Blue Cares marks 10 years with 24/7 peer helpline, recovery‑court support in Middlesex County

Blue Cares, a peer‑run recovery program serving Middlesex County residents, is marking its 10th anniversary and highlighted a 24‑hour peer support hotline, a court diversion program and sober‑living assistance during a community information session.

"Blue Cares has been around um this year. We're actually celebrating 10 years," said a program representative, noting the service connects callers to certified peer recovery specialists any time of day for guidance and help finding treatment. Holly Honorado identified herself at the start of the session as a certified peer recovery coach with the Township of Edison.

The program operates two primary helplines: a substance‑use hotline that the panel said serves all of Middlesex County and a mental‑health support line focused on Woodbridge Township; callers outside the area are redirected to their local resources. Staff estimated the combined hotline receives about 15–20 calls per week, roughly 60–80 per month, underscoring year‑round demand.

"A peer recovery specialist is somebody with lived experience," the panel explained. Speakers said all team members are certified peer recovery specialists in long‑term recovery who use lived experience to guide people and families through treatment options.

Blue Cares described a recovery court program for people charged with substance‑related offenses. "Anyone with um any charges related to substances, they are eligible for our court program. You work with a peer recovery support specialist for 6 months. ... your charges at the end will be dismissed," Jamie Platt of Woodbridge Township Behavioral Health Services said, describing the program as a pathway to dismissal for participants who meet program goals and stay engaged. Referrals can come through the courts or callers can self‑refer via the hotline.

The organization also offers sober‑living assistance that can cover portions of move‑in fees and up to a month's rent to give participants time to find employment and necessary documents, the panel said. Staff cautioned that placements depend on monthly funding allocations: when funds are available there is effectively no wait list, but capacity is limited by that monthly funding cycle.

Blue Cares traces its origins to a parent‑led nonprofit called Road to Hope and said it has grown from a small office with two or three coaches in Woodbridge to a team of more than 20 serving the county. Staff described internal supports for peer workers—such as team group chats and mutual backup—to help manage the emotional toll of the work.

The program emphasizes a person‑centered approach rather than a single treatment model. "We do all honestly," a panelist said, adding that the program supports 12‑step, harm‑reduction and other approaches depending on client needs. Blue Cares also runs a recovery‑court alumni group that meets twice monthly in Woodbridge and New Brunswick.

Blue Cares’ office is located in the Woodbridge Health Department, next to the high school and Woodbridge Library. The panel described a county health kiosk in front of the department that dispenses free harm‑reduction supplies — including naloxone (Narcan), syringe kits and fentanyl test strips — along with condoms and pamphlets; providing a zip code at the kiosk is optional.

The group described a bedside response: an on‑call coach will meet patients in the hospital after an overdose to offer services and support at a critical intervention point. Speakers underscored program impact with anecdotes of successful participant transformations.

The session closed with thanks to the mayors of Edison and Woodbridge for supporting the programs and a reminder that anyone affected by substance use or family members can reach Blue Cares through the hotline or visit the Woodbridge Health Department during daytime hours for in‑person help.