Success Stories

Cleopatra Patterson came to her calling as a counselor in The Mission’s Behavioral Health Center through a circuitous route. She was “the baby girl,” the eighth of nine children raised by her mom, who was a single parent. “I grew up in the projects in North Trenton, and my mom did an amazing job,” Cleopatra […]

Gregory Kinash grew up in Egg Harbor City, with a foster mother who he adored. “She was my heart,” he said. “She was a beautiful woman. She was always there to listen and to talk to. She taught us responsibility. And gave us love. There were big gatherings during the holidays. She worked hard to

Shamere Clyburn, who looks much younger than his 24 years, just cannot stop smiling. And as his smile lights up, people around him cannot help smiling back at him, as if asking, “What in the world are you smiling about?” There’s seems to be a sense of innocence around him that belies “the drugs I

“Right now,” Michael Sepulveda said, “I’m drinking a lot of water.” Laughing as he heard himself say that, he added, “I never would have thought I’d care at all about water. But it is really important to me now. I stay hydrated. And I make sure that the water I drink is pure and clean.

Dr. Eric Williams, The Mission’s Medical Director, spoke to the class at The New Direction Program about how substance abuse causes an imbalance in our brains, and the deleterious effects that can have on our bodies. In rapt attention, the individuals in the class listened, absorbed the information Dr. Williams shared, and asked very insightful

If you are struggling with addiction, we can provide you with free medication, which will prevent withdrawal, reduce your cravings, and give you the opportunity to recover. We are here for you.  Any morning from 6 am until 7 pm, just walk up the ramp at 89 Ewing Street, knock on our Shelter’s door, and

Six days a week, driving to where people struggling with addiction are known to congregate, The Mission’s Peer Recovery Specialists offer everyone they meet a cup of coffee, something to eat, a caring conversation – and, if the individual is ready, medication to help with recovery, access to healthcare, and shelter from their personal storms. 

Story and photos by Michael Mancuso Early on a recent, damp Thursday morning, a van slowly makes its way down a forbidding, narrow alley in Trenton’s South Ward. The van stops where a lone man is randomly pacing behind a garage, periodically hunching over, emitting non-verbal sounds. He wears droopy camo cargo pants and a

“It is like a ghost, hiding in the shadows.” That’s how Jessica Evans described the depression that periodically has taken hold of her. When those shadows started to appear in August of last year, Jessica said, “I went to St. Francis Medical Center for a few days. They got me back on medication. But I