The Center for Prevention & Counseling

12/30/2025

🕰️ As we prepare to welcome a new year, we’re reminded that hope doesn’t happen by accident — it’s carried forward by people who care. 🕯️

Several years ago, Taylor overdosed and was revived with Narcan. She had no insurance, no plan, and believed recovery was out of reach. CFPC was there. Today, Taylor is a mother, a CFPC Peer Recovery Specialist, and a living example of what compassionate, timely support can make possible.

Grants provide the backbone of CFPC’s programs and services, but they are not enough on their own to sustain the full scope of care our community relies on. To continue meeting people with compassion, accessibility, and urgency, we need the support of our community.

There’s still time to make a year-end gift that helps sustain our life-saving work. You can choose to become a CFPC Lightkeeper with a monthly donation of any amount — or make a one-time year-end gift to help ensure support is there when someone needs it most.

We invite you to read Taylor’s full story of struggle, recovery, and hope, and see what your support makes possible.

📖 Read Taylor’s story: (story and donation link in the comments 👇)

Thank you for helping us carry the light of hope forward — into the new year and beyond. Wishing you love, light, and hope in 2026!

12/29/2025

Proof that kids really are making good choices. 💙

This montage highlights just a few of our winners from our 25th Annual What's Your Anti-Drug Contest; a reminder that positive choices are more common than we're often led to believe.

That's the power of social norming: when healthy decisions are visible, they become easier to make.

This contest is an initiative of the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, a program of CFPC, and all 60 winning submissions will be featured in the debut issue of RISE Magazine - By Youth. For Everyone.

RISE Magazine is Sussex County's first and only youth magazine. Coming soon to a convenient location near you in January 2026!

12/28/2025

Sometimes substance use isn’t about escape.
It’s about survival.

For some people, substances become a way to get through:

- chronic pain

- anxiety, depression, trauma

- grief and overwhelm

- unstable housing, finances, or safety

- lack of support or access to care

That doesn’t make it “okay.”

But it does make it understandable — and it reminds us why compassion matters.

When coping skills, support, or safety are missing, people cope the best way they can.

💗 Compassion opens doors. Support creates pathways to healing.

Healing happens when we address the root causes and connect people to real support: mental health care, recovery services, and community resources.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you don’t have to do it alone. 💚
Please call/text 24/7 to 844-SC-CLEAR (844-722-5327)

12/25/2025

For some, today is full of sparkle.

For others, it’s tender and complicated.

Wherever you find yourself, please remember:

Your worth isn’t measured by your mood, your productivity, or your plans.

You are worthy of love, happiness, rest, and joy — just by being you. ❤️

Wishing you a gentle Christmas Day filled with comfort and connection.

Merry Christmas from all of us at CFPC. ✨

Our 24/7 Addiction Helpline does not sleep on Christmas. If you or someone you know needs help, please text or call 844-722-5327

12/23/2025

At first glance, this might look like a college party with red Solo cups, competitive games, and a bunch of slightly older people who still know how to bring the energy 🤣.

But what's actually happening here?

Nearly 40 young and middle-aged adults gathered at our CFPC holiday party, laughing hard, competing harder, and genuinely enjoying one another's company ➡️ no alcohol required.

To be clear, we're not saying gatherings with alcohol are a bad thing.

✨ We're just helping normalize something that often gets overlooked: gatherings without alcohol can still be a lot of fun.

Fun didn't come from what's in the cup. It came from connection, play, and being present with one another.

Proof that good vibes don't need a bar tab. 💙

12/23/2025

Winter is here — bringing snow, ice, and some beautiful views ❄️✨
It also brings slippery conditions that can increase the risk of falls, especially for older adults.

Falls on ice can be more serious as we age, which is why a few simple precautions matter:

• Dress in warm, supportive layers
• Wear shoes with good traction
• Watch for icy patches
• Use walkways that have been cleared and salted whenever possible

These small steps help reduce injuries and support safer winter days for older adults — and really, for anyone navigating snow and ice this season.

Stay safe, upright, and enjoy the beauty of the winter weather!

12/21/2025

✨ We’re hiring a Prevention Educator! ✨

Are you passionate about public health, education, and making a real difference for the next generation? The Center for Prevention & Counseling is looking for a Prevention Educator to help deliver evidence-based programs that empower youth, families, and communities across Sussex County to make healthy, informed choices.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who values connection, community engagement, and prevention-driven impact—working directly in schools and community settings to build resilience and reduce risky behaviors.

📍 Sussex County, NJ
💙 Meaningful work. Real impact. Strong community.

12/20/2025

How fitting that our final Festive Friday landed on National Ugly Sweater Day. ❄️✨

What started as an excuse to wear our loudest, quirkiest sweaters also became a simple but meaningful reminder.

These sweaters are loud, quirky, and definitely not “perfect”… and yet, put them in the right light and an AI generated background and suddenly they’re kind of beautiful. Just like the people wearing them.

Sometimes what we label as ugly, messy, or out of place is actually full of warmth, personality, and story.

Sometimes things look polished on the outside and carry weight underneath.

And sometimes what feels awkward or imperfect is exactly what makes something real.

✨ Every day should be Ugly Sweater Day. We shouldn’t need a reason to celebrate showing up as we are — festive, human, and a little bit goofy — and to remember that beauty isn’t about appearances, but about the connection, care, and light people bring into a space.

Ugly sweaters optional. Humanity required. 💙

12/20/2025

Community FYI 📢

Many of us are without power this morning. See below the list of warming centers available throughout the county.

Good morning, Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada would like to share the following information regarding Sussex County warming centers.

12/20/2025

Sometimes the hardest part of parenting a teen isn’t what to say — it’s knowing how to say it.

Conversations about substance use don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Curiosity matters more than lectures. Listening matters more than getting every word right.

If you’re looking for facts, tools, and conversation starters that actually meet teens where they are, we’ve got you covered.

check out 🔗 connectguideempower.org
Because open, informed conversations build trust — and trust keeps kids safer.

💫

12/18/2025

❄️ Winter Medication Storage Tips

Cold temps + indoor heat + dry air can do a number on medications if they’re stored in the wrong place. Here are 5 quick best practices to keep prescriptions safe and effective this season:

1. Keep meds “room temp” whenever possible
Most medications are meant for controlled room temperature (about 68–77°F), with short “excursions” allowed between 59–86°F. Avoid places that swing hot/cold (near windows, radiators, or drafty cabinets).

2. Avoid the bathroom medicine cabinet
Steam + humidity = not your meds’ best friend. Choose a cool, dry spot like a bedroom dresser drawer or a high kitchen cabinet away from the stove/sink.

3. Store in original containers (labels matter!)
Original bottles/blister packs help protect meds from moisture and keep directions + expiration info attached.

4. Skip the cotton ball (unless your pharmacist says otherwise)
That little cotton ball can actually pull moisture into the bottle over time.

5. Plan ahead for storms + power outages
Keep at least a one-week supply on hand when possible, and if you have refrigerated meds, have a cooler plan ready.

💡 When in doubt: check your medication label or ask your pharmacist—some meds have special storage needs.