Cape May: A New Vitae Wellness and Recovery Tradition

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery sponsored its 31st annual vacation to beautiful Cape May, New Jersey from June 7th through the 12th. Twenty eight residents and ten staff and volunteers enjoyed the fun, sun, and surf.  New Vitae owners Adam and Donna Devlin assisted with planning, sponsoring, and facilitating the trip, and enjoyed participating in all of the trip's activities. The weather was wonderful, the food superb, the shared company fantastic, and the many activities and excursions made one resident describe the outing as “…the best trip ever!”

For 31 years, New Vitae Wellness and Recovery has lodged at the Inn of Cape May.  Upon arrival this year, many of their staff were waiting to excitedly announce, “Welcome Home!” Residents and staff alike enjoyed spending time talking and visiting with locals, and rocking on the chairs on the big front porch of the Inn.  They were thrilled to see dolphins on the sunset cruise and the active animals at the Cape May Zoo.  Many will always remember the friendly competition during the miniature golf tournament, the cookout at the Lighthouse, and the beach crafts organized by "junior" staff volunteers Victoria and Jade.  There was shared excitement to enjoy a gorgeous beach day on our last full day of vacation, and residents are still talking about the not-too-spooky Ghost Trolley tour.  Beth Eastman, the owner of the Inn, joined the group for the haunted tour and shared several additional ghostly legends that added to those presented by the tour guide!

Three residents received trip scholarships from New Vitae Wellness and Recovery, based on financial need in addition to letters of interest submitted to an in-house committee.  All three reported having a great time; some had never been to the beach but quickly fell in love with the peaceful atmosphere and with boogie boarding in the waves!  Another scholarship recipient expressed his thoughts directly, stating, “Cape May is the 'home' I never had…with a chosen family who treats me with respect, trust and love.  Cape May is truly a peaceful place and a large part of my recovery.  It allows me to recover from the year’s stresses and to relax, fully…to let go of my anxieties for the week and enjoy my chosen family.”  Happily, many other trip participants completely agree!

Although it was difficult to say goodbye to the beauty and tranquility of Cape May, as the group pulled away from the Inn, several staff came outside to wish everyone a safe trip and to invite the group back next year.  The 2016 trip is already on the calendar, and the countdown is on!  In the meantime, please enjoy some of the 2015 photos!