HOPE Sheds Light, a family-focused nonprofit that brings awareness on substance abuse to the community, will be expanding its services by opening a new center in Manasquan. The nonprofit will formally unveil its new location with an open house and a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 18.
“In 2021, HOPE Sheds Light joined forces with Recovery Advocates of the Shore in order to enhance and expand recovery support services throughout Monmouth County,” Pamela Capaci, CEO of HOPE Sheds Light, said. “To that end, we are excited to announce the opening of our new location in Manasquan.”
Programming may include classes focused on wellness, nutrition and illness management, self-care, stress management, financial management, literacy education, job and parenting skills.
“Housing assistance (i.e., finding sober living homes, apartments and roommates) will also be provided,” Capaci added.
The purpose of HOPE Sheds Light is to offer a warm and welcoming environment that is a safe and sober space that allows individuals and family members from all recovery backgrounds to come together.
The new location will allow the center to offer peer-to-peer support and receive training, social, educational and recreational opportunities to Monmouth County residents.
Founded in 2012 after co-founder Ron Rosetto lost his son Marc to a battle against substance abuse, HOPE Sheds Light acts as a voice of hope in a community in desperate need of knowing that recovery is possible. Along with co-founders Arvo Prima and Stephen Willis, and a team of board members and volunteers, HSL aims to shed light into the shadows of stigma and fear.
“We believe that, putting a familiar face to addiction through the sharing of our stories, we are sending a new message … one that hope carries to you and your family, which says: You are not alone, and people can and do recover,” Capaci said. “Since the families and friends of those with addiction problems often feel isolated, ashamed, overwhelmed and hopeless, HOPE Sheds Light was created to provide direction, resources and hope toward recovery. We are passionate about helping anyone in need, and we have created this organization to provide those individuals with the resources they need to find hope for a future free from substance use disorder.”
Looking to the future, HOPE Sheds Light will also host its 9th annual Celebration of HOPE Walk on Sept. 10 on Hiering Avenue in Seaside Heights.
