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Our Story

HOPE Sheds Light (HSL) was started after Ron Rosetto lost his son, Marc A. Rosetto, 32, to a hard-fought battle against substance abuse and heroin experimentation on November 21, 2012. When the Rosetto Family was going through this very difficult time, they struggled to find the help they so desperately needed. Since the family and friends of those with addiction problems often feel isolated, ashamed, overwhelmed and hopeless, Ron, alongside friends Stephen Willis and Arvo Prima, whose sons also were battling addiction at the time, founded HSL. Shortly after, Stephen’s son, Mark Kyle Willis, 31, lost his battle with the disease of addiction on September 15, 2013. A few years later, Arvo’s son, Paavo Jaan Prima, 25, lost his fight with the disease on April 5, 2017.

Ron, Stephen and Arvo have since dedicated their lives to keeping their sons’ legacy alive by helping others find the courage to face addiction and find recovery so that other people’s sons and daughters might live. HSL believes there are many paths to recovery, but to be successful, one must have to want change and believe that change is possible.

In 2021, HSL acquired Recovery Advocates for the Shore (RAFTS), founded by Nicole Federici, to expand its recovery services throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties. Through this acquisition, HSL’s goal is to create a community where non-judgmental support is standard and multiple pathways to recovery are embraced. HSL will continue to expand its services to young people and families in recovery by offering programming that will engage adolescents and young parents to effectively end the generational cycle of addiction.

Marc A. Rosetto

Marc A. Rosetto

June 12, 1980 – November 21, 2012

Mark Kyle Willis

Mark Kyle Willis

November 7, 1981 – September 15, 2013

Paavo Jaan Prima

Paavo Jaan Prima

August 3, 1991 – April 5, 2017

HOPE exists, as families in recovery, to share hope and joy with others. “We have to draw strength from the wisdom of our peers because when we do it, we start getting better,” Willis says. “We must believe that there is a better life beyond the confines of our own limited thinking and that’s what HOPE Sheds Light is. That’s what we offer. It’s a wonderful combination of faith, hope and love grounded in wisdom, strength and experience. Why do we do it? Because our sons want us to. Because by helping you get well, we elevate the lives of our blessed boys.”

Our Mission

The mission of HOPE Sheds Light is to raise awareness and educate individuals, families and the community about the impact of addiction by having the courage to share personal experiences and offer strength, wisdom, hope and resources that lead to positive community change and long-term recovery.

Our Vision

HOPE Sheds Light will lead a transformative movement that removes the fear and stigma surrounding the disease of addiction through a loving, recovery-driven, safe, trusting and hopeful environment that brings wellness to the community and allows families to have the courage to heal and recover.

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