Healthcare Foundation of N.J. renews $85K grant to fund Integrity House’s creative arts initiative

Integrity House, one of New Jersey’s leading providers of substance use disorder and mental health services, received an $85,000 grant from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey to support the organization’s Creative Arts Initiative.

The funding will enable Integrity House to continue its mission of improving the holistic health of individuals in the Greater Newark area who are living with SUD by integrating creative arts into traditional clinical services. It is the second consecutive year that Integrity House has received the grant.

Launched in July 2023, the Creative Arts Initiative already has demonstrated its impact by serving over 100 individuals in its first year. Through innovative programs such as bibliotherapy, visual arts workshops, creative writing sessions and community arts activities, the initiative fosters mindfulness, social connection, and emotional relief — key components of sustained recovery.

Integrity House CEO Robert Budsock was grateful.

“Renewing this grant reflects the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey’s shared commitment to addressing the complex challenges of addiction and mental health,” he said. “Creative arts are a powerful tool in treating the mental health conditions that often co-occur with substance use disorders. With this funding, we can continue providing whole-person care that goes beyond traditional treatment methods.”

Over the past year, Integrity House has observed significant positive outcomes tied to CAI participation. Preliminary data from program surveys revealed that 65% of clients reported decreased feelings of depression, while 56% noted an increase in mindfulness. These results highlight the program’s effectiveness in enhancing recovery efforts and improving participants’ overall well-being.