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.

🚗🎬 Get ready for an epic night under the stars!Join us for Upper Township’s FREE Reels on Wheels — a drive-in movie expe...
10/09/2025

🚗🎬 Get ready for an epic night under the stars!

Join us for Upper Township’s FREE Reels on Wheels — a drive-in movie experience the whole family will love!

🦸‍♂️ Feature Film: Superman (2025)
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
⏰ Gates open 6 PM | Movie starts 7 PM
📍 Amanda’s Field, 1091 NJ-50, Petersburg, NJ

🎟️ Space is limited — registration required!👉 www.capeassist.org/events

10/07/2025
09/11/2025

Students enrolled in the program are learning the five-step process to notice, ask, listen, connect to a trusted adult and reinforce friendship to help peers in distress.

🌟 Save a Life Day is coming to Cape May County! 🌟Join the Cape Assist Wellness Center and Hope One of Cape May County on...
09/03/2025

🌟 Save a Life Day is coming to Cape May County! 🌟

Join the Cape Assist Wellness Center and Hope One of Cape May County on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5–7 PM at the Clem Mulligan Sports Complex in Villas for an evening of music, food, games, and prizes 🎶🍔🎉.

This free, family-friendly event will provide Narcan kits, overdose response training, and connections to local recovery and wellness resources—because together, we can break stigma, raise awareness, and save lives. 💜

📍 Clem Mulligan Sports Complex, 200 Harvard Ave, Villas, NJ
🕔 5 PM – 7 PM
📞 (609) 522-4375 | 📧 WellnessCenter@CapeAssist.org

➡️ Reserve a table here: https://form.jotform.com/252334792689067

🌟 Become a Champion for Mental Health 🌟Join us for A.I.D. Training (Awareness. Interaction. Direction.) — a concise, evi...
08/22/2025

🌟 Become a Champion for Mental Health 🌟

Join us for A.I.D. Training (Awareness. Interaction. Direction.) — a concise, evidence-based program designed to help you recognize the signs of distress, respond with compassion, and connect individuals to the support they need. 💙

📅 Thursday, September 4, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 Ocean City Library, 1735 Simpson Ave, Ocean City, NJ

Together, we can reduce stigma, encourage self-care, and build a stronger, more supportive community.

✅ Free & open to the community
👉 Register today at capeassist.org/events

Let’s get ready for Prom the right way—connected, informed, and full of fun! Last night, Cape Assist teamed up with LCMR...
05/22/2025

Let’s get ready for Prom the right way—connected, informed, and full of fun!

Last night, Cape Assist teamed up with LCMR School District, the LCMR After Prom Committee, and Antojos Restaurant to host nearly 70 juniors, seniors, and parents for a lively Pre-Prom Trivia Night!

🎤 LCMR’s own Mr. Vitale led three exciting rounds of trivia packed with pop culture, underage drinking, and marijuana facts—empowering students with knowledge while having a blast.

🎟 The grand prize? Prom tickets, courtesy of LCMR’s Bagel Shop! Plus, thanks to the amazing Lower Cape May Regional's After-Prom Committee, every youth who attended walked away with a FREE After-Prom ticket.

🍓 A huge shoutout to Antojos Restaurant for serving up their famous açaí bowls with churros—a sweet treat for a sweet night.

To all the amazing students: have a fun, safe prom! We’re here for you—and we’ll see you at After-Prom! 🎊💃🕺

📸 Check out more photos at www.capeassist.org/photos

05/20/2025

Share support with those you know who are trying to quit smoking. The road isn’t easy, but knowing they have someone in their corner increases their chances of smokefree success. Learn more at www.capeassist.org/quit

Congratulations to all the winners and participants honored at the Annual Cape Assist & Cape May County Healthy Communit...
05/07/2025

Congratulations to all the winners and participants honored at the Annual Cape Assist & Cape May County Healthy Community Coalition PSA Awards Breakfast! 🎉 Students from 12 Cape May County schools and organizations created powerful posters, engaging videos, and inspiring essays, highlighting crucial topics such as mental health, peer connection, screen-time balance, and living a drug-free lifestyle.

We proudly recognized Sherry Phillips and the Cape May County Coalition For A Safe Community with our Partners in Prevention Awards, celebrating their outstanding dedication to promoting wellness, safety, and education throughout our community. 🙌

Thank you to all students, teachers, families, and community leaders who made this event memorable. Your voices make a difference—helping build healthier, safer communities for everyone!

See more photos from the PSA Awards Breakfast at www.capeassist.org/photos 📸✨

Learn about New Jersey’s system of substance use prevention providers, how prevention works, and the ins and outs of evi...
04/29/2025

Learn about New Jersey’s system of substance use prevention providers, how prevention works, and the ins and outs of evidence-based prevention strategies!

New Jersey is recognized nationally for its strong, comprehensive approach to prevention — with prevention agencies in every county working to address risk factors before individuals fall into addiction.

For over 25 years, dedicated teams across the state have delivered evidence-based programs that empower families, strengthen communities, and build resilience among youth — reaching thousands of individuals each year through schools, community programs, and coalition efforts.

As our Executive Director, Katie Faldetta, shares:
"Prevention work today looks very different than it did 20 years ago because our communities have changed, our kids are under more stress, and our laws have changed to adapt into a space where we have different substances and different stressors on our kids. So our conversations now are more targeted towards goal setting, community building, and building attachment between youth, families, and communities so that they feel supported and safe."

By addressing broader community needs and focusing on prevention at every level, New Jersey is working to reduce substance use and promote mental health across all generations. Together, we are creating safer, healthier communities! 💬💛

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdcRKKmfBfM New Jersey Prevention Network

Learn about New Jersey's system of substance use prevention providers, how prevention works, and the ins and outs of evidence-based prevention strategies!

🗣️ We want to hear from YOU!Join our upcoming virtual Focus Group and help shape real solutions to address substance mis...
04/17/2025

🗣️ We want to hear from YOU!
Join our upcoming virtual Focus Group and help shape real solutions to address substance misuse in Cape May County. Your voice matters—and your input will help guide future prevention efforts.

📅 Choose one date:
🗓️ April 29 or May 8 | ⏰ 9:30–11:00 AM
📍 Held via Zoom

🎯 Limited spots available — reserve yours now: www.capeassist.org/events

04/13/2025
04/09/2025

One of your neighbors posted in Neighbor News. Click through to read what they have to say. (The views expressed in this post are the author’s own.)

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

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