Union County Helping Hands 365

10/02/2025

09/24/2025

We’re honored to announce that Wake Up with Marci will be joining us as this year’s Recovery Speaker at the 27th Annual Red Ribbon Day Awareness Walk & Family Fun Festival!

Marci Hopkins (Wake Up with Marci) is a nationally recognized podcast host, author, and advocate who uses her voice to break stigma and share the power of recovery. Her story will bring inspiration to a day centered on community, healing, and hope.

Join us on Saturday, October 11 at Nomahegan Park in Cranford for this community celebration. Register to walk or support here: https://preventionlinks.org/get-involved/special-events/red-ribbon-day/

09/19/2025

Weekend Challenge Alert ‼️

If school, stress, and social media have been frying your brain lately, let’s flip the script together. This weekend, pick one new self-care move — maybe journaling, mindfulness, or even a phone-free hour — and just try it.

Then, check in with one friend and tell them how you’re really doing. Vulnerability is actually a power move. And if you’re in County of Union, New Jersey, check out what NJ4S Union Hub is doing — free events, real talk, and support that actually helps.

Let’s make this weekend about resetting, not just scrolling. Tag a friend and make it happen.

09/16/2025

Prevention Links offers free, safe, and confidential transportation for County of Union, New Jersey residents living with a substance use disorder.

If you are 18 or older and need a ride to detox, residential treatment, IOP, PHP, or sober housing, we are here to help.

Call the Union County Helping Hands 365 Helpline at 855-825-3275 to connect with a peer recovery specialist today.
For more information, email transportation@preventionlinks.org.

04/22/2025

What does mental wellness mean to you? We want to hear your voice! Submit your original video to the Mental Wellness Video Contest for a chance to be featured on the official social media platforms of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. The winning individual or creative team will also be recognized as official NJ4S Mental Wellness Ambassadors.

This is your moment to get creative and share your story. Whether you’re filming solo or working with friends, we’re looking for authentic, inspiring, and engaging content that captures what mental wellness looks like in your life. Think personal stories, daily habits, support systems, overcoming challenges—whatever speaks to your journey.

Videos should be under 90 seconds, vertical format, and social media ready. Submit your YouTube link and creative team info to nj4sfeedback@dcf.nj.gov by Friday, May 9, 2025.

And if you're looking for even more ways to raise your voice and lead change, don’t miss the upcoming Engagement and Involvement session from the NJDCF Learning Collaborative Series. Join the Office of Resilience on April 29 at 10 AM as we explore how to empower youth and elevate lived experiences.

Register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/gUYVq5VPSE2jxZCeChHz7A

03/26/2025

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we at Prevention Links take a moment to reflect on the resilience, strength, and enduring impact of women throughout history, and in our own communities.

March has been a time to honor the trailblazers who broke barriers, uplift the voices that have often gone unheard, and celebrate the achievements of women in every field: from science and education to healthcare, public service, and grassroots activism. But our work doesn’t stop here.

We remain committed to supporting and empowering women every month of the year. Whether it’s through mental health services, substance use prevention, education programs, or family support resources, we recognize the vital role women play in shaping healthy, thriving communities.

We continue to empower women, especially those navigating systemic challenges and seeking support in recovery, wellness, and leadership.

03/25/2025

03/20/2025

We’re excited to invite you to Wellness Wonderland on Saturday, May 3rd. It’s going to be a day filled with healing energy, inspiration, and connection—and we want you to be part of it.

We’re currently looking for amazing exhibitors to join us! If your organization provides mental health resources, self-care services, fitness or relaxation activities, or holistic wellness support, this is a perfect opportunity to connect with the community and share the incredible work you do.

As an exhibitor, you’ll have the chance to engage directly with attendees, showcase your services, and help promote well-being for all. Whether you're a local wellness brand, therapist, yoga instructor, holistic healer, or community organization, we’d love to have you join the experience.

