The annual Tree of Hope Ceremony, held on September 17, 2024, at the Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen in Edison, NJ, was a heartwarming event that brought together community members, organizations, and leaders to raise awareness about substance misuse and mental health recovery. This year’s ceremony, aligning with National Recovery Month, highlighted the importance of prevention, treatment, and the resilience of individuals in recovery.
Honoring Community Heroes
The ceremony honored the Mobile Family Success Center of Middlesex County for its unwavering dedication to providing health education and wellness support to all residents in the county. Established in 2013 and operated by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, this organization has been a pillar of strength, offering family-friendly workshops on resume writing, family budgeting, and fun activities in accessible locations like schools, libraries, and community centers. Their mission is to strengthen individual and family functioning, empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive.
Introducing the 2024 Recovery Champion Honoree
Morgan Thompson, CEO of Prevention Links, was recognized as the Recovery Champion for 2024. Her efforts have been instrumental in advocating for recovery and supporting those on their journey to overcoming addiction.
A Ceremony of Hope and Awareness
The Tree of Hope campaign is a cornerstone of Wellspring’s mission to raise consciousness about addiction as an illness from which recovery is possible. The event serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the strength within our communities and the importance of support systems in the recovery journey. The “Tree of Hope” is awarded annually to an organization that promotes recovery from addiction, reinforcing the message that recovery is achievable and worth celebrating.
A Program of Empowerment and Celebration
The ceremony featured welcoming remarks and the introduction of the honorees by Heather Ward, Coordinator of Middlesex County for Wellspring Center for Prevention.
Marci Booth, Associate Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, and Rosela Roman, Director of the Mobile Family Success Center, were introduced as representatives of the honored organization.
Ezra Helfand, Executive Director of Wellspring Center for Prevention, introduced Morgan Thompson, celebrating her as the Recovery Champion Honoree.
Bringing the Community Together
The Tree of Hope Ceremony provided an opportunity for community members to come together, share stories of resilience, and celebrate the journey of recovery. With dinner and refreshments served, it was a night of connection, awareness, and hope. This event reminds us all of the power of community support in the fight against substance misuse and mental health challenges.
For more information about the event or to support the cause, consider making a donation to our organization to help continue this vital work.