Philly Origins:

Angels in Motion was born from the tireless efforts of one woman, Carol Rostucher, who was determined to save her child from the grip of substance use disorder (SUD). As Carol scoured the streets of Kensington, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, in search of her son, she encountered countless others who were also suffering and lost. Her heart opened to these individuals, and she began spreading love where it was needed most. Carol’s approach was deeply personal—she treated each person as an individual, offering genuine compassion, understanding, and “blessing bags” filled with food, snacks, clothing, hygiene products, and resource information to help them find assistance when they were ready.

On February 6, 2015, Carol’s efforts and struggles were spotlighted in an article in the Philadelphia Daily News, bringing widespread attention to her cause. The response was overwhelming, as other parents, siblings, and loved ones, moved by Carol’s story, reached out to offer their support. This collective effort, rooted in Carol’s vision of de-stigmatizing substance use disorder and spreading love, understanding, and compassion, led to the formation of Angels in Motion in mid-February 2015. AIM quickly grew into a diverse group of individuals, all united by the shared belief that substance use disorder does not discriminate by race, economic status, or location. Every member of AIM is driven by a passion for their community and a deep concern for those suffering from SUD.

Thanks to the generous donations from the community and the dedicated efforts of volunteers, Angels in Motion has expanded its presence throughout the Philadelphia area. The organization now delivers blessing bags on a weekly basis and hosts bi-monthly community meetings to raise awareness about SUD and provide support to families, friends, and loved ones affected by the disease.

Angels in Motion is breaking down barriers and spreading awareness, one life at a time, with the hope of one day eradicating the stigma associated with substance use disorder. The organization aims to provide those in need with the proper care and enough love to support them on their journey to recovery and a new life.

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Atlantic County Chapter Start-Up:

Susan Long, LSW, LCADC, CTP, DRCC, is a dedicated advocate in long-term recovery who volunteered for AIM in Philadelphia for several years before founding the New Jersey Chapter with fellow volunteer Kerry Sullivan. This chapter primarily serves the Atlantic City and Atlantic County communities. Under Susan’s leadership, AIM’s presence in Atlantic County has grown exponentially, becoming the largest grassroots nonprofit organization serving this population in the region. Lisa Bee, who tragically lost her son Mathew to SUD in 2017, oversees the Wednesday outreach program. Lisa works hand-in-hand with community members and Angels in Motion to support those still struggling, bringing compassion, kindness, and love to the streets. She treats everyone she serves as family.

Together with a dedicated team of volunteers, including Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS), social workers, and individuals in long-term recovery who have firsthand experience with substance use disorder, homelessness, and mental health challenges, Angels in Motion continues to make a profound impact in our communities.

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Expanding Support: Mobile Clothing and Toiletry Unit:

To further our mission of meeting people where they are, Angels in Motion has introduced a Mobile Clothing and Toiletry Unit, led by Kate Curry and Kelly Jenkins. This unit brings essential items directly into the community, ensuring that those in need have access to clean clothing, hygiene products, and other necessities. The Mobile Unit is a vital part of our outreach, allowing us to provide these items to individuals who may not have the means to visit our stationary locations. By bringing these resources to the streets, we are able to engage with more people, offering them dignity and support in their daily lives.

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Friday Night Women’s Recovery Yoga at The Leadership Studio:

Angels in Motion is dedicated to supporting the holistic well-being of women in recovery, which is why we've partnered with The Leadership Studio to offer a Friday night women’s recovery yoga program. This weekly session provides a safe, nurturing space where women can reconnect with their bodies and minds, finding peace and strength through guided yoga practice. The program is specifically designed to support women in recovery from substance use disorders, helping them to manage stress, cultivate mindfulness, and build resilience. By integrating physical movement with emotional healing, our recovery yoga program empowers women to embrace their journey towards wellness in a supportive community setting.

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Current Impact and the Opening of the Community Wellness Center:

Angels in Motion is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with substance use disorder in Atlantic County, NJ. AIM’s outreach efforts are extensive, including ten consistent and compassionate outreach initiatives monthly in Pleasantville and Atlantic City. Additionally, AIM organizes community blessing bag events across Atlantic County, collaborating with schools, businesses, churches, and recovery centers to extend their compassionate reach. The organization distributes approximately 25,000 blessing bags annually, providing essential resources to those in need. In 2023, AIM supported 300 individuals on their recovery journey by offering crucial funding for sober living. The organization also provided expedited transportation for 400 clients to rehab admission appointments, ensuring they received timely care. AIM’s transportation services extend to 12-step meetings, appointments, social services, court appearances, and more, utilizing platforms like Uber and Lyft to make these services accessible.

 

Beyond these efforts, AIM offers care packages to clients in rehab and provides necessities to those in early recovery, guiding them toward long-term recovery and connecting them with the necessary support services to sustain their journey.

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In a significant expansion of services, Angels in Motion is proud to announce the opening of a Community Wellness Center in Pleasantville. This center features a clothing and soap room, where community members and clients of our fellow organizations can access free clothing and hygiene items. The Wellness Center will serve as a vital resource hub, providing ongoing support, resources, and a safe space for individuals on their path to recovery. The Community Wellness Center is a testament to AIM’s commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering healing in the community, ensuring that everyone has access to the care and compassion they need.