CAPE MAY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND MHADA BOARD RECOGNIZES THREE FOR COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION TO SUBSTA

CAPE MAY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND MHADA BOARD

RECOGNIZES THREE FOR COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION TO SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION/RECOVERY IN THE COUNTY

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE -- The Cape May County Board of County Commissioners and the Cape May County Mental Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Board (MHADA) recognized the work of three recipients who are active in the area of substance use prevention/recovery at the December 10, 2024, County Commissioners meeting. They are Georgia Dougherty from Lower Township, Middle Township High School and the Lower Township Healthy Youth Coalition.

"I am honored to publicly acknowledge, on behalf of both the Board of County Commissioners and the MHAHA Board, the wonderful work of these individuals and outstanding organizations", said County Commissioner Will Morey. "They have all played a substantial role in improving lives in Cape May County."

Georgia Dougherty was recognized as the 2024 County Municipal Alliance Volunteer of the Year. Georgia is an employee of Lower Township and became involved with the Municipal Alliance in 2016. Her consistent dedication to the Lower Cape Regional After Prom is an integral part of the program's success. Georgia is also available to assist with any activities that are youth oriented in the community. She is a coach, dedicated dance and football mom and plays a vital role in connecting and supporting local initiatives. Georgia is known for her organizational talents and unwavering enthusiasm for a better future for the youth in her town.

Middle Township High school was recognized for their operation of a Recovery High School in the county. Under the leadership of Dr. Toni Lehman and the active participation of Cape Assist, Middle Township High School responded to a Request for Proposal from the Department of Education to establish a recovery high school for students who want to achieve or maintain their recovery from substance misuse. There are only two other such high schools in the state. Countless hours were spent by Dr. Toni Lehman and many community partners to establish the protocols, location and additional funding resources for the program, named Coastal Prep. The school has served 47 students, each with their own unique story of struggle and resilience. Coastal offers a rigorous academic curriculum, specialized recovery supports and engaging therapeutic activities. Middle Township High School's ability to develop and implement these crucial services have allowed the county's most vulnerable students to successfully graduate from high school.

"Having this resource for our youth is an incredible accomplishment for our county and I offer congratulations on behalf of our Board to Dr. Lehman and all of the community members involved in making this a reality", said Commissioner Morey.

The third recognition award was given to the Lower Township Healthy Youth Coalition (LTHYC) which is a group of individuals representing many of the sectors that touch the lives of youth in Lower Township. The coalition consists of representatives from law enforcement, education, faith-based organizations, private nonprofits, government and the Municipal Alliance that partner together to sustain a network of trusted adults and activities that build resiliency and healthy relationships in youth and their families.

The LTHYC plans and implements youth and family activities such as Family Fun Nights, Trunk or Treat, Family Dance and Skate Nights, and Summer Police Camp, with Lower Cape May Regional, Lower Township Elementary School, the Township of Lower, Lower Township Police Department, Cape May County Sheriff's Department and several faith-based organizations.

In addition, the LTHYC has over 40 youth involved in two Youth Resiliency Teams, one at Richard M. Teitelman and one at the High School, who meet monthly. The most recent project was the Teitelman and High School youth reading "Rinsey the Raccoon," a book about handwashing and second-hand smoke, to over 230 Pre-K and Kindergarten age students at David Douglass Memorial. The teams meet year-round and have substantial support from the school superintendent and administrators at the middle and high school levels.

"Georgia is an example of the impact one individual can make in the community by volunteering with the Municipal Alliance in their township. Her contribution should encourage others to join in efforts to make a positive difference in their community", stated Commissioner Morey.

"This coalition is changing young people's lives and building drug free healthy relationships in families and in the community. They are an inspiration to all of us who care about the kids of our county. My since gratitude to Georgia, Toni and the Lower Township Healthy Youth Coalition. We're grateful for all you do in our community", added Morey.

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