addiction awareness and education program called Right In Our Backyard. Inspired by Camden County’s awareness campaign, the program offers an interactive panel presentation for youth and their parents. Panelists include a Cherry Hill police officer, a young person in recovery, parents of children who have died from heroin use, and an addiction specialist from JFCS

About 450 people have witnessed the program so far at local synagogues and schools. It’s also been seen by representatives across the country when it was given the Goodman Award by the Association of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies.
This year, the JFCS Right in Our Backyard Program was the recipient of funds raised at the the Justin Wolfe memorial / birthday fundraiser. L-R Voohees Mayor Michael Mignogna, Marla Meyers JFCS Executive Director, and Justin's father and program sponsor, Gregg Wolfe.
This year, the JFCS Right in Our Backyard Program was the recipient of funds raised at the the Justin Wolfe memorial / birthday fundraiser. L-R Voohees Mayor Michael Mignogna, Marla Meyers JFCS Executive Director, and Justin’s father and program sponsor, Gregg Wolfe.

To find out how to host the program at your school or organization, call Meredith Cohen at 856-424-1333, or email mcohen@jfedsnj.org .