Spots are filling up quickly, so don’t wait—secure your space today by completing our Exhibitor Registration Form here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxgZ0qKHmyImpppO1Je_Bdr8O_ivlXXVRR1Y1CadeX_cWeuQ/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawJI2jhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVW85EQDcLpAVnyZFvsTVVsErlQevZ7j_rSnB4NCe0t43Gs9kr7zmBs8Cg_aem_ME4fDuhqO6uxJonMyOzeug

Come be part of something truly special. Let’s build a stronger, healthier, more connected community—together.

Tag a friend, colleague, or business that should be part of this beautiful day

03/19/2025

The 2024 Booklet & Video Annual Report are a celebration of everything our team and partners accomplished this year.

Across Prevention Links, the impact has been extraordinary. Our Prevention Education team empowered over 12,000 students. Our Family Success Centers supported 1,000+ families, providing bonding activities, backpacks, and essential baby supplies. Our Recovery Services team delivered nearly 10,000 coaching sessions, hosted 675 mutual aid meetings, and supported 2,500+ individuals in their journey.

The launch of the NJ4S Union Hub marked a turning point in statewide student support, bringing mental health services into schools and transforming access. Our outreach teams continued to meet people where they are, connecting with over 5,000 community members through food distributions, holiday meals, and prevention education.

None of this would have been possible without our incredible partners. We’re especially grateful to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey our Champion Partner, for supporting everything from Hope Kits to Red Ribbon Day. Thank you to NFP, an Aon company, Crossroads Centers, and Trillion Creative, who helped amplify our impact, including the launch of our brand-new, accessible website.

To our Board of Directors, thank you for your guidance and commitment. To our donors and fundraisers, like Maria Miccio, who raised over $17,000, and the generous contributions from families like the Klines and Steinbaums—your support fuels every step forward.

And to the courageous individuals who shared their personal stories—Billy, Maria, Kelly, and others—your strength is the reason we do this work. Your journeys are what inspire us to keep going.

Thank you for being a part of this movement. Together, we’re building something extraordinary.

03/14/2025

IT’S PREMIERE TIME — HAPPENING RIGHT NOW! 🎬✨

Our 2024 Video Annual Report is LIVE on YouTube, and trust us — you don’t want to miss it!

Jump into the YouTube chat and show some love as we celebrate a year full of BIG WINS, powerful stories, and real impact across NJ. From launching new programs to opening new doors (literally), this isn’t just a report — it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and growth!

Hit play, like the video, drop a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe. Let’s turn this into a full-on virtual watch party with live commentary and all the good vibes!

👉 Tune in here: https://youtu.be/LRb62h_y7Dg?si=GApRsjGv4R3om-Ji

02/14/2025

Love starts within, but it grows through community. Let NJ4S Union Hub help you feel supported, complete, and connected this Valentine’s Day.

If you’re single, remember: you’re never alone when you’ve got self-love, community, and connection. Here’s how to make this Valentine’s Day meaningful and fun:

Treat Yourself 💘: Pamper yourself with your favorite meal, a cozy night in, or that thing you’ve been wanting. Self-love fuels your well-being!

Connect with Loved Ones 🤍: Call a friend, text your family, or plan a virtual hangout – strong connections boost happiness and remind us we’re loved.

Spread Kindness 🫶: Compliment someone, help a neighbor, or share words of encouragement – small acts of kindness create big feelings of connection.

Try Something New 💗: Dive into a new hobby or revisit an old one. Exploring what you love enhances your mood and confidence.

Join NJ4S Union 💐: We’re here for YOU. From mental health support to community events, we’re your hub for connection, support, and care.

07/31/2024

In our latest newsletter, our incredible CEO, Morgan Thompson, shared a deeply personal milestone—15 years of continuous recovery from substance use disorder.

Her journey, filled with support, education, and love, is a beacon of hope for many.
Morgan's story highlights the transformative power of recovery and the importance of support systems. She reminds us that recovery is possible, and any positive change is a victory worth celebrating.

If you or someone you love needs support, call our 24/7 Helpline at 1-855-3275 to connect with a peer recovery specialist. Together, we can build a brighter future. 💙

Read the full Newsletter here: https://conta.cc/3WApmrU
Subscribe & Sign Up to our Mailing list: https://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=ojxwm77ab&p=oi