The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) in partnership with the new jersey Department of Labor, proudly announces the expansion and renewal of its workforce initiative, Pathways to Recovery. This initiative is aimed at supporting individuals in New Jersey who have been impacted by the ongoing opioid epidemic. Pathways to Recovery builds upon previous efforts, extending its coverage to include Mercer, Hunterdon, Somerset, Monmouth, Ocean, Union, and Middlesex counties.
The Pathways to Recovery initiative is designed to help individuals enter or re-enter the workforce, providing them with upskilling opportunities and connecting them to vital community-based services. By supporting these individuals, the initiative seeks to remediate the long-term economic impact of the opioid crisis on affected communities.
John Harmon, Founder, President, and CEO of AACCNJ, highlights the broader potential for economic and social change through continued support for the Pathways to Recovery program. “The opioid epidemic has had far-reaching consequences for families across New Jersey, and the economic ramifications are significant. By continuing our partnership with the New Jersey Department of Labor, we have the potential to improve not only the lives of individuals but also the long-term economic trajectories of entire families. Uplifting and renewing the most vulnerable populations in our state is both a moral and economic imperative.”
Vivian Harmon, Executive Director of AACCNJ’s Training and Development Institute, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in ensuring the success of program participants. ” The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey is deeply committed to forging strong partnerships with regional and community service providers, and employers. Together, we are dedicated to delivering tangible economic impacts for the participants in this program, empowering them to thrive and rebuild their lives in the workforce,” Harmon stated.
Working closely with local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) has been crucial to the ongoing success of Pathways to Recovery programs. Leaders from county administration and several WDBs in the service area expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership:
- Yolanda Taylor, Executive Director of the Monmouth County Workforce Development Board, added, “We are proud to collaborate with AACCNJ on such an important initiative. The program’s continued efforts in Monmouth County will us to make significant difference in the lives of individuals who need it most.”
- Paul Grzella, Director of The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board serving job seekers and business in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, commented, “We are eager to work alongside AACCNJ and our partners to connect individuals impacted by the opioid crisis with the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives and careers.”
- Antonio Rivera, Director of the Union County Workforce Development Board shared, “The opioid epidemic has deeply impacted our communities, and the Pathways to Recovery program is crucial part of our efforts to bring hope and opportunity with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey to make a positive difference in Union County.”
- Dan Benson, Mercer County Executive stated: “The Pathways to Recovery program aligns with our mission of providing opportunities for the most vulnerable members of our community. Together, we can provide our residents with the support they need to re-enter the workforce and build a foundation for long-term success.”
- Cheryl Meyer, Program Coordinator of Ocean County Workforce Development Board, expressed, ” Collaborative programs like Pathways to Recovery provide a lifeline for individuals seeking a fresh start, and we look forward to being apart of their journey to success.” “The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey is committed to partnering with Ocean County Workforce teams to serve the participants of the Pathways to Recovery program,” said Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, liaison to the ocean County Workforce Development Board. “By working together we can help our residents who participate in this program achieve self-sufficiency and independence. Every step provides a better quality of life.”
The Pathways to Recovery program is set to continue its legacy of positive impact, connecting participants with essential resources, workforce training, and the support network they need to thrive.
For more information on the Pathways to recovery program, contact the Training and Development Institute at TDI@aaccnj.com or (609)-225-4619. Residents of Central Region Counties can apply online at: https://forms.gle/hSScRdZMJKtfQ4VeA.
