Every autumn, our Tree of Hope campaign lights up Middlesex County with a simple but powerful message:
Recovery deserves to be celebrated.
What began in 2002 as a modest awareness effort has grown into Wellspring Center for Prevention’s signature event, spotlighting local organizations that guide individuals from the pain of addiction or mental health challenges toward healthier, hope‑filled lives.
Each year, we present the Tree of Hope Award to a community partner whose programs open doors to recovery, whether through counseling, peer support, housing, or innovative treatment.
Explore the timeline of past honorees below and see how, together, we continue to cultivate a forest of second chances, one tree, one story, one life at a time.
Honoring Our 2025 Recipients
At the 2025 Tree of Hope Ceremony, Wellspring Center for Prevention proudly recognized Middlesex County Association of Student Assistance Professionals as the Tree of Hope Recipient and Andy Dean, LCSW, as the Recovery Champion.
2025 Tree of Hope Recipient
Association of Student Assistance Professionals of Middlesex County
Wellspring Center for Prevention was proud to recognize the Middlesex County Association of Student Assistance Professionals as the 2025 Tree of Hope Recipient. Through its leadership and service, ASAP helps empower Student Assistance Coordinators and other professionals across New Jersey to address high-risk behaviors, promote mental health, and strengthen collaboration between schools and communities.
As the 2025 honoree, ASAP reflects the spirit of the Tree of Hope by supporting youth, building resilience, and fostering meaningful connections. Their work continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of students, families, and communities throughout the region.
2025 Recovery Champion
Andy Dean, LCSW
Wellspring Center for Prevention was also honored to recognize Andy Dean, LCSW, as the 2025 Recovery Champion. Andy has worked in mental health and substance use treatment since 2008 and has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families connect to care and move forward in recovery.
Through his role with Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, his work as founder of Dean Counseling and Consultation, and his broader leadership in the field, Andy exemplifies compassion, service, and commitment to recovery. His work reflects the hope and healing at the heart of the Tree of Hope Ceremony.
Tree of Hope Award Recipients
We are proud to recognize the incredible work of past awardees who have made a lasting impact on countless lives in Middlesex County and beyond.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Association of Student Assistance Professionals (ASAP) Middelsex County |
| 2024 | Mobile Family Success Center of Middlesex County |
| 2023 | Mainstream Recovery |
| 2022 | Recovery Centers of America |
| 2021 | Woodbridge Peer Recovery Program |
| 2020 | KEYES Academy |
| 2019 | Middlesex County Superior Court’s Recovery Court Program, formerly known as the Drug Court Program |
| 2018 | St. Peter’s University Hospital Opioid Task Force |
| 2017 | Rutgers University Recovery House Program |
| 2016 | Raymond J. Lesniak Experience-Strength-Hope Recovery High School |
| 2015 | Catholic Charities |
| 2014 | First Step Counseling |
| 2013 | New Brunswick Counseling Center |
| 2012 | Renovation House |
| 2011 | Blake Recovery Center at Carrier Clinic |
| 2010 | Elijah’s Promise |
| 2009 | Oxford House |
| 2008 | Crawford House |
| 2007 | New Hope Foundation’s Open Door |
| 2006 | Princeton House |
| 2005 | Friendship Hall |
| 2004 | Raritan Bay Medical Center |
| 2003 | Rutgers University Health Services |
| 2002 | Crawford House |
Tree of Hope History
