Jersey Desk - HOPE Sheds Light Awarded Federal Grant to Expand Recovery Pathways Across Ocean & Monmouth Counties

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$1,005,000 SAMHSA grant will strengthen community-based recovery support for individuals and families over three years

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - JerseyDesk -- HOPE Sheds Light, a New Jersey nonprofit dedicated to educating individuals, families and communities about substance use disorder and supporting people throughout the recovery journey, has been awarded a $1,005,000 federal grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Building Communities of Recovery program.

The three-year award, providing approximately $335,000 annually, will allow HOPE Sheds Light to expand its community-based recovery efforts throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties, connecting more individuals and families with peer support, education, resources and opportunities for long-term recovery.

"This is a milestone for HOPE Sheds Light and a tremendous recognition of the recovery community that has grown around our organization," said Pamela Capaci, CEO of HOPE Sheds Light. "We are incredibly grateful for the work of our team, volunteers, families and community partners who show up every day for people who need support. This funding gives us the opportunity to reach more people, strengthen the connections that already exist and continue creating pathways to long-term recovery."

SAMHSA's Building Communities of Recovery program supports Recovery Community Organizations in mobilizing and connecting community resources to increase access to long-term recovery support for people with substance use disorders and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

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For HOPE Sheds Light, the award builds upon more than a decade of grassroots work rooted in personal experience.

HOPE Sheds Light was founded by Ron Rosetto, Stephen Willis and Arvo Prima, three fathers whose families were directly impacted by addiction. What began as families coming together to share their experiences and help others find hope has grown into a recovery organization serving communities throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties. The organization continues to honor the lives of their sons, Marc Rosetto, Mark Willis and Paavo Prima, by helping other individuals and families know they do not have to face addiction or recovery alone.

"When we started HOPE Sheds Light, it came from a very personal place," said Stephen Willis, co-founder of HOPE Sheds Light. "We understood what it was like for a family to be searching for answers, support and hope. We shared our stories because we believed our experiences could help another family. This grant allows us to carry that purpose forward on a much greater scale, so more people can find connection, believe change is possible and know there is a community ready to walk beside them."

The federal funding will strengthen work already underway at HOPE Sheds Light, including peer recovery support, family programs, education, community outreach and partnerships. It will also help the organization build stronger connections among existing community resources, making it easier for individuals and families to find support at different points in their recovery journey.

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At the heart of HOPE Sheds Light is the belief that recovery is strengthened through connection. By creating a safe, welcoming and nonjudgmental environment, the organization works to remove the fear and stigma surrounding addiction while giving individuals and families the strength, resources and support to heal and recover.

The grant comes through SAMHSA's fiscal year 2026 Building Communities of Recovery program, a competitive federal funding opportunity available to Recovery Community Organizations. The program is designed to strengthen community-based recovery infrastructure and increase access to long-term recovery support.

The award is part of $77 million in new federal funding announced August 31, 2026, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through SAMHSA to strengthen substance use prevention, treatment and recovery, community mental health, suicide prevention and crisis services nationwide.

For more information about HOPE Sheds Light, its recovery programs, family support services and upcoming community events, visit https://HOPEShedsLight.org.

About HOPE Sheds Light, Inc.

HOPE Sheds Light, Inc. is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 46-3910504) that is supported by friends and families directly affected by substance use disorder and found recovery through continuous love, support and understanding. The mission of HSL is to raise awareness and educate individuals, families and the community about the impact of substance use disorder 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. To learn more or to donate, please visit http://www.HOPEShedsLight.org.