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Recovery Support at TCNJ

The College of New Jersey is a place for Recovery. Graciously provided through grant funding from the State of New Jersey, TCNJ’s program includes recovery housing (Lion’s House), recovery coaching & peer support, weekly substance-free late-night programming (RECreate Your Night), and an inspiring group of students who make up the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC).

                                For more information about the recovery program please reach out to:                                              Eric Van Eck, Recovery & Prevention Coordinator, at vaneck3@tcnj.edu or 609-771-2134

Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC)

Recovery, like all of life, is best done in a community. TCNJ’s CRC is a place for students in recovery and allies of recovery. It is a place where those who have been impacted by addiction and other mental health issues can find belonging, purpose, authentic relationships, and support. This recognized student organization meets weekly to discuss recovery issues, plan and engage in advocacy events, and have fun through social and community activities.

For more information, visit the CRC’s webpage!

Recovery Housing: Lion’s House

“Home” is a vital physical and psychological need. It is a sanctuary that feels safe, a place that is comfortable, and a refuge that has supportive people sharing similar values and working towards similar goals. Lion’s House is a substance-free, on-campus housing option for students who identify with recovery. There is no additional cost to live in Lion’s House, however, there is an application process.

For more information, visit the Lion’s House Page.

Recovery Coaching & Peer Support

There is nothing quite like finding that person who understands what you’re going through, because they’ve been there too! TCNJ has Certified Peer Recovery Specialists who are eager to share their lived experience, with their struggle and with their recovery, with students who are in-or-seeking recovery. Also known as Recovery Coaches, these trained peers meet individuals “where-they’re-at” and help them set, and encourage them to work towards, self directed goals. Our recovery students also lead multiple support groups on a regular weekly schedule to aid in mutual healing and growth. These groups are by TCNJ Students, for TCNJ Students.

For more information, visit the Recovery Support Meeting Page.

RECreate Your Night

Through the Office of Student Life, the Recreation & Wellness Department serves the campus community by providing a variety of weekly substance-free activities. Programming focuses on positive well-being, creativity, movement, and social engagement. From sports to crafts, wellness nights, and more, come join other students at a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for all.

For more information, visit the RECreate Your Night Page.

Social Media @tcnjcrc

Follow us on social media for events and other CRC-related information.

FAQs

Am I a good candidate for TCNJ’s Collegiate Recovery Program?

It is not uncommon for people in recovery to question if they are “college material.” After years of witnessing recovering students thrive, we want to say, WE BELIEVE IN YOU! If you have a desire to continue your education we encourage you to take the steps necessary to do so because, after all, the only way to find out if something is for you is to give it a try!!

TCNJ has a reputation for being a competitive institution because it is, and students in recovery don’t get special admissions treatment. Unfortunately, some students’ grades do not reflect their capability. We suggest in order to support your application for admission that students take additional courses at a community college (getting good grades of course!), engage in community service/extra-curricular, and write a strong personal statement. Some students choose to write about their experience in recovery and how the courage, strength, and perseverance required to maintain their recovery makes them an excellent candidates for TCNJ. Ultimately, we encourage you to discuss your application with an admissions counselor that can provide guidance on submitting a strong application.

Can you tell me more about TCNJ’s CRC?

TCNJ’s Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) supports students in their recovery from substance use and other mental health concerns. The CRC is a safe place for individuals AND ALLIES (people who identify through family and friends) to heal and grow with one another.

The CRC has weekly general community meetings, facilitate weekly on-campus “All-Recovery” support meetings, hosts countless fun activities each semester (to build lasting and meaningful friendships), and also organizes a bunch of advocacy events on campus (to help spread awareness and reduce stigma).

The CRC has its own space in the Rec-Center (The Recovery Lounge) which is like a home away from home for the students involved! Most of their events are held there and it’s a great place to unwind, relax, and connect.

Who can join the CRC?

The CRC is for students in-or-seeking recovery and for students that consider themselves allies of recovery. Many of these students want to be around people that understand and support their journey. An ally of recovery is someone who has been impacted by a family member or friend with an addiction or mental health concern. We invite all individuals who identify with the recovery process to come see what we are all about!

If I am an alumni how can I be involved?

Join the Recovery Alumni Chapter!! Visit the Recovery Alumni Page and email vaneck3@tcnj.edu to find out more!

What are some of the past events?

Our events typically fall under our three pillars: Support, Advocacy, and Community. In this last year we’ve hosted recovery meetings and our amazing “Sharing the Hope” event, which would fall under our Support Pillar. Each year we host Overdose Reversal Trainings and Card Writing Events that support our Advocacy Pillar. For Community Events we’ve done fun activities like go-kart racing, ice skating, fall farm adventures, and our recovery friendly on-campus themed parities. Another member favorite is our Summer Spiritual Retreat! To see what these events look like, please check out our Instagram: @tcnjcrc.

Contact

Alcohol and Drug Support Services
The College of New Jersey
P.O. Box 7718
2000 Pennington Rd.
Ewing, NJ 08628

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