The Raymond J. Lesniak Experience, Strength, Hope Recovery High School

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.

07/23/2025

06/17/2025

Yesterday, we proudly celebrated the Class of 2025 at The Raymond J. Lesniak Experience, Strength, Hope Recovery High School. NJ4S Union Hub is honored to have played a role in supporting these students through the programs we offer—programs designed to nurture emotional wellness, build life skills, support academic success, and guide young people through both recovery and the everyday challenges life presents.

Today, we celebrate three remarkable graduates: Jeremiah Colon, Ellie Kesselman, and Adrian Martinez. Each student demonstrated strength, growth, and determination. Jeremiah received the Casey Petitt Hope for All Learners Scholarship, while Ellie and Adrian were each awarded Simon Youth Foundation Scholarships to help them take the next step in their journey.

We’re proud of all they’ve accomplished and grateful to have been a part of their path.

This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the continued partnership and support of Prevention Links, The Raymond J. Lesniak Experience, Strength, Hope Recovery High School, the Simon Youth Foundation, Union County Vocational-Technical Schools - UCVTS Board of Education, the County of Union, New Jersey, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, and the New Jersey Department of Education.

06/17/2025

Yesterday, The Raymond J. Lesniak Experience, Strength, Hope Recovery High School proudly celebrated the Class of 2025 during our End of the Year Graduation Ceremony. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the students themselves, Jeremiah Colon, Ellie Kesselman, and Adrian Martinez, for their incredible achievements, strength, and perseverance.

We are especially proud to share that Jeremiah Colon was awarded the Casey Petitt Hope for All Learners Scholarship, while Ellie Kesselman and Adrian Martinez each received a prestigious Simon Youth Foundation Scholarship to support their continued journey.

This post is focused solely on celebrating these remarkable graduates, their stories, growth, and the bright futures ahead. More photos and full event recaps are coming soon, so stay tuned as we continue to honor the people and partnerships that made this special day possible.

With gratitude, we acknowledge the many partners who make this work possible, including The Raymond J. Lesniak Experience, Strength, Hope Recovery High School, Prevention Links Board of Directors, NJ4S Union Hub, the Simon Youth Foundation, Union County Vocational-Technical Schools - UCVTS Board of Education, the County of Union, New Jersey, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, the New Jersey Department of Education, Union College - NJ, Premiere Stages at Kean University, Dr. Randy Sconiers, Ms. Kesha Wiggs from Chi-Moda Yoga, Dr. Waffiyah Saleem of She Matters, and Casey Petitt Hope for All Learners Inc.

Congratulations, Class of 2025. Your future is just beginning.

06/17/2025

04/28/2025

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

04/10/2025

03/27/2025

A huge THANK YOU to Flip Circus for generously donating 25 tickets to our Family Success Center families! Our Liberty Family Success Center community had a blast picking up their tickets—just look at those smiles! 😊🎟️

We’re so grateful for partners like Flip Circus who help us bring unforgettable experiences to our families. 🎪

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.