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Community Outreach

Recovery Starts With Community

Valley Spring Recovery Center is deeply rooted in Bergen County. Through partnerships, education, and hands-on engagement, we bridge the gap between treatment and the community that supports lasting recovery.

Community Initiative Explorer

Tap an initiative below to explore how Valley Spring connects with Bergen County and beyond.

Community Education Programs

Schools, Workplaces & Civic Groups

Valley Spring brings addiction and mental health education directly to Bergen County communities. Our clinical team leads workshops at local schools, corporate offices, and civic organizations to build awareness about substance use disorders, warning signs, and available treatment options.

Programs are tailored to each audience, from age-appropriate presentations for high school students to evidence-based trainings for HR professionals and first responders.

School prevention talks
Workplace wellness seminars
First responder trainings
Narcan distribution education

Substance Abuse Prevention

Early Intervention & Awareness

Our prevention programs target at-risk populations in Bergen County before addiction takes hold. Valley Spring collaborates with local health departments, school counselors, and pediatricians to identify early warning signs and connect individuals with resources before a crisis occurs.

We participate in National Recovery Month, Red Ribbon Week, and other awareness campaigns to keep substance abuse prevention in the public conversation year-round.

Youth screening programs
Physician partnership referrals
National Recovery Month events
Resource distribution drives

Stigma Reduction Campaign

Changing Conversations About Addiction

Stigma remains the single largest barrier to people seeking treatment. Valley Spring actively works to change the narrative around addiction and mental health through public storytelling, media engagement, and community forums that put real faces and voices to recovery.

Brian Cellary, recognized as NCADD Businessman of the Year, has been a leading voice in Bergen County for destigmatizing addiction and demonstrating that recovery and professional success go hand in hand.

Recovery storytelling events
Media outreach campaigns
Community forum discussions
Public-figure advocacy

Family & Loved Ones Support

Healing the Whole Family System

Addiction affects entire families. Valley Spring extends community outreach to family members and loved ones through educational workshops, support groups, and direct resources that help families understand addiction, set healthy boundaries, and participate in the recovery process.

Our family programming connects families in Bergen County with other families who understand their experience, creating a local support network that extends well beyond the walls of our facility.

Family education workshops
Al-Anon meeting partnerships
Boundary-setting resources
Parent peer-support network

Recovery Community Events

Celebrations, Walks & Gatherings

Valley Spring hosts and participates in community events that celebrate recovery and build connections. From recovery walks and sober social gatherings to alumni reunions and awareness fundraisers, these events create visible, positive examples of life in recovery.

Our events are open to the public and designed to build bridges between people in recovery, their families, and the broader Bergen County community.

Annual recovery walk
Sober social gatherings
Alumni celebration nights
Awareness fundraisers

Meet the Team Behind the Mission

Click a card to learn more about the people driving Valley Spring's community impact.

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Michael O'Sullivan

Co-Founder & Outreach Director
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Michael O'Sullivan co-founded Valley Spring Recovery Center with a vision to make quality addiction treatment accessible in Bergen County. His hands-on approach to community outreach has built lasting relationships with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers across northern New Jersey.

Under his leadership, Valley Spring has become a trusted resource for families navigating the recovery process, connecting them with the right programs and support systems from day one.

Co-Founder Bergen County Native Community Leader
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Brian Cellary

Co-Founder & Community Champion
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Brian Cellary brings an extraordinary combination of business acumen and personal commitment to the recovery community. Recognized as the NCADD Businessman of the Year, Brian has been instrumental in elevating the conversation around addiction treatment in Bergen County's business and civic circles.

His leadership in community outreach has helped Valley Spring forge partnerships with the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce and other key organizations, demonstrating that recovery support and professional achievement go hand in hand.

NCADD Businessman of the Year Co-Founder Civic Advocate
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James Sands

Director of Community Outreach
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As Director of Community Outreach, James Sands is the front line of Valley Spring's presence in Bergen County. He coordinates educational programs, manages partnerships with local organizations, and serves as the primary point of contact for schools, employers, and community groups seeking addiction treatment resources.

James brings deep knowledge of the local recovery landscape and a genuine passion for connecting people with the help they need, whether that means a direct referral to treatment or simply a conversation that plants the seed for change.

Director of Outreach Partnership Builder Community Connector

Community Impact at a Glance

2,400
People Reached
86
Events Hosted
18
Partner Organizations
640
Referrals Connected

Our Community Network

Valley Spring partners with leading Bergen County organizations. Click a partner below to learn about our work together.

