The Passaic County Stigma-Free Communities Initiative is a county-wide program that aims to end the stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorders. Our Stigma Free Committees are dedicated to raising awareness of these challenges by creating a supportive environment to assist individuals in their efforts to achieve wellness and recovery and to make sure no resident feels helpless or alone.

Establishing Stigma-Free Communities helps raise awareness of the local mental health and recovery resources available. These communities encourage residents to break down barriers, be mindful of their mental health, and seek help when needed. Substance use disorders and mental illness have the potential to worsen if left untreated, and complications can arise if help is not found. Engaging in care when the need is identified helps recovery begin, hope is inspired, and tragedies are avoided.

Passaic County’s Department of Human Services is proud to allocate $10,000 to support the continued Stigma Free efforts throughout the County. The Department is offering support of up to $1,000 per project for each Committee. Funding can be used for events, materials, or start-up costs for your municipality’s initiatives. Funding will be awarded based on funds available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you would like to know who the Stigma Free contact is in your municipality, please contact Bart Chou at bartc@passaiccountynj.org or by phone at (973) 881-2834.

Passaic County is proud to offer support in Project Graduation efforts for the Class of 2024. The County recognizes the importance of Project Graduation and the drug and alcohol-free chaperoned celebration for graduating seniors held on Graduation Night. The event is designed to furnish students with a safe atmosphere and a memorable, fun-filled evening with friends while at the same time reducing the potential for drinking and driving accidents.

Graduation night is a special night for High School Seniors as they take pride in their accomplishments, celebrate achievements, and a time to make plans for their futures. However, a night to celebrate can quickly turn into tragedy. Statistics show that teens are at the highest risk of using drugs and alcohol on prom night and graduation night. Even though teens may attend parties throughout their senior year, peer pressure seems to be highest on these two nights. Many students feel that they haven't celebrated if they haven't been drinking or using other drugs. The primary aims of Project Graduation activities are to increase awareness of the dangers of drinking, drugging, and driving and to reduce the number of youths involved in alcohol and other drug-related vehicle accidents. Project Graduation will ensure parents and all who know and love these young adults that they will arrive home safe the morning after graduation.

Passaic County is proud to offer support to all Passaic County Public High Schools with up to $2,500 per project, depending on graduating class size. There is a total budget of $15,000 available. Funding will be awarded based on funds available on a first come first serve basis.

There are three (3) tiers of funding available:

For more information about Project Graduation funding, please contact Shannon Ferray at shannonf@passaiccountynj.org.