“The pain of addiction to alcohol or other drugs affects almost every family in some way, but recovery from addiction is also experienced by many.” These words were written inside a program for the Tree of Hope ceremony conducted by Wellspring Center for Prevention.
The ceremony took place in September and honored Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen’s Mobile Family Success Center as well as Morgan Thompson, CEO of Prevention Links.
Heather Ward, coordinator of Middlesex County Wellspring Center for Prevention, started off the award ceremony with background on both award recipients, praising the work that they do.
Ward introduced Marci Booth, associate executive director of Catholic Charities, who spoke about the Mobile Family Success Center.
“We appreciate Wellspring acknowledging the good work of Catholic Charities and the Mobile Family Success Center with the Tree of Hope award,” Booth said. “We understand the life-changing impact that providing substance use disorder services and education has on individuals and families on their journey from substance use to recovery.”
Rosela Roman, director of the Mobile Family Success Center, spoke about upcoming events the center will be having. She expressed her appreciation for support from Catholic Charities, her staff, their sponsors and their clients.
Ezra Helfand, CEO of Wellspring, presented Thompson with the Recovery Champion award. Thompson and her team connect people in New Jersey to life-changing resources that combat the negative impacts of drugs, violence, and inadequate educational and health institutions in our communities.
During the Tree of Hope awards ceremony there is a moment of silence to remember those who have struggled with a substance use disorder. Candles are lit and held by all and those that have loved ones touched by substance use are asked to say a few words in hope for finding recovery, maintaining recovery and remembrance for those who were not able to find recovery. Messages and names are written on stars and placed on the tree of hope.
This event aligned with National Recovery Month, a nationwide observance held every September to promote the benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance use and mental health conditions. By coming together, it’s a celebration of the strength and resilience of those in recovery and the importance of community.
In addition to the award and ceremony, Mobile Family Success Center also received a tree that was planted in front of its center.
Wellspring Center for Prevention is a private nonprofit agency serving community members and organizations of Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. The center is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities through prevention and early intervention services. Its programs promote sound mental health, effective family functioning, and awareness of the devastating effects of substance misuse and dependency.
Started in 2013, the Mobile Family Success Center seeks to strengthen individual and family functioning and empower people to acquire the knowledge, skills and resources they need to succeed and to provide an optimal environment for children’s development throughout Middlesex County.
Family-friendly workshops such as resume writing, family budgeting, or family fun activities are held in places such as schools, libraries, community centers, so they are accessible to everyone. Other services include information and referrals, as well as family success planning and case management.
The Mobile Family Success Center of Middlesex County is operated by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, and administered by the Middlesex County Human Services Advisory Committee with funding from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. Events are free and RSVPs are appreciated, but walk-ins are always welcome.
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Tiffany Workman is the Communications Specialist in the Office of Communications and Public Relations.