Somerset County

Alexis Tarrazi

New York City Metropolitan Area

Bridgewater

New Jersey

Manville

Warren

Middlesex County

Middlesex

Basking Ridge

Bernardsville-Bedminster

Hillsborough

Watchung-Green Brook

Carly Baldwin

New Brunswick

Sarah Salvadore

Edison-Metuchen

Union County

Scotch Plains-Fanwood

Duke Island Park

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program invites community members to participate in the Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is designed to bring the community together to raise awareness about substance use disorders, celebrate recovery, and connect individuals and families with local treatment and recovery resources.All registered participants will receive an official Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K finisher medal, a commemorative event T-shirt, and a complimentary post-race ice cream. Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three male and female finishers in each age division. Children ages 7 and under are invited to participate in the Kids Dash at no cost.In addition to the 5K run and walk, attendees can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and public safety demonstrations. The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit will conduct a demonstration at 10:30 a.m., and the Somerset County SWAT vehicle will be on display throughout the event.More than just a race, the Running for Recovery 5K is a community outreach event that promotes hope, healing, and support for those impacted by addiction. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to walk or run in support of recovery while helping reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to visit resource tables featuring treatment providers, recovery support organizations, prevention agencies, and community partners. Families can also explore interactive displays from local law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations.“Recovery is a journey that no one should have to face alone,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. “This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, show support for individuals and families affected by addiction, and highlight the many resources available throughout Somerset County. Every step taken is a step toward hope, healing, and recovery.”Operation Helping Hand is a countywide collaborative initiative that brings together local law enforcement agencies, peer recovery specialists, treatment providers, and community organizations to support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. By working together, these partners provide compassionate outreach, connect individuals to treatment and recovery services, and help reduce the stigma associated with addiction. The program is committed to saving lives, reducing overdose deaths, supporting long-term recovery, and strengthening healthier communities throughout Somerset County. This coordinated approach reflects Somerset County’s commitment to improving public safety, saving lives, and ensuring that recovery resources are accessible to all who need them.Somerset County Operation Helping Hand partners with CiC for Prevention and Recovery, a community-based organization supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and behavioral health challenges. Through consistent participation in Operation Helping Hand and other community outreach efforts, CiC helps build trust and meaningful connections with the community. CiC provides prevention, recovery support, education, and connections to resources from its offices in Bernardsville and Franklin Township, NJ.This event is supported through Operation Helping Hand grant funding provided by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR). The grant reflects the Attorney General’s commitment to expanding access to treatment, recovery support services, and community-based responses for individuals impacted by substance use disorder while strengthening collaborative partnerships that promote public health and public safety.Registration is $15 per participant. As a community awareness event, registration fees help offset the costs associated with organizing and hosting the event. Whether you choose to run, walk, volunteer, or simply attend to learn more about available resources, your participation helps strengthen a community committed to recovery. Recovery starts one step at a time. Join us on September 12th and take that step together. Together, recovery is possible.For additional information or to register for the event, please visit<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Bridgewater/SCOHH?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZd1RlNFJLTmRpWXZwM3poc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlp2c4XO3xTOWukYiA7pJDgC4YZ1OZqvnEBc-_4BvH5Ti24hCrBIIBc0L13B_aem_VU0S-jeo6KloZqS-iNFsDQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Bridgewater/SCOHH</a> or contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program at OHH@somersetcountynj.gov.Prosecutor McDonald and Chief Meredith McKay request anyone seeking addiction services contact OHH by calling (908) 393-8888, visiting the Somerset County OHH website at <a href="https://www.bit.ly/somersetohh?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZd1RlNFJLTmRpWXZwM3poc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpA42G5sL0yT4Xc1F_wdW7WFDim6zpC345AVVIbhXrfp2CNMP1VB9L9gtFlx_aem_hbTkXsnBdB-FmiLa9nauXw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.bit.ly/somersetohh</a> or emailing OHH@SomersetCountyNJ.gov to be connected to services.

Local Event: Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk

Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K...

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Operation Helping Hand Program invites community members to...

Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk

Kiddie Academy of Bridgewater will host Hero Play Day on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. for infants to 12-year-olds. Families are invited to attend this free community event designed to help children recognize and celebrate their personal heroes.
The new hands-on event will be an opportunity for children to dress up as their favorite superhero and participate in “training” stations set up around the Academy, including obstacle courses, strength tests and kindness missions.
Refreshments will be provided. To register, visit <a href="https://kiddieacademy.com/academies/event/hero-play-day/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://kiddieacademy.com/academies/event/hero-play-day/</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
 WHAT: Kiddie Academy Hero Play Day WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 12 from 2-4 p.m. WHERE: 348 US-22 East, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Local Event: Hero Play Day at Kiddie Academy of Bridgewater

Hero Play Day at Kiddie Academy of Bridgewater

Kiddie Academy of Bridgewater will host Hero Play Day on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. for infants to 12-year-olds. Families are...

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse

Celebrate over five decades of memories at the Brhs-West '71 55th Reunion! Join your fellow graduates for an afternoon and evening of reconnection and nostalgia at the beautiful Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Please contact the committee or visit the official website to RSVP and let them know you are coming.

Local Event: Brhs-West '71 55th Reunion

Brhs-West '71 55th Reunion

Celebrate over five decades of memories at the Brhs-West '71 55th Reunion! Join your fellow graduates for an afternoon and...

Free Event!&nbsp;Tour the property, meet our horses, and learn more about our equine therapy program for children and adults with special needs. Featuring an ice cream truck and hayrides!

Local Event: Rocking Horse Rehab: Equine Therapy Open House

Rocking Horse Rehab: Equine Therapy Open House

Free Event! Tour the property, meet our horses, and learn more about our equine therapy program for children and adults with...

Green Knoll Tennis Center

ACEing Autism kicks off its fall tennis clinic &nbsp;- 5 weeks, Sundays, September 20th - October 18th, 2026.&nbsp;ACEing Autism is a national nonprofit that helps children and teens with autism build confidence, coordination, and social connection through tennis. The program features structured clinics where each participant is paired one-on-one with a trained volunteer, creating a supportive and inclusive environment tailored to each child’s needs.Click the link to register or volunteer

Local Event: ACEing Autism Tennis Clinic Begins

ACEing Autism Tennis Clinic Begins

ACEing Autism  kicks off its fall tennis clinic  - 5 weeks, Sundays, September 20th - October 18th, 2026. ACEing Autism is a...

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Operation Helping Hand: Running for Recovery 5K Run and Walk

Hero Play Day at Kiddie Academy of Bridgewater

Brhs-West '71 55th Reunion

Rocking Horse Rehab: Equine Therapy Open House

ACEing Autism Tennis Clinic Begins