OCEAN COUNTY – The spirit of collaboration and perseverance filled the room at the annual DART Prevention Coalition of Ocean County Year-End Celebration, as members reflected on a year marked by innovation, challenges, and measurable impact.
The event brought together educators, law enforcement, health professionals, and community leaders. Their collective commitment to substance use prevention, mental health awareness, and youth empowerment has helped shape a strong and continually evolving coalition.
“This past year has been one of tremendous challenge,” said Roberta Rapisardi, Assistant Director of Prevention and the Training Institute at RWJBarnabas Health. She described a year shaped by funding cuts, staffing shortages, and reduced engagement across partner agencies. Despite these barriers, she noted that the coalition’s determination never faded. “Our team continued to show up with heart, creativity, and unwavering commitment.”
The sentiment echoed throughout the celebratory program. Even in a difficult environment, DART’s work did not slow. In many ways, it grew deeper.
DART’s Evolving Mission
DART, established in 2009 and supported by RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery, serves as Ocean County’s regional coalition dedicated to addressing underage drinking, misuse of prescription medication, illegal marijuana use, and tobacco and vaping prevention.
Senior Prevention Manager Amy Piacente-Desch spoke about the coalition’s growth over sixteen years. She described DART as a network that brings together individuals from twelve community sectors, including schools, law enforcement, government, youth organizations, businesses, and healthcare.
“Every county in the state has a regional coalition. DART is ours,” she said. “And without all of you in this room, we would not still be here.”
DART’s work now spans three core branches: prevention programs for adults and the general community, youth-focused initiatives in local schools and clubs, and the SOCIAL Network, which unites faith-based leaders and congregations around wellness and prevention throughout Southern Ocean County.
DART’s accomplishments over the past year illustrate how much the coalition has strengthened. Thousands of residents received resources, training, and direct prevention tools. School partnerships deepened. Youth programming expanded. Faith communities increased their capacity to provide support through new mental health, human trafficking, and leadership trainings.
Awards Presented
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer spoke about the significance of the Terrence P. Farley Recognition of Excellence Award, named for the late First Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor. Farley played a key role in DART’s formation and was known within the prosecutor’s office for his extensive work on youth prevention initiatives.
Billhimer noted that both Farley and Anthony Pierro, for whom the student award is named, were “legends in the office” whose prevention efforts continue to influence the county. Billhimer recalled that Farley’s outreach extended into the community long before formal partnerships existed, and that the award reflects the type of long-term, committed service Farley championed.
Jeanne Broadbent of Waretown was named as this year’s recipient of the Farley award and recognized for nearly three decades of work in Waretown and Barnegat. She began her career in 1997 as a part-time municipal alliance coordinator and later became responsible for managing two recreation departments. In that role, she oversaw the development of programs that served a broad range of age groups and interests within the community.
Presenters Saranda Franzone and Julie Snyder of the Ocean County Health Department outlined Broadbent’s operational and administrative contributions. They cited her management of day-to-day recreation functions, coordination of community events, and ability to identify and implement programming responsive to local needs. They also noted her long-standing collaboration with municipal alliances, law enforcement, school districts, and local organizations, which helped ensure that prevention initiatives remained visible and accessible.
Broadbent acknowledged the longevity of her service during brief remarks after accepting the award. “I would have never thought that what started as a part-time job would turn into a lifetime commitment,” she said. “I truly love my community, and I am honored to have worked with so many of you.”
The Anthony V. Pierro Student of Excellence Award recognizes a young person who embodies authenticity, leadership, community passion, and resilience. The award was established in honor of retired Chief Juvenile Prosecutor Anthony V. Pierro, who devoted his career to helping youth and strengthening prevention strategies throughout Ocean County.
This year’s recipient, Delara Jablonsky, a junior at Brick Memorial High School, was nominated independently by two people who did not know the other had selected her. This rare occurrence reinforced just how widely her impact has been felt.
Brick Municipal Alliance Coordinator Brandy White described Delara’s commitment to youth mental health advocacy as “tireless.” She noted that Delara’s own experiences growing up with parental mental illness and substance use shaped her desire to support others.
Anjelica Rivera, Assistant Director of Preferred Behavioral Health’s NJ4S Ocean Hub Team, also spoke about Delara’s leadership. She highlighted Delara’s involvement in multiple school committees, her role as a public speaker for youth mental health initiatives, and her achievements in competitive cheerleading.
DeLara thanked her family, mentors, and the many adults who encouraged her work. “This year has been a rough one, but it is my main passion to help with mental health advocacy,” she said. “You all mean so much to me.”
The final honor of the afternoon went to Ocean County College, which was selected as the Excellence in Prevention recipient. Instead of naming a Town of Excellence this year, DART chose to recognize a team whose work meaningfully advanced campus health and safety.
Ocean County College implemented a multi-layered prevention model. The campus housed a naloxone vending machine, ensured its staff were trained in naloxone administration, partnered with DART to distribute harm reduction resources, and offered extensive mental health and substance use awareness programs. Their “Fresh Check Day” events, professional development sessions, and student support initiatives positioned the college as a leader in prevention within the academic setting.
“They helped shine a light on the importance of understanding the social determinants of health and how they shape the well-being of our community,” Piacente-Desch said.
