The district will use the funds to assist with transportation needs and expand counseling and enrichment opportunities
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Cape May Court House, NJ – Middle Township Public Schools was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from the Public-School Districts’ Opioid Recovery Trust (PSDORT) to enhance and expand services at Coastal Prep Recovery High School, a model program supporting students in recovery from substance use disorders.
The Model Program and Best Practices Grant will be distributed over three years, and will assist with transportation needs, expanded counseling through substance misuse prevention and treatment agency Cape Assist, staff development, and enrichment opportunities such as field trips and career development programs. It also provides an opportunity for Middle Township Public Schools and Cape Assist to continue demonstrating the long-term value of recovery-focused education and serve as a model for similar programs across New Jersey and beyond.
“This award allows us to continue transforming lives,” said Dr. Toni Lehman, Assistant Superintendent of Middle Township Public Schools. “Funding transportation needs can be a barrier to services, but this grant ensures students and neighboring areas can reliably access key programming. More importantly, it strengthens our recovery and academic support services, helping students heal, learn, and thrive.”
Middle Township Public Schools is among 39 districts to receive one of the 51 total PSDORT grant awards nationwide. The Trust noted that the district’s “thoughtful approach and dedication reflected” in student recovery initiatives factored into the award.
Coastal Prep, New Jersey’s third recovery high school, has served students since 2019. Middle Township Public Schools partnered with Cape Assist to provide students attending the high school with a blend of academic resources and recovery support. The program has achieved strong results, with high rates of sobriety maintenance, graduation and postsecondary success.
“Since its inception, Coastal Prep has been a beacon of hope for youth in recovery,” said Katie Faldetta, Executive Director of Cape Assist. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Middle Township Public Schools and expand the reach of this critical program that addresses the intertwined challenges of addiction, education, and mental health.”
Created following national opioid litigation settlements, PSDORT directs resources where they are most urgently needed. By investing in schools, the Trust ensures these grants not only respond to the crisis but also protect students’ futures.