Empower the
Youth of New Jersey
At Common Sense New Jersey, our mission is to empower and help uplift New Jersey’s young people. We aim to provide them with the support and resources they need to overcome mental health and addiction challenges exacerbated by the state's disastrous lockdowns and mandates over the past few years. Learning loss, feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression have all contributed to an increase in substance abuse, addiction, and suicide. We are dedicated to fostering resilience, promoting healing, and building a brighter future for the young people of our community.
President Avenue, Lavallette, NJ
Photo by Richard Pasquarella on Unsplash
Our Mission
At Common Sense New Jersey, our mission is to empower and help uplift New Jersey’s young people. We aim to provide them with the support and resources they need to overcome mental health and addiction challenges exacerbated by the state's disastrous lockdowns and mandates over the past few years. Learning loss, feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression have all contributed to an increase in substance abuse, addiction, and suicide. We are dedicated to fostering resilience, promoting healing, and building a brighter future for the young people of our community.
Guided by empathy, compassion, and evidence-based practices, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where every individual feels heard, valued, and understood. By working collaboratively with local communities, mental health professionals, non-profit organizations, educators, and policy-makers, we aim to address the long-lasting impact of the pandemic on the well-being of our youth.
Our organization focuses on three pillars:
Awareness &
Education
We believe that knowledge is power. We are committed to action regarding mental health and addiction issues. Our focus is on individuals, families and communities throughout New Jersey. Through educational programs, workshops, and public campaigns, we aim to shine a light on the real problems, promote understanding, and equip individuals with the tools to identify, address and overcome these challenges.
Accessible Support Services
We recognize the importance of accessible and comprehensive support services. We strive to connect young individuals in need with a network of qualified professionals, counselors, and support groups. By partnering with local organizations and healthcare providers, we work towards expanding access to affordable, high-quality mental health care and addiction recovery services across the state.
Advocacy &
Policy Change
We are dedicated to advocating for policy changes that prioritize the mental health and well-being of New Jersey's youth. We educate lawmakers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders about legislation that ensures adequate funding, resources, and preventive measures for mental health and addiction. We aim to drive systemic change and create a sustainable framework for recovery and resilience.
Through these efforts and with our partners, we aspire to instill hope, restore lives, and empower the youth of New Jersey to thrive despite the challenges they have faced. Common Sense New Jersey is committed to building a society where mental health and addiction are addressed proactively, ensuring that every young person can reach their full potential and contribute positively to our community.
Our Founders
Bill Spadea is an entrepreneur, media personality, father, husband and vocal advocate for working and middle class families. Spadea is the top morning drive talk show host in New Jersey on 101.5 FM. Bill has been married 28 years to his wife Jodi and resides in Princeton, NJ. Their son, Michael, is an honors student at San Diego State University. Their daughter Elizabeth graduated from the University of the Arts in London and has launched a successful career as a producer and brand manager in the UK.