The Center for Prevention & Counseling

01/27/2026

Thinking about making fitness a priority this year? It’s possible — at any age, and in any weather.

Movement supports strength, balance, energy, and overall well-being as we get older. And the goal isn’t perfection — it’s building a routine you can actually keep, whether it’s sunny, snowy, rainy, or just too cold to deal with.

Here are a few simple ways to make it safe and sustainable:

1. Start with a check-in with your doctor to understand what’s best for your body right now

2. Choose something you enjoy and that fits your physical abilities (walking counts!)

3. Have an indoor backup plan for bad weather — like the Sussex County YMCA, which offers plenty of indoor fitness options

4. Walk where it’s warm and free of ice and snow — a local mall or shopping center can be a great, low-pressure place to get steps in

5. Invite a friend to join you — accountability and connection go a long way

Stay consistent, even on low-motivation days; a 10-minute start often turns into more once you’re moving

Healthy movement doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. What matters most is finding something that feels doable — and having a Plan B for the days the weather doesn’t cooperate.

01/26/2026

The Center for Prevention and Counseling and our Center will be closed today due to snow.

❄️ 24/7 Helpline remains open for anyone needing help, guidance, or information.

❄️ IOP will meet virtually.

We wish everyone warmth and safety today as we all dig out. Please remember to stay hydrated, take breaks from shoveling and have a little fun, too.

📣 Huge shout-out to county, municipal and all snow removal crews who have been working round the clock through this storm and our amazing first responders, medical providers and essential workers, gas station and grocery store staff who keep the wheels of life moving during these harsh conditions. We see you and we appreciate you!! 💗💪 Thank you!!

01/23/2026

Having trouble sticking to your New Year's resolutions and goals? Don't worry, even small changes can add up to a big difference and Meg, CFPC Prevention Specialist for our older adults' programs, has some tips to share with you.

01/23/2026

This Sundays service has been rescheduled due to the pending winter storm!

‼️Service of Healing, Recovery, and Support has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. ‼️

The service was originally planned for Sunday, January 25, 2026, the event will now take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Living Waters Fellowship in Newton.

Join us for our RESCHEDULED service of Healing, Recovery & Support 💜
📅 February 22, 2026
⏰ 3–4 PM Service | 4–5 PM Fellowship & Refreshments
📍 Living Waters Fellowship, Newton, NJ

All are welcome— be part of a compassionate, supportive community.

01/22/2026

Their stories. Their voices. Their magazine. ✨

The Center for Prevention and Counseling is thrilled to share a first look at RISE Magazine—Sussex County’s first and only youth-forward publication! Created because young people asked for a real platform to share their hopes and struggles, RISE elevates authentic youth stories to challenge harmful assumptions and support mental wellness.

Swipe through for a sneak peek at our debut issue, featuring:

✍️ "Unplugged" by Victoria S. from Wallkill Valley Regional High School—exploring life beyond the scroll.

🧠 "Mind Over Matter" by Aerwin W. from Kittatinny Regional High School—tackling mental health stigma.

📱 "Social Media Real Talk" by Laura Montross—tools to build your online superpowers.

🎨 Award-Winning Art from talented student submissions to our 25th Annual What's Your Anti-Drug? and What Makes You Happy? contests

🐾 Outstanding Community Members like Clay U., Madison K., and Samson the Great Pyrenees.

🙌 A Huge Thank You to Founding Advertisers!!
This debut would not be possible without our founding advertisers!

We are also deeply grateful to our Youth Allies, including Becky Carlson, Lisa Benedetto, Ryan O'Donnell, and Jeff O'Donnell, for helping young people feel seen and valued.

📍 Where to find a copy: RISE is hitting the road! Look for physical copies in ALL Sussex County Schools, doctor/dental offices, cafes, libraries, salons, gyms, Sussex County YMCA, auto service centers, and more than 60 locations throughout Sussex County!

💻 Can't wait? View the full digital issue right now (link in comments)

Want to get in on the JUNE (Summer/Fall) issue of RISE Magazine throughout advertising or becoming a Youth Ally ($100 donation)? Contact inform is available in the comments.

01/21/2026

We think it’s safe to say everyone could use a little positivity boost right now and Hopatcong is bringing it this week. 💙 There’s so much good coming out of our Hopatcong community partners that we just had to share.

Fair warning: this post might be a little long…but on a single-digit day 🥶, we’re pretty sure the warm-and-fuzzy feeling you’ll have after reading will be worth it. 😊

First, a huge shoutout to our community partners at Hopatcong Police for continuing to uplift the good they see in young people through CFPC’s Positive Ticket program.

