From left, Jaime Costello, Executive Director of Hope One; William Mazur, Executive Director of Hope Exists Foundation; Atlantic County Sheriff Eric Scheffler; Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds; Raymond Royster, Director of Community Outreach, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
MAYS LANDING – Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds and Atlantic County Sheriff Eric Scheffler signed a memorandum of understanding Sept. 22 with William Mazur, executive director of the Hope Exists Foundation. The memorandum memorializes an ongoing collaboration for the respective agencies to continue providing support services for those struggling with addiction, mental health, homelessness and more.
Coordinating efforts is central to Hope Exists Foundation’s mission. A central component to the project is the mobile outreach unit, which will be expanding its reach in the coming months, a release states.
“In recent years, the parties have recognized the devastating effects of mental illness, addiction, and their attendant conditions upon the community,” the agreement reads in part. “Impact is felt in the criminal justice system, families, schools, businesses, public safety, and overall quality of life. Each of the parties have dedicated resources to tackling these problems. The parties agree that, where appropriate, a combined and cooperative effort in support of the Hope Exists Foundation and its efforts is best suited to have the greatest impact on the most people. Therefore, this MOU establishes a partnership for the benefit of all parties to serve the community, compounding efforts to maximize our ability to help individuals in need.”
The parties expect to elaborate on the partnership in the future with joint public events, regular meetings, and resource and data-sharing where appropriate, all in support of maximizing the program’s reach.
For more information, or to access services, see hopeoneac.com.
