Prevention Links proudly announces the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Rise Up Community Center, located at 120 W 7th St, Suite 201, Plainfield, NJ 07060. The event, held on Wednesday, July 24, marked a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing efforts to support and uplift the local community.

The celebration commenced with breakfast and lunch for attendees, followed by an overview of the Center’s services and programs provided by Manuel Ramirez, MSW, Program Manager at Rise Up Community Center, a sister location of Rise Up Recovery Center in Roselle. The Center is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community through a range of services, including peer support, drug user health resources, case management, naloxone distribution, transportation and linkage to substance use treatment, recovery support, and mental health services.

At 12:00 PM, the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, symbolizing the official opening of the Center, followed by a cake-cutting celebration. The event was well-attended by various organizations, including NJ4S Union Hub, Senior Center of Plainfield, City of Plainfield, Hyacinth, Second Street Youth Center, United Family & Children’s Society, Iris House, Community in Crisis, Bridgeway, Proceed INC., Urban League, New Jersey Prevention Network, Atlantic Health System, Union County, Organization For Recovery, Trinitas/RWJ-BH, NJ State Parole Board, City of Elizabeth, and Family Support Organization (FSO).

Morgan Thompson, MSW, CEO of Prevention Links, expressed the significance of the new Center, stating, “The Rise Up Community Center is more than just a building; it is a hub of hope, healing, and support. We offer a wide range of services and programs designed to meet the needs of our community…Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where individuals can find the resources and support they need to thrive.”

The establishment of the Rise Up Community Center has been a long-term goal for Prevention Links, particularly due to the chronic under-servicing of parts of Union County. The realization of this dream was made possible by the generous funding and support from the County of Union, the County Commissioners, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Their contributions have laid the foundation for a center that will serve as a vital resource for individuals and families in need.

In the long-term, Prevention Links aims to extend its reach in Plainfield and beyond with this new brick-and-mortar location. The goal is to reduce overdoses and increase access to recovery and mental health services for residents of Plainfield and the surrounding areas.

The Rise Up Community Center is Prevention Links’ 12th location, with other locations located throughout Hudson, Middlesex, and Union Counties, demonstrating the organization’s widespread commitment to supporting communities across New Jersey.

For more information, please contact Madeline Desrosiers at 862-250-7919 or mdesrosiers@preventionlinks.org.

About Prevention Links

Prevention Links is a non-profit organization that has been serving Union County for over 50 years, helping more than 20,000 community members each year through a variety of programs aimed at preventing substance use, strengthening families, and promoting health and wellness.