TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has announced $5 million in available grant funding to support job training and employment services for residents impacted by opioid use.
The funding, available through the state’s Pathways to Recovery program, will provide training opportunities, career services, employment placement and supportive services such as transportation, childcare and clothing. The announcement marks the first round of Pathways to Recovery funding for 2026.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, government agencies and higher education institutions in New Jersey with connections to mental health and opioid use disorder treatment centers. Each selected grantee is expected to receive up to $1 million over a 24-month grant period beginning June 1, 2026.
“The Pathways to Recovery program is a vital initiative that underscores New Jersey’s commitment to supporting residents who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Michael B. Marich. “By equipping individuals with the necessary skills and access to opportunities, we are not only supporting their personal recovery journey but also contributing to a stronger, more resilient New Jersey workforce.”
The program was launched in 2019 to address the opioid crisis, initially targeting the six counties most affected before expanding statewide in 2024.
Omolola Samuel, a participant in the program through the Center for Family Services, credited the initiative with helping her pursue a career in health care.
“I made it as a Medical Assistant not because of my passion alone but because of the amazing team at Center for Family Services,” Samuel said. “With their guidance and support, every step forward has become victorious. From the very first day, I’ve felt heard, understood, and genuinely cared for, and that has made all the difference in my journey.”
In 2025, Rutgers Health and NJDOL launched a Pathways to Recovery website to provide resources for individuals in recovery and employers. The site includes information on partnering organizations, requirements for earning a Recovery-Friendly Workplace credential and participant success stories.
Letters of intent are due by 4 p.m. March 5 via email to Pathways2Recovery@dol.nj.gov. A mandatory technical assistance session will be held at 10 a.m. March 6. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. April 2.
Complete application instructions and the Notice of Grant Opportunity are available through NJDOL.
