About Us

The Lawrence Alcohol and Drug Alliance (LADA) was formed in 1991. LADA is a non-profit municipal committee. The goal of LADA is to empower the community. Its membership is comprised of local leaders, municipal employees, and residents of Lawrence Township, who want to be involved in preventing alcohol and drug-related problems in the community.  For the full list of events and meetings during the year check the 2024 calendar.

Read up on LADA by clicking on this brochure.

Our Mission

The Lawrence Alcohol and Drug Alliance (LADA) serves as the official coordinating body for planning, awareness, and prevention education efforts on abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in Lawrence Township. The attached audio provides further details about LADA and its mission.

• Consult with and advise Town Council on matters pertaining to alcoholism and drug abuse.
• Identify alcoholism and drug abuse prevention, education, and community needs in the township.
• Seek funds from appropriate county and state authorities in support of substance abuse programs.

Programs

• Campfire Boys and Girls – Life skills for elementary school children.
• Peer Leadership Group – Lawrence High School student leadership group and Rider University Student Group.
• 107.7 Rider Bronc Mental Fitness - topics relating to your mental health and well-being

NJ Quitline and Quit Centers– The NJ Quitline is a free, confidential, multilingual phone counseling service. A trained Quit Coach helps individuals create a plan for quitting, including how to cope with cravings and ways to avoid slips. Call the NJ Quitline at 1-866-NJ-STOPS (1-866.657.8677). Through the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Tobacco Free, Nutrition and Fitness, New Jersey residents now have access to 11 Quit Centers. Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists are available to help individuals who are thinking of quitting tobacco or nicotine products. Enrolled clients of the Quit Center may qualify for FREE NRT/Patches as part of their treatment plan. The RWJBH Institute For Prevention and Recovery Quit Center offers services to Mercer County residents and can be contacted by calling: 732.837.9416 or email: quitcenter@rwjbh.org. Please visit the website for additional information: 

Current Members:

• Keith Levine, Health Officer, Chairperson
• Nancy Bergen, Superintendent of Recreation
• Suzanne Girard, Designee for Chief of Police
• TBD, Designee for Superintendent of Schools
• Malissa Arnold (Through 12/31/24)
• Kelly Nitti (Through 12/31/24)
• Michael Patanella (Through 12/31/25)
• Vacancy (2)

If you are interested in applying for a position on this or any board/committee, please complete this form.

Current Liaisons:

• Council Member John T. Ryan, Township Council Liaison

Meetings are held in the Manager's Conference Room, in the Municipal Building at 9:00 a.m. on the 4th Tuesday of each month.

Click here to access the Lawrence Alcohol and Drug Alliance Agendas and Minutes.