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The Care Plus NJ Foundation ANNUAL COURAGE AWARDS 2024 – 26th ANNUAL COURAGE AWARDS GALA

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A Message From Our Leadership

The Courage Awards Gala is both a celebration and a heartfelt tribute to compassionate community leaders who champion the Care Plus NJ mission and empower those facing the life-long challenges of Behavioral Health and addiction. It is our unearned advantage to recognize the 2024 Courage Award Honorees:

The Honorable Joseph A. Lagana

State Senator
New Jersey
For his dedication to addressing the Behavioral Health needs of New Jersey youth and community members.

Debra Wentz, Ph.D.

President and CEO
New Jersey Association of Behavioral Health and Addiction Agencies
For her commitment to improving lives by changing views about Behavioral Health and addiction.

Our Honorees

The Care Plus NJ Foundation Scholarship was created to recognize individuals for their outstanding courage, dedication, and commitment to furthering their education. The 2024 recipients, who have experienced chronic mental illness, emotional and learning functional limitations, familial discord, 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. Your donation to the Care Plus NJ Foundation directly supports these deserving individuals, empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals. Thank you for your contribution to their journey towards brighter futures.

The Joseph Masciandaro Scholarship honors the ambition and dedication of our staff by awarding one deserving employee with support for their pursuit of an advanced degree or professional certification. Each year, we take pride in acknowledging and assisting our employees as they strive to achieve their goals. Named in tribute to the enduring legacy of Joseph Masciandaro, former President and CEO Emeritus of Care Plus NJ, this scholarship symbolizes 45 years of visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Testimonials

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

-Anonymous

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

-Anonymous

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

-Anonymous

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

-Anonymous

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

-Anonymous

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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