⭐ High school student JuanDaniel received a Positive Ticket in recognition of his kindness and leadership, welcoming a new student to the school on the student’s very first day. He took time to show the student around and helped them feel comfortable and included in a brand-new environment. Way to go, JuanDaniel! (Link to the original post in comments)

⭐ Middle School student Lujiana was recognized for outstanding leadership, maturity, and compassion after helping four classmates resolve a conflict at school. What makes this one extra special: Lujiana used strategies she learned during CFPC’s Life Skills Program to help guide a respectful resolution. Her actions reflect the values of kindness, responsibility, and communication—and she was a wonderful role model for her peers. SO awesome. (Link to the original post in comments)

And last, but definitely not least—another big Hopatcong celebration, shared by the Hopatcong School District:

Hopatcong Middle School announced that Kimberly O. and Avery W., from Mrs. Catizone’s class, have been selected as winners of CFPC’s 25th Annual “What’s Your Anti-Drug?” Contest—and their winning submissions are featured in our debut issue of RISE Magazine, Sussex County’s first and only youth-forward magazine, created by youth, for everyone. (Original post link in comments)

RISE is more than a magazine—it’s a platform. It gives us a way to share and highlight the good young people are doing across Sussex County, NJ—their leadership, creativity, courage, and kindness—so the whole community can see it and celebrate it. Get your hands on a copy of RISE Magazine at various locations throughout the county (while supplies last) or view the digital version on our website (link in comments below)

We’re proud of these students, and we’re grateful to our Hopatcong community partners, Hopatcong Police and the Hopatcong School District, for helping spread positivity, recognition, and support for youth.

And a reminder we’re proud to stand behind: CFPC Prevention Educators are in Sussex County schools every day, providing Life Skills and other programs to teach conflict resolution, stress management, healthy decision-making, and the values that help grow the next generation of leaders.

(And yes…if you made it to the end, we hope you feel a little warmer now. 💙)

01/21/2026

When anxiety gets loud, our inner voice can get ruthless.

Today’s reminder: you deserve kindness from the one person you’re with 24/7—you.

The way we talk to ourselves becomes the way we cope — especially under stress. And when life gets heavy, the inner voice can turn into a critic that keeps us stuck: “You’re a mess.” “You should be stronger.” “Why can’t you just…?”

But prevention and recovery don’t grow in shame. They grow in connection, honesty, and self-respect. And self-respect starts with something deceptively simple:

Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.

If you wouldn’t say it to a friend who’s trying their best, don’t let it be the soundtrack in your own head. Practice the reframe. Choose the next right thought. Build a kinder internal home — because how you treat yourself impacts the choices you make, the help you accept, and the hope you believe you deserve.

If you’re supporting someone else right now, this matters too: compassion is contagious.

01/19/2026

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American civil rights activist who advocated on behalf of racial equality, working classes, and the oppressed around the world. Dr. King inspired communities to take nonviolent action, to come together and progress the civil rights movement forward.

MLK Day is not only a time to reflect, but a National Day of Service, when thousands come together to give back. Today, we honor Dr. King’s legacy by taking action and serving our communities to create meaningful change.

The Sussex County Recovery Community Center will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. If you need support, please call or text our 24/7 helpline at 844-722-5327.

01/17/2026

Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders.

Breaking the stigma starts by spreading awareness that treatment works, and recovery is possible.

Treatment not only improves health but also transforms lives by helping individuals strengthen relationships and achieve their goals.

01/13/2026

Shoutout to our Wallkill Valley Community Coalition Above the Influence Youth Action Group! We're proud of these students for leading by example and using peer-to-peer power to be a positive influence in their school and community! 💪🏼

Be sure to give them a follow to show your support!

Lunch & Learn today! 🧠✨

Stop by and learn about goal setting, making positive choices, and being the best version of yourself this new year 💬🌱

Start the new year with purpose and positivity 🌟

01/12/2026

In this week's CFPC : Youth Coordinator, Michaela McKernan, shares the 3 C's of Decision Making strategy:

🌟 CLARIFY the problem
🌟 CONSIDER your options
🌟 CHOOSE the decision that fits you best.

Our Prevention Team members teach strategies like the 3 C's to Sussex County youth through our Life Skills program.

One of the most rewarding moments for our Prece tion Team members is seeing a student take what they've learned and actually use it in real life! 👏🏼👏🏼

Will you remember to use the 3 C's of Decision Making strategy the next time you need to make a tough decision?

01/12/2026

Thinking about getting more active this year? It is possible — at any age.

Healthy aging includes staying physically active in ways that feel safe, enjoyable, and sustainable. A few thoughtful steps can help make movement a regular part of your routine:

• Start with a check-in with your doctor to understand what’s right for your body
• Choose an activity you genuinely enjoy and that fits your physical abilities
• Invite a friend to join you — support makes a difference
• Keep going, even on days motivation is low; once you start, you’ll often be glad you did

Staying active doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. Consistency, enjoyment, and listening to your body are what matter most.