Cape Assist

Cape Assist Cape Assist is dedicated to preventing and treating substance misuse and related issues in CMC. Manlandro, Maureen Manlandro, Suzanne E. Sweikart, James J.

Cape Assist’s roots date back to 1981, when five individuals - Dr. James F. Callanan, and Dorothy Stricklin - were determined to educate the youth in Cape May County on the dangers of alcohol and the problems it caused if abused. They visited schools and made presentations; they advocated for funding and kept the issue of alcohol abuse in the forefront at community meetings. After receiving a $25,

000 seed grant from the State Department of Health, the agency initially named the Cape May County Council on Alcoholism began offering services to aid both adults and youth, including providing Student Assistance Counselors in area school districts, public awareness campaigns, and promoting public policy news. Demand for services grew, and in 1987, the first full-time counselor was hired. That same year, the agency hosted its first Legislative Breakfast where the public and their elected officials met and discussed legislation on alcohol – a tradition that continues. The agency also rebranded that year to include the words “drug abuse”, becoming the Cape May County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Inc. It was determined that addiction was the problem, no matter what the substance. Prevention was emerging as a science-based field with state certification. Over the next five years, the agency experienced significant growth - in programs and staff. New services were added such as puppet curriculums for pre-school and elementary school children, a Service Provider Directory, a community resource center, a billboard project, and an annual conference for recovering women. In 1993, the agency rebranded again, as Cape Assist. The new name was easier to remember, more recognizable and reflected the organization’s positive work. In subsequent years, Cape Assist increased its programs and service offerings to include underage drinking programs (We Check for 21), Smoke-Free Dining Guide, children's after-school program (K.A.R.E.), and senior outreach services. The organization also introduced the Healthy Community Coalition and hosted events such as the Tree of Hope and the Peer Leadership Conference. Today, Cape Assist is strongly positioned as the leading prevention and treatment agency serving Cape May County residents. The organization’s work with adult and youth populations is vital to the community and it looks forward to providing such services for as long as they are necessary.

05/29/2026
05/22/2026
Thank you to Jeydi Serrano and Stephen Santiago from  Community FoodBank of New Jersey for joining us on April 21 to sha...
05/04/2026

Thank you to Jeydi Serrano and Stephen Santiago from Community FoodBank of New Jersey for joining us on April 21 to share such meaningful and helpful information. Their presentation highlighted how the Community Food Bank of New Jersey supports families in our area and helped attendees better understand the resources and services they may be eligible to receive. Attendees also received an emergency care package at the end of the presentation.

We also want to remind everyone about our next Community Resource Workshop, presented by the Shore Family Success Center on Wednesday, May 20, at the Cape Assist office. This session will focus on how the Shore Family Success Center supports families throughout Cape May County and the services available to strengthen and support your family.

To learn more about this and other upcoming events, please visit www.capeassist.org/events

Join us for a FREE Community Resource Workshop presented by Shore Family Success Center!🗓 Wednesday, May 20⏰ 12:00 PM – ...
04/29/2026

Join us for a FREE Community Resource Workshop presented by Shore Family Success Center!

🗓 Wednesday, May 20
⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Cape Assist | 3819 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260

Learn about local family resources and services you may be eligible for in Cape May County. This event is open to the community and lunch will be provided!

🌟 Bilingual services available
🌟 Servicios disponibles en español

Stop in, say hello, and get connected!

Join us for a FREE Community Resource Workshop with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey! Learn about food access and r...
04/14/2026

Join us for a FREE Community Resource Workshop with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey! Learn about food access and resources you may be eligible for.

📅 Tuesday, April 21 | ⏰ 12–2 PM
📍 Cape Assist, 3819 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260
🍽️ Lunch provided
🗣️ Spanish services available

Sponsored by O.C.E.A.N., Inc., The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, and Cape Assist.

Cape Assist is hosting the Strengthening Families Program, a free, evidence‑based family dinner and skills workshop for ...
04/07/2026

Cape Assist is hosting the Strengthening Families Program, a free, evidence‑based family dinner and skills workshop for families with children ages 8–15. Sessions focus on building stronger communication, positive parenting skills, and healthier family connections—all in a supportive, community setting.

📅 Mondays & Wednesdays starting May 4, 2026
⏰ 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Shore Family Success Center, 1129 Rte 9 S, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
✅ Free family dinner
✅ Separate parent & youth sessions
✅ Childcare provided

🔗 Pre-register by May 1, 2026: www.capeassist.org/SFP

📞 Questions? Call 609‑435‑9610 or email ccruz@capeassist.org

We are truly grateful to Angels in Motion - Atlantic County for their generous donation of Easter baskets and treats tha...
04/03/2026

We are truly grateful to Angels in Motion - Atlantic County for their generous donation of Easter baskets and treats that brought so much joy to the families we serve and to our staff this Easter season.

This meaningful gift was made possible with the help of amazing youth from Fusion Church (.cc), who came together to pack 650 Blessing Bags in support of Angels in Motion’s mission. Their compassion and willingness to serve individuals affected by substance use disorder, mental health challenges, and homelessness reflect the very best of community care for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Moments like these remind us that hope is built through generosity, partnership, and young people stepping up to make a difference. Thank you, Angels in Motion, and thank you to the Fusion Church youth for helping make this season brighter for so many. 🐣✨

For more information about Angels in Motion, visit their page at www.facebook.com/AIM.AngelsInMotionNJ

We are so proud to celebrate 11 amazing families who recently graduated from our 7-session Strengthening Families Progra...
03/30/2026

We are so proud to celebrate 11 amazing families who recently graduated from our 7-session Strengthening Families Program (SFP). Watching these families show up each week with openness, dedication, and love for one another has been truly inspiring. The growth, connection, and encouragement shared throughout this journey remind us why this work matters so deeply.

Congratulations to each family for taking this meaningful step together—your commitment to strengthening your bonds will continue to make a positive impact for years to come.

The Strengthening Families Program is a research-based family skills program designed to strengthen family relationships, improve communication, and support positive youth development. To learn more, visit www.capeassist.org/strengthening-families-program.

03/27/2026

The survey is intended to serve as a benchmark for parents, educators, law enforcement and others to consider in developing strategies and tactics to keep young people safe.

We are incredibly grateful to the Ocean City Exchange Club for their generous $1,500 donation to Cape Assist. This meani...
03/26/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the Ocean City Exchange Club for their generous $1,500 donation to Cape Assist. This meaningful support helps us continue providing critical substance use prevention, education, and recovery resources to individuals and families throughout our community. Your commitment to making a positive difference truly strengthens the work we do every day—thank you for standing with us and investing in hope, healing, and healthy futures.

The Ocean City Exchange Club is a local civic organization dedicated to strengthening the community through youth programs, prevention of child abuse, and service projects that promote a safer, better place to live. Visit www.ocxc.org for more information about The Ocean City Exchange Club.

Address

3819 New Jersey Avenue
Wildwood, NJ
08260

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+16095225960

Alerts

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