Beach Trip a 38 Year Tradition

Since 1984 New Vitae Wellness and Recovery has been taking an annual trip to the shore.

Residents have enjoyed a fun-filled therapeutic weeks away. Besides going to the beach and swimming in the pool, many other activities are offered and enjoyed such as trolley rides, walking on the boardwalk, a trip to Atlantic City, the Cape May Zoo, mini golf, live theater, surrey bike rides, and lunch out at the famous Lobster House in Cape May.

“This trip is my favorite thing all year,” says owner and executive administrator Donna Devlin. Donna has organized the trip since 1986 and has some dedicated staff leave their families for a week to ensure an enjoyable trip for the residents. Also assisting is New Vitae Board Chair and her husband, Adam & their daughters. The trip is supervised, and there is support when needed. Residents feel safe, and many have gone for 20+ years.  Thanks to donations, we can offer partial and complete scholarships to those in need.

It’s also a lot of fun for them to meet and socialize with friends from other sites. “Many residents say that it is the highlight of their year. Some had not been on vacation in many years, and a few had never been to the beach before they went with us. It is so rewarding and the best time of year for all of us to spend the week together.”