Bergen County Chamber of Commerce

As an active member of the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce, Valley Spring Recovery Center participates in networking events, business forums, and community health initiatives. This partnership connects us with local businesses committed to supporting employee wellness and creating workplace policies that accommodate recovery.

Through the Chamber, we've developed corporate partnerships that provide streamlined referral pathways for employees struggling with substance use, ensuring they get the help they need while maintaining their careers.

Active Member Networking Events Workplace Wellness Corporate Referrals

Bergen Resource Net

Bergen Resource Net connects Bergen County residents with critical human services and support resources. As a participant, Valley Spring is listed as a primary addiction treatment provider, making it easy for individuals and families to find us when they need help most.

This partnership ensures that our outpatient programs, from Partial Care to Virtual IOP, are visible and accessible to anyone searching for local treatment options through Bergen County's official resource channels.

Listed Provider Resource Directory Service Coordination

Better Business Bureau — A+ Rating

Valley Spring Recovery Center holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting our commitment to ethical business practices, transparent communication, and patient satisfaction. This rating gives families the confidence that they're choosing a treatment provider held to the highest standards of accountability.

A+ Rating Accredited Business Verified Reviews

CARF International Accreditation

CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation means Valley Spring meets rigorous international standards for quality and safety in addiction treatment. This voluntary accreditation requires regular surveys, compliance with over 1,500 standards, and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.

For our community partners, CARF accreditation provides assurance that referrals to Valley Spring connect individuals with evidence-based, quality-controlled treatment programs.

CARF Accredited 1,500+ Standards Quality Assurance Regular Surveys

NCADD — National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

Valley Spring's relationship with NCADD is exemplified by Brian Cellary's recognition as NCADD Businessman of the Year. This honor reflects not just individual achievement but the entire organization's commitment to reducing stigma around addiction and advocating for accessible treatment at the local and national level.

Through NCADD, Valley Spring participates in national advocacy efforts, policy discussions, and awareness campaigns that elevate the standard of care across the addiction treatment industry.

Businessman of the Year National Advocacy Stigma Reduction Policy Engagement

Community Outreach FAQ

Have questions about getting involved or partnering with Valley Spring? Filter by topic and find your answer.

How can I volunteer with Valley Spring's outreach programs?
We welcome community volunteers who want to support recovery education and awareness efforts. Contact James Sands, our Director of Community Outreach, at (201) 781-8812 to discuss current volunteer opportunities. Roles range from event coordination to educational material distribution.
Can my organization partner with Valley Spring for wellness programs?
Absolutely. Valley Spring partners with businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and civic organizations across Bergen County. We offer tailored educational presentations, workplace wellness seminars, and referral partnerships. Reach out through our contact form or call us to start the conversation.
Are Valley Spring events open to the public?
Most of our community events, including recovery walks, awareness campaigns, and educational forums, are open to the public. Family support groups may have specific participation guidelines. Check our events schedule or call (201) 781-8812 for details on upcoming events.
How do community referrals work?
Healthcare providers, schools, employers, and community organizations can refer individuals to Valley Spring by calling our admissions line at (201) 781-8812. We offer same-day assessments and handle insurance verification for all major providers. The referral process is confidential and designed to remove barriers to treatment.
What is Valley Spring's role in the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce?
Valley Spring is an active member of the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce, participating in networking events, health-focused business forums, and community wellness initiatives. This partnership helps us connect with local businesses to develop employee assistance pathways and workplace addiction awareness programs.
Does Valley Spring offer speaking engagements for schools?
Yes. Our clinical team and outreach staff deliver age-appropriate prevention presentations to middle schools, high schools, and colleges in Bergen County. Topics include recognizing substance use warning signs, the science of addiction, and how to support a friend or family member who may need help. Contact James Sands to schedule a presentation.
How can I host a recovery awareness event with Valley Spring?
We actively collaborate with community organizations on recovery awareness events. Whether you're planning a health fair, workplace wellness day, or community forum, Valley Spring can provide speakers, educational materials, and logistical support. Fill out our contact form below or call (201) 781-8812 to start planning.

Connect With Our Outreach Team

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Thank you for reaching out. James Sands will contact you within 1 business day. For immediate assistance, call us at (201) 781-8812.

Call (201) 781-8812