Official Site of The State of New JerseyNJ Labor Department Announces $5 Million in Available Grant Funding for Job Training and Support for Opioid-Impacted New Jerseyans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2026
TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced $5 million in available grant funding through the Pathways to Recovery program, which provides training opportunities, career services, employment, and supportive services like transportation, childcare, and clothing to residents who have been impacted by opioid use. This is the first round of Pathways to Recovery funding in 2026.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for-profits, governmental entities, and institutions of higher education in the Garden State that have connections to mental health and opioid use disorder treatment centers. Each grantee is estimated to receive up to $1 million over the 24-month grant period expected to begin 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 Pathways to Recovery program launched in 2019 to combat New Jersey’s opioid crisis, initially focused on the six hardest-hit counties before expanding statewide in 2024.
“I made it as a Medical Assistant not because of my passion alone but because of the amazing team at Center for Family Services,” said Omolola Samuel, a Pathways to Recovery participant with the Center for Family Services. “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 partnered to launch the Pathways to Recovery website to share resources for individuals in recovery and employers, including links to organizations that help connect grantees with employers; application requirements for earning the Recovery-Friendly Workplace credential; as well as testimonials and success stories from program participants.
KEY DATES:
- March 5, 2026: Letter of Intent due by 4 p.m. via email to Pathways2Recovery@dol.nj.gov.
- March 6, 2026, 10 a.m.: Mandatory technical assistance session. Applicants will be registered upon receipt of Letter of Intent.
- April 2, 2026: Application due by 4 p.m.
To view complete application instructions and the full Notice of Grant Opportunity, click here.
For information on all available NJDOL grants visit the Department’s Grant Opportunities website.