Raymond J. Lesniak ESH Recovery High School

Where recovery & education go hand in hand.

Established in 2014, the Raymond J. Lesniak Experience, Strength and Hope Recovery High School is an Alternative High School  for high school-aged students who have endured substance use-related issues and are looking for a self-contained, public school, conducive to meeting the needs of their education and recovery.

We are an out of district placement and serve the northern region of the state, including outside of Union County. There is no cost to families and tuition is substantially lower than other out of district placements to combat barriers to enrollment.

Our services include a blended learning environment consisting of in person learning as well as virtual learning, SAT prep, post-secondary planning, recovery case management, assessment and referral to outside treatment if needed and multiple auxiliary programs.

For more information, please visit the Recovery High School website or contact us at (732) 381-4100

NU-DAY Alternative Peer Group Program (APG)

The Alternative Peer Group model is designed to address the emotional, psychological, spiritual and social needs of teens struggling with substance use disorders both individually and in their families. By integrating peer support and community with therapeutic clinical services, the APG model has proven to be an effective intervention to address the explosion of drug use by youth and communities as a whole.

Program Components:

Mentorship: Young adult role models in recovery who have received specialized training in how to mentor youth with substance use disorders.

Counseling: Less central in an APG than in a traditional outpatient model, counseling is provided by a licensed mental health professional who specializes in adolescent SUD issues.

Psychosocial Education: Non-clinical in nature, psychosocial education groups cover topics spanning the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Eight Dimensions of Wellness

Family Support: A once-weekly family support group will be offered for parents, guardians, and other family members

Self-Help Meetings: Self-help meetings will be offered twice weekly at the APG and facilitated by a mentor or by a youth leader.

Social Functions: Weekly social functions may include open mic night, poetry slams, sporting events, hikes, beach days, and more.

This 10-week program (at minimum) engages teens in 2.5 hour groups three evenings per week, in addition to weekend activities offered on a rotating schedule. 

Upon completion youth will be encouraged to continue to attend weekly self-help groups and social/recreational activities. Priority will be given to youth who are involved with the justice system.

Interested? Learn more about eligibility requirements and email us at recoverysupport@preventionlinks.org or call our 24/7 hotline at  1-855-825-3275

Are you a parent or caregiver of a teen engaging in harmful substance use? Make sure to check out our Family Recovery Programs to find other supportive services.

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