Welcome to our new website!

The Care Plus NJ Foundation ANNUAL COURAGE AWARDS

The Courage Awards Gala

is our largest fundraising event of the year, and with your participation, we anticipate another fantastic evening celebrating our success! It is an evening dedicated to celebrating our honorees, scholarship recipients, and community members.

The 2023 Courage Awards Gala Honorees

This year’s honorees have shown exemplary dedication to the Care Plus Foundation mission and supporting those who face the life-long challenges of mental illness and addiction. It is our unearned advantage to recognize the 2023 Courage Award Honorees:

Joseph Masciandaro

President/CEO
Care Plus NJ, Inc.
In recognition of his lifetime achievement as a steadfast leader, innovator, and visionary

Dr. Gian Varbaro

For his passionate and professional commitment to providing excellent care, health education and awareness to the community.

Daniel Sewall

In appreciation of his tireless generosity as an enthusiastic supporter of Care Plus NJ Foundation and leader in other endeavors that support those we serve.

The Care Plus NJ Foundation Scholarship was created to recognize individuals for their outstanding courage, dedication, and commitment to furthering their education. The 2023 recipients, who have experienced chronic mental illness, emotional and learning functional limitations, family conflict, financial limitations, and other obstacles, are committed to moving forward with their lives through education. The scholarship will help support this year’s recipients in pursuing their educational and professional goals. When you donate to the Care Plus NJ Foundation, your generosity is gratefully received by these individuals who work to advance their education and brighten their future. The educational scholarships would not be possible without your continued support.

The Joseph Masciandaro Fund Scholarship is awarded to one deserving employee to further their education to earn advanced degrees or certifications. The award is named in honor of former Care Plus NJ President and CEO Emeritus, Joseph Masciandaro’s 45-year legacy. This recognizes outstanding staff members pursuing educational or professional goals. Through the IDEA Committee, we discovered many of our staff had a desire to pursue higher education and professional development. Each year, we are proud to recognize and support our hard working staff in reaching their professional goals.

Testimonials

“

The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

“

The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

“

The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

“

The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

“

The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

“

The Care Plus NJ Foundation scholarship will help me to finance my education and make my dreams come true.

-Anonymous

Donate today to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Support our Mission

Belief

Belief refers to the confidence, faith, and conviction that individuals have in their ability to overcome addiction, make positive changes in their lives, and maintain long-term recovery. In substance use recovery learning self efficacy (self-belief), challenging negative beliefs, creating a positive mindset, and investing in new values gained from addressing one’s substance use disorder and Behavioral Health issues – improves oneself, relationships, and the future.

Every patient at Care Plus NJ has access to Behavioral Health professionals, including psychiatrists, and psychologists. In addition, each is assigned a case manager, drug and alcohol counselor, and peer recovery specialist who play a pivotal role in the treatment process.

As a Behavioral Health professional, they guide education, group therapy and support groups and other Behavioral Health services as indicated based on each persons needs.

CLOSE

Motivation

Motivation refers to the internal drive, desire, and commitment of an individual to initiate and sustain positive changes in their behavior, lifestyle, and overall well-being. It is a crucial factor in the C.L.I.M.B. recovery process, as overcoming addiction often requires significant effort, perseverance, and a genuine commitment to change.

Motivated individuals in recovery set clear and realistic goals for themselves. Utilizing the stages of change model, Care Plus NJ walks patients through various stages of a substance use disorder, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse prevention. Understanding these stages helps individuals navigate their unique recovery journey.

CLOSE

Insight

Insight refers to a deep and clear understanding of oneself, one’s behaviors, and the factors contributing to substance abuse. It involves gaining awareness into the root causes of addiction, recognizing patterns of behavior, and developing a clearer understanding of the impact of substance use on various aspects of one’s life. Insight is a critical component of the recovery process as it provides a foundation for positive change and sustained recovery.

Insight involves exploring the underlying issues that may contribute to drug abuse, such as past severe psychological distresss, Behavioral Health issues, or unresolved emotional challenges. Addressing these root causes is essential for long-term recovery.

CLOSE

Courage

Courage in the context of recovering from drug addiction, refers to the ability to confront and overcome the challenges and fears associated with the recovery process in a person’s life. It involves facing one’s vulnerabilities, acknowledging the need for change, and taking positive steps toward a healthier and drug-free life.

CLOSE

Love

Love plays a significant and multifaceted role in the process of recovery from drug and substance abuse. Having a network of supportive and understanding family members, friends, or partners is immensely valuable during the recovery journey. Community, fellowship and support groups emphasize the importance of connection with others who understand the challenges of addiction. Repairing relationships damaged by substance use often involves acts of love, forgiveness, and rebuilding trust.

In essence, love in the context of substance use recovery encompasses self-love, support from others, understanding, accountability, community, rebuilding relationships, and a renewed appreciation for life.

CLOSE