The Center for Prevention & Counseling

12/02/2025

Taylor once overdosed and didn’t know if she would survive.
CFPC connected her — at no cost — to treatment, counseling, and people who refused to give up on her.

Today, she is a mother, a Peer Recovery Specialist, and a voice of hope for others still in the fog.

Taylor's recovery journey was supported by funding from grants, but today, grants are no longer enough.

✨ ✨ CFPC Lightkeepers are monthly donors, of any amount, who help sustain the programs that save lives, strengthen families, and guide people like Taylor out of the fog. ✨ ✨

✨ Your donation brings hope and light to those in need.

📲 Scan the QR code to become a CFPC Lightkeeper today or click the link in the comments 👇🏼

(As a Lightkeeper, your chosen tax-deductible donation is charged monthly to your card on file. You can update or cancel any time.)

11/27/2025

Thanksgiving gratitude posts often skip over the hard stuff. We're not doing that this year.

Many members of our community are struggling this Thanksgiving. Empty chairs at the table, strained relationships, financial stress, loneliness and grief that makes holidays worse.

But here's what we know:

Gratitude isn't toxic positivity. It's a survival skill - and science backs this up.

When we practice gratitude, our brains literally change. It increases dopamine and serotonin, the same neurotransmitters targeted by antidepressants. It reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and activates the parts of our brain associated with emotional regulation and resilience.

In other words: gratitude rewires us for hope, even when things are hard.

So, try this today: Name one thing you're grateful for. Just one. Maybe it's your morning coffee. A text from a friend. Making it through yesterday. The smallest things count - your brain doesn't know the difference between big gratitude and small gratitude. It all rewires the same way.

Gratitude doesn't fix everything. But it can shift our focus just enough to help us get through the day. And sometimes that's enough. 🧡

And we couldn't end this post without sharing our overwhelming gratitude for you!

For the families who keep showing up even when it's hard. For the volunteers who give their time. For our compassionate and committed staff. For community members and donors who support our work. For everyone who's ever reached out when they needed help. We are grateful for you and we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, Sussex County.
XOXO, The Center for Prevention and Counseling

If you or someone you know needs support today, please call/text 24/7 to 844-722-5327

11/27/2025

Have you heard of Narcan?
It’s a simple nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes.
No needles, no special training, and it won’t harm someone even if they’re not overdosing.

Here’s the truth: overdose isn’t only about addiction.

Sometimes it’s a dosage mistake, a bad reaction, or mixing medications without realizing it.

And if you or someone you love falls into any of these categories, you should have a Narcan kit on hand:

➡️ Seniors
➡️ People recovering from surgery
➡️ Anyone prescribed opioid pain medication — even short-term
➡️ Adults caring for aging parents
➡️ Homes with teens or young adults

If you read that list and thought, “That’s me” or “That’s my mom” or “That’s my kid,” then yes—this training is for you.

Join us for a FREE Narcan Training:
📅 Friday, December 5
⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Willow Tree Therapy Services: 50 Wilson Drive, Sparta, NJ

You’ll learn:
✔️ How to recognize the signs of an overdose
✔️ How to respond confidently in those first critical minutes
✔️ How to administer Narcan correctly
✔️ Where to get free kits in our community

No shame. No stigma. Just skills, safety, and compassion.

If you keep an EpiPen, a first-aid kit, or Tylenol in your home… you should keep Narcan too.

The training is free, but registration is required: link in the comments 👇🏼

11/24/2025

Traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday? Let's Talk Packing 🧳

Real talk: Nobody wants travel stress. Here's your quick checklist before you zip that suitcase:

✈️ Medications first. Pack them in original containers, bring extras, and keep your medication list handy. Trust us on this one.
✈️ Roll, don't fold. More space, fewer wrinkles. You're welcome.
✈️ Chargers in your carry-on. Because dead phones at the airport are not the vibe.
✈️ Pack a change of clothes in your personal item. Lost luggage happens—be ready.
✈️ Snacks = survival. Travel delays are rough. Hangry travelers are rougher.
✈️ Take a photo of your packed suitcase. If it gets lost, you'll know exactly what to claim and what to replace.
✈️ Put a dryer sheet in your luggage. Your clothes will smell fresh when you arrive, not like… luggage.
✈️ Pack an empty water bottle. Fill it after security and save $5 every time.
✈️ Screenshot your important info. Confirmation numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and medications—works even without wifi or data.
✈️ Throw in a plastic grocery bag. Perfect for dirty shoes, wet swimsuits, or laundry on the way home.

The holiday season is for connection, not chaos. Plan ahead, travel smart, and actually enjoy the trip.

Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at CFPC! 💙

11/23/2025

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the kindhearted folks who have supported our toy drive!! We're just about halfway to our goal of needing 150 toys, gifts, arts & crafts by Dec 3.

🎅🎁 It's easy to contribute by visiting our Amazon wishlist www.Tinyurl.com/SantasToys

Toys can also be dropped off at: 🎁 CFPC office: 61 Spring St. Newton
🎁 Ivy Rehab locations
🎁 Smokin Mo's Southern BBQ in Sandyston

Toys will be distributed on Sat December 6 during our annual Holiday Party for Sussex County families.

11/18/2025

Mark your calendar for the most holly-jolly festive event of the season! Your attendance supports nonprofit organizations and charities throughout Sussex County, NJ including CFPC.

Thank you to all who contribute to make the German Christmas Market of NJ 2025 a wonderful event for our community!

