Dear Prevention,

Last week, we celebrated the graduation of three seniors at the Raymond J. Lesniak Experience, Strength, and Hope Recovery High School (ESH)—New Jersey’s first recovery high school, in operation since 2014.

This graduation is, without fail, one of the most awe-inspiring days of the year for me.

Witnessing the courage, perseverance, and strength of these students—and the village of exceptional academic and recovery professionals who support them—is nothing short of amazing. 

One of the graduates shared his recovery story with us, which he has sustained for more than a year during his time at ESH. It was announced at the ceremony that this same student would be the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship from the Simon Youth Foundation to support the next phase of his academic journey. 

As we celebrate our graduates, we also make space in the ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate the legacy of the first recovery high school in the state. Each year, the Pam Capaci Hero for Recovery Award, named in honor of our school’s founder, is awarded to an individual who has made a substantive impact in bridging the achievement gap for youth in recovery. 

We were thrilled to honor Paolo del Vecchio, Director of the Office of Recovery at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). As a national leader, Paolo has amplified adolescent recovery, and recovery schools in particular, supporting efforts to increase the prevalence and quality of recovery schools across the country. It was an honor to have Director del Vecchio and Public Health Advisor Kristen Harper from the Office of Recovery in attendance at the ceremony. 

Each year at graduation, as I am so moved by the graduates and their accomplishments, I am reminded that there is more work to be done.

The truth remains that most students and families who would benefit from a recovery high school still don’t know we are here to help them.

That’s why I’m asking you to please consider sharing information about our school with your friends and colleagues—treatment providers, school districts, and anyone else who may be able to reach a family that is searching for a safe place for their high schooler in recovery. 

Please visit www.eshrecoveryschool.org to learn more. 

Press Release

”When I started attending [a new] high school...I felt like an outcast...I felt lonely and as if I had no purpose." said Ean, one of this year's graduates.

“Being in rehab actually opened my mind to new things and I came to terms that I had an addiction and that I needed help. My journey in recovery has been a rollercoaster, however my days in recovery have been mostly good. I have been sober for 1 year 2 months and 12 days today...I’m living a better life. A lot of people shared their wisdom with me and I took it to heart and put it into action.”

Red Ribbon Day

Save the date for October 12, 2024! Red Ribbon Day is already in the works and we need your help to reach out $55,000 fundraising goal!

Whether you're walking for the Prevention Awareness Walk, starting a peer-to-peer fundraiser, sponsoring, or spreading the word - we want you to join us in our mission.

Everyone Knows Someone, Help Prevent the Next One.

In Service,

Morgan Thompson

Morgan Thompson (she/her), MSW

Chief Executive Officer

Prevention Links is a private, non-profit organization with a history dating back to 1971. With community being defined as any environment where people live, work, or learn, the goal of Prevention Links is to pull together all available resources to eliminate the deleterious effects of drugs, alcohol, violence, and inadequate educational and health institutions in our communities

Our mission is to foster healthy sustainable communities by empowering people through education, collaboration and by serving as the linkage to resources.



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