BRIDGEWATER - The township has launched the Community Recovery Champion (CRC) Program to help address the root causes of addiction and support individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
The program, under the umbrella of Bridgewater REACH, Bridgewater's initiative to fight the opioid crisis at a grassroots level, is the first of its kind in Somerset County. The program will partner with Community in Crisis, a Bernardsville-based community coalition focused on prevention education and recovery support.
The Community Recovery Champion program is made possible through the township's Opioid Settlement funds at no additional cost to residents.
The program is funded at $20,000 annually and will operate for an initial 12-month period, with the option for renewal based on program outcomes.
The program will be spearheaded by a dedicated Community Recovery Champion - a person with experience in recovery who will be a resource for residents, families and stakeholders.
The Community Recovery Champion will dedicate 40 hours a month to engaging with residents and local leaders, including faith-based organizations, schools, law enforcement and first responders to foster positive relationships.
"Recovery starts with connection," said Mayor Matthew Moench. "By embedding recovery expertise directly into the fabric of our community, we can reduce stigma, enhance support systems and create lasting change."
The primary services of the program, open to all township residents, include:
Family members and friends impacted by addiction will also be given access to resources, education and support.
The program will utilize a data platform to collect and analyze data on the services provided, client outcomes and community impact. The data will allow Bridgewater to measure success and make data-driven decisions about program enhancements.
The goals of the program, which township officials hope will set a precedent for other communities, are to reduce reduce interactions with the criminal justice system and emergency services and improve social supports and connections to care.
"We are proud to launch this initiative and take a bold step toward supporting our residents' well-being," said Council President Tim Ring. "The Community Recovery Champion program embodies Bridgewater's commitment to addressing the overdose epidemic with compassion, innovation, and hope."
"This program is a testament to what can be achieved when municipalities and grassroots organizations work together," said Ken Musgrove, Community of Crisis's director of Recovery Support. "By combining lived experience with strategic resources, we can create a culture of recovery that empowers individuals and strengthens families."
Community in Crisis began in 2013 following the overdose deaths of two young adults in the Somerset Hills area. The nonprofit supports individuals through peer-based recovery support services and a range of programs aimed at supporting multiple pathways of recovery.
For more information about the Community Recovery Champion Program, contact the township's Office of Constituent Relations at [email protected] or 908-725-6300 Ext. 5888.