What is CARES?

The Center for Addiction Recovery Education & Success (CARES) is a peer-to-peer, volunteer-based recovery-oriented sanctuary headquartered in Rockaway, NJ. We exist to put a face on recovery, build recovery capital, and serve as a physical location for the local recovery community.  At CARES, we honor all pathways to recovery.

Our Mission:

The Center for Addiction Recovery, Education & Success works to engage and organize the recovery community by helping individuals find, maintain, and enhance their recovery experience through peer support, educational and volunteer opportunities, and recovery-friendly events, as well as working to reduce the stigma associated with substance use through advocacy, education, and service.

Our Four Guiding Principles:

• People move from dependency to interdependency;
• Reliance on the community is central to recovery;
• Competence and wisdom reside in all people with lived experience with substance use and recovery; and
• Leadership emerges naturally within the community, and positive leadership should be fostered and supported.

Our Vision:

CARES envisions a world where recovery from substance use is understood, promoted, embraced, and enjoyed and where all who seek recovery have access to the support, care, and resources needed to achieve long-term recovery.

Our Values:

• We Consider the practice of volunteerism, service, and “working with others” as a higher calling.
• We Appreciate and respect that there are multiple pathways to recovery.
• We Recognize the interconnectedness of individuals, families, and entire communities.
• We Embrace and promote recovery in individuals, families, and communities.
• We Strive to end the stigma experienced by people in recovery or seeking recovery.