Wellspring's Annual Tree of Hope Ceremony - Wellspring Center for Prevention

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.

Nominate a Tree of Hope or Recovery Champion Recipient

If you know an organization making a difference, we want to hear about them. If someone’s personal commitment is lighting the way for others in recovery, nominate that individual as our next Recovery Champion.

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2002

A Tradition Takes Root

The inaugural Tree of Hope campaign plants its first evergreen in the Middlesex County Administration Building lobby and holds a public dedication on September 24, launching a countywide tradition that celebrates recovery.

candle lighting ceremony during inaugural tree of hope ceremony

2006

Hospital‑Based Hope

The ceremony moves to Princeton House Behavioral Health in North Brunswick; special guest Mrs. New Jersey 2006, Christy Rak, joins patients, staff, and community members to dedicate the tree and share her message of resilience.

2017

Champion of Recovery Award Debuts

Wellspring introduces the new Champion of Recovery Award, adding individual recognition to the event and honoring personal leadership in the recovery community.

ezra helfand presents recovery champion award to frank greenagel

2019

Spotlight on Justice‑Based Recovery

The ceremony was held at the Middlesex County Superior Court Recovery Court, spotlighting a program that has graduated 324 participants and welcomed 27 drug‑free babies since 2004, underscoring recovery within the justice system.

2022

20th Annual Celebration

Wellspring marks its 20th annual Tree of Hope ceremony, honoring Recovery Centers of America at Raritan Bay and Recovery Champion Tammy D’Aloia, while spotlighting RCA’s expansion into stand‑alone mental‑health treatment.

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Your support helps us continue our prevention and intervention services and ensures our Helpline remains a vital resource for those in need. Help us build a healthier community, one recovery at a time.

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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
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

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When your company joins us as a sponsor, you fuel our prevention and intervention programs and keep our Helpline open for neighbors who need a lifeline. Stand with us to create a healthier, more resilient community, one recovery at a time.