Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.

HOPE Sheds Light raises awareness and educates individuals, families, and the community about the impact of addiction by having the courage to share personal experiences and offer strength, wisdom, hope, and resources that lead to positive community change and long-term recovery.

Thank you Heather Price for coming to our meeting and talking to us about this great organization. If you or someone you know need help please visit: https://www.hopeshedslight.org/

Have you heard of Toms River Communities That Care (CTC)? CTC is a data-driven, coalition-based process that brings together all sectors of the community in order to help decrease youth problem behaviors, which include substance and alcohol use, nicotine use, violence, delinquency, and mental health conditions. This process is internationally done and comes out of the University of Washington.

The RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery was the first to bring the CTC process to New Jersey. Our guest Clair Janal is the Toms River CTC Coordinator.

For more information visit: https://bit.ly/2Ddp2Jf

Patty Morgan and Jeff Heilbrun from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey were our guest speakers last Tuesday. The agency provides a variety of community-based services for children ages 6 to 18 including Job Shadowing, Work Place Mentoring, College Mentoring, School Mentoring, Back on Track, and Bigs in Blue.

If you are interested in being a mentor or if you are in need of a mentor, please call 732-544-2224 or email info@mentornj.org.

Last week we met Megan O'Keefe, Executive Director at Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey - CVCJ. This organization provides FREE supportive services to the frail elderly and the home-bound, enabling them to live independently and with dignity in their own homes.

If you or someone you know meets the following criteria, contact them:
- 60 years of age or older, or a family caregiver
- No longer driving
- Living in their own home
- Living in Northern Ocean and Southern Monmouth Counties