Founded in 1985, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) is a peer-led nonprofit organization that provides community-based services promoting recovery, wellness, and independence for individuals with lived experience of behavioral health conditions. Over four decades, CSPNJ has grown from three drop-in centers into a statewide network offering community wellness centers, supportive housing, advocacy, and outreach services.
Today, CSPNJ serves more than 16,000 community wellness center members and 600+ supportive housing residents across New Jersey. The organization employs over 360 staff, many of whom bring lived experience to their roles, reflecting CSPNJ’s commitment to peer-led service delivery.
Expanding Housing, Outreach, and Crisis Services
CSPNJ has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in homelessness outreach and crisis response services. Through partnerships with state agencies and community organizations, the organization provides preventative services, street outreach, and warming centers across multiple counties. Since 2023, CSPNJ has launched several new statewide and county-specific programs, including initiatives supporting veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness.
The organization has also strengthened its crisis response capabilities. Its Peer Wellness Respite programs, which serve as alternatives to hospitalization, increased occupancy rates from 72.2% to 92.6% between 2023 and 2024. In 2025, CSPNJ introduced Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT), providing rapid, community-based mental health support through peer specialists and behavioral health professionals.
Growing Impact and Community Reach
Since October 2023, CSPNJ has grown by 28%, reflecting the addition of new programs and increased demand for services. Over the past year alone, the organization has reached more than 12,000 individuals through homelessness outreach and related services.
The organization is also seeing increased engagement from younger populations. Across its statewide network, CSPNJ has welcomed hundreds of new members aged 18–30, reflecting shifting community needs and the ongoing impact of mental health challenges following the pandemic.
Internally, CSPNJ has focused on workforce development and organizational culture. The organization has been recognized as a Top Workplace in both 2024 and 2025, with 90% of employees reporting that their work is meaningful.
Strengthening Visibility and Communications
Alongside program expansion, CSPNJ has increased its public visibility and communications efforts. Historically operating with a limited external presence, the organization has expanded its reach across digital platforms, media outlets, and community partnerships, increasing awareness of its services and mission.
These efforts have supported greater accessibility to services and strengthened CSPNJ’s role as a resource for individuals and communities across New Jersey.
Supporting Communications Leadership
This work has been supported in part by Chelsea Triano, CSPNJ’s Marketing Coordinator, who was also recognized in The 2025 International Business Awards®. As a one-person communications team, Triano has led efforts to expand CSPNJ’s digital presence, increasing social media engagement and building stronger connections with community partners.
Her initiatives include developing accessible communications tools, expanding partnerships, and leading events that support community engagement and awareness. These efforts have contributed to increased visibility and improved access to CSPNJ’s services across the state.
Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey won a Silver Stevie® Award for Organization of the Year – Non-Profit or Government Organizations – Large, and Chelsea Triano won a Silver Stevie Award for Communications Professional of the Year in The 2025 International Business Awards.
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