ROADS is Ocean County’s Community Peer Recovery Center, encouraging individuals to be the Driver of their Own Recovery Journey.
Addiction and Recovery can often feel like you’re tackling a big jigsaw puzzle—a bunch of interlocking pieces that need to connect. This process can feel overwhelming and confusing at times. At ROADS, we understand there’s no “one size fits all” solution, and there is no single “RIGHT” way to recovery. Each person’s journey is unique, and their puzzle pieces—choices, resources, and needs-are individual to them. ROADS helps support, empower, and connect individuals—making the pieces of the “Recovery Puzzle” more accessible to everyone.
ROADS fosters a recovery-oriented culture, valuing lived experience, & serving all members of the community effectively and respectfully, regardless of stage, phase, or recovery pathway. ROADS exhibits a solid commitment to ensuring individuals & family members are offered comprehensive information on choices and options, as well as encouraged and empowered to take control of their health, wellness, and recovery.
ROADS was designed to provide support, help prevent the recurrence of SUD, and promote sustained recovery by being recovery-orientated, person-centered, trauma-informed, member-inspired, volunteer-driven, and focused on peer support.
ROADS provides a safe space where individuals can openly discuss their struggles and triumphs without fear of stigma, empowering community members to take charge of their recovery & wellness, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of belonging, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more connected recovery community.
Services & Supports Offered at NO COST through ROADS:
- Peer Support Activities: include, but are not limited to, supportive recovery coaching, information/referral, linkages, application & assistance, system navigation, promoting coping skills/selfcare, and boundary/limit setting.
- Recovery Classes include but are not limited to topics such as healthy behaviors: physical activity & nutrition, health literacy & reduction of use of substances, community connections & diversity/equity/inclusion, healthy relationships, triggers and action plans, harm reduction/recovery.
- Community Engagement includes, but is not limited to, Advocacy, meetings, coalitions, Community Outreach events, law enforcement/ justice collaboration, etc.
- Recreation & Socializations include, but are not limited to opportunities addressing physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual needs, including building connections & camaraderie, healthy habits, stress reduction, coping skills, rebuilding life skills, recovery fun, celebrating milestones, etc.
ROADS = Recovery, Opportunities, Acceptance, Dignity, Support
- Recovery is about rebuilding a meaningful life, by growing, healing, & rediscovering hope.
- Opportunities allow individuals to create stability & purpose in their lives. Recovery is stronger when people have real chances to build their future.
- Acceptance– both self-acceptance & acceptance from others—reduces shame & stigma. When people feel accepted for who they are, without judgment, they are more likely to stay engaged in their recovery journey.
- Dignity empowers individuals to take control of their recovery and reinforces their belief in their own ability to heal & grow.
- Support– No one recovers alone. Support from peers, professionals, friends, & family provides encouragement, guidance, and a safety net during difficult moments.
When all of those elements come together- They create an environment where recovery can thrive.
For more information on ROADS please contact:
- Gary Sheridan, Director of Recovery Services – gsheridan@mhanj.org
- Michelle Price, MHAOC County Director – mprice@mhanj.org
- Or Call MHAOC 732-244-0940 or email mhaocean@mhanj.org
ROADS is a program of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey in Ocean County funded by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
