About

A statewide behavioral health agency incorporated in 1984, CSPNJ has established itself as a respected innovator of housing, Community Wellness Centers, employment, and economic development services that promote the wellness and recovery of people with the lived experience of behavioral health conditions. Starting with just three drop-in centers to what is now a statewide network of programs, CSPNJ is a nationally recognized leader in the design and delivery of wellness and recovery-oriented services, offering opportunities for people to live, learn, and work in the community of their choice. Our motto is: “Our greatest resource is the life experiences of persons working through their own recovery.” This continues to be a core component of the agency’s mission, vision, and values.

Throughout our history, we created services in response to the people we support who also have extremely low incomes. Initially, we attempted to address isolation and transcend the “patient role” by developing and operating peer-led drop-in centers as well as creating a statewide advocacy initiative. We organized statewide educational forums and participated in the national Alternatives Conference to network and learn about other innovative, recovery-fostering alternatives from peers throughout the country. Through active participation in these educational forums, we designed an innovative housing and support model that addresses the poverty and inadequate living conditions that impede recovery and well-being. By 1989 we opened the first peer-run house in Asbury Park. We now provide safe and decent affordable housing for more than 750 persons in New Jersey at over 30 locations. We also provide wellness centers, wellness respites, and other wellness-focused innovations.