Since we first began donating in 2003, we have given $770,000 back to over 50 LOCAL charities and nonprofits!

So, come enjoy the German Christmas Market of NJ, Dec 5th-7th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, and help us give back to the community.

https://www.germanchristmasmarketnj.org

11/18/2025

Ok friends — real talk for a second.

There are a lot of beautiful causes asking for support right now, right here in our community, and we are grateful to live in a community that shows up for all of them.

Here's that situation — Each year, on the first Saturday of December, children from the families we serve, along with families from the greater community, attend our Holiday Party. It's a morning that feels truly special — story time with Santa, warm cookies lovingly provided by Panera Bread of Newton, arts & crafts, and a toy or gift they get to take home.

This year, we are in need of 150 donated toys and gifts by December 3, so every child who walks through those doors feels included in the magic. We're just a few weeks away from the event and still need many donations!

If you're able, choosing a gift or two from our Amazon Wishlist is a simple, powerful way to love on a local family this season.

You can also purchase toys and gifts at local stores like Walmart, 5 Below, etc and drop off to our office at 61 Spring St., Newton, NJ. or other donation collection sites like local Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy locations and Smokin Mo's Southern BBQ on Rt 206 in Sandyston.

Most items on the wish list are under $20, and many are under $10. Your support is needed and appreciated!!

Amazon Wishlist link is provided in the comments below 👇🏼

Even just sharing this post to your friends, family and coworkers is a gift in itself!

www.Tinyurl.com/SantasToys

11/07/2025

Have you heard the news? 🎉 Sussex County's first and only YOUTH-focused magazine is launching this December.

Sussex County youth have been asking for a platform to share their hopes, dreams, challenges and wins and we're delivering!

RISE Magazine—Sussex County's first and only youth magazine—is launching this December and a LIMITED number of advertising spots are still available in our debut issue.

When you advertise in RISE, you're:
✨ Part of something historic
✨ Showing the community your business cares about our youth
✨ Reaching families who want to support businesses that support their kids

RISE Magazine: By Youth. For Everyone.

Ready to be a founding advertiser?
check out the advertising info link in the comments 👇🏼

Questions? Comment below or DM us!

(the cover image shown is a mockup only—the actual cover art may differ from this display)

11/06/2025

🎄 Our annual Holiday Party for families is just a month away, and we need YOUR help to make it magical! We're looking for 150+ new, unwrapped toys for Sussex County children ages 2-17.

On December 6th, these kiddos will enjoy breakfast, crafts, activities, story time and cookies with Santa, and leave with gifts wrapped in community love.

🎅🏼🦌 There's something special about watching a child's face light up when Santa hands them that perfect gift. And for parents? Seeing their kids experience that pure holiday magic - that's everything.

How to help:
🎁 Shop our Amazon Wishlist: (link in comments 👇🏼)
🎁 Drop off donations at 61 Spring St., Newton
🎁 Hosting a toy collection? We'll pick up!

Every toy is a tangible reminder that this community cares. Please help us fill that room and their hearts with joy. ❤️

Questions? Contact Natalie at natalie@centerforfprevention.org or 908-747-1151

11/05/2025

It's National Stress Awareness Day, so let's be honest about stress relief advice: 💗
Most of it sounds great on Instagram and does absolutely nothing when you're actually stressed.

"Just breathe." "Practice gratitude." "Take a bubble bath."

Cool. We've all tried that. And sometimes we're still stressed.

So here are 7 techniques you probably haven't seen plastered all over social media. Some are backed by research. Some might feel a little weird. All of them actually work when you need your nervous system to chill out.

Swipe through and try one today. Pick whichever one sounds the least annoying.
Because stress is inevitable, but you don't have to white-knuckle your way through it alone.

11/04/2025

Tomorrow matters, Sussex County, NJ 🗳️

The future isn't written - it's decided. By you. By your neighbors. By everyone who shows up.

Your vote is your voice. Whether you're voting on school boards, local services, state representatives, or state leadership - every choice on that ballot shapes the community we live in.

Before you head to the polls:
☑️ Know the candidates and what they stand for
☑️Understand the policies that affect your family
☑️Verify the facts (not just the headlines)
☑️Encourage someone else to vote too

New Jersey polls are open Tuesday, November 4
6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Bring your ID. Know your polling location. Take your time with the ballot.
Democracy works when we all participate. Your vote matters.

Vote wisely. Vote powerfully. VOTE!

Check out the link in the comments 👇🏼for Sussex County, NJ voting info.

11/03/2025

The energy was contagious as more than 700 Sussex County middle schoolers and 150 high school mentors came together at Sussex County Tech for our 25th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit on October 15, 2025.

With the theme “Lead with Purpose, Shine with Kindness,” students spent the day connecting, creating, and learning how to be leaders who lift others up.

Keynote Speaker Cornell Thomas, a nationally recognized author, coach and motivational speaker, delivered an energizing message about resilience, kindness, and leading with purpose. With his signature blend of humor, heart, and authenticity, Cornell challenged students to overcome self-doubt and lead from a place of compassion and confidence.

Following the keynote presentation, middle school students sat with their classmates and worked with teams of three to six high school mentors from across Sussex County. Mentors led energizers, guided action-planning activities, and offered encouragement throughout the day.

A huge thank-you to our Platinum Sponsor, The Hession Foundation, along with Visions Federal Credit Union and Ronetco ShopRite for making this incredible day possible.