Brookdale Community College and K.E.Y.S. Academy Raise Purple Flags

With a visually impactful display at the entrance of Brookdale Community College, where K.E.Y.S. Academy, a recovery high school, is located, the college community has come together to place purple flags in remembrance of those lost to overdose and to celebrate the resilience of those in recovery. This initiative, in collaboration with the Prevention Coalition of Monmouth County’s (PCMC) Opioid Task Force, aims to raise awareness, end stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, and support families affected by these issues.

The display features 27 purple flags, each representing one life lost to overdose in Monmouth County from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024, along with two white flags representing individuals who lost their lives to overdose in 2023.

A student of K.E.Y.S. Academy, a transformative program providing a second chance to students facing academic and personal challenges, shared his heartfelt journey and the impact of K.E.Y.S. Academy on his life.

“K.E.Y.S. Academy gave me a second chance when I needed it the most. My journey has been winding and long, attending multiple programs across different states, finding some success but ultimately facing setbacks. When I joined K.E.Y.S. in January 2024, my life was transformed. Over the past six months, I accelerated my learning and got back on track academically. During the next school year, I will have the opportunity to enroll in courses of great interest to me, such as graphic design and computer programming. This program offers opportunities that I wouldn’t have found anywhere else, and it taught me that recovery is possible and that I am not alone,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of programs like K.E.Y.S. Academy, stating, “It is essential for students like me because it provides a supportive environment where we can thrive academically and personally. The teachers and staff at K.E.Y.S. push us to be the best versions of ourselves and offer unwavering support. This display of purple flags is not just about raising awareness; it is about honoring those we’ve lost and celebrating those still fighting. It shows that we, as a community, care and are committed to making a difference.”

Dr. David M. Stout, President of Brookdale Community College, expressed his support and commitment to the initiative. He conveyed his congratulations, love, and compassion for the students and families involved, reinforcing the college’s dedication to mental health and substance use awareness. “Together, we can make a difference and honor those affected by this crisis,” he stated.

The flags will be displayed at Brookdale Community College’s entrance from August 20 to September 5, serving as a visible reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing fight against substance use disorders. The community is encouraged to join in the efforts to support recovery and end the stigma associated with mental health and substance use.

For more information about K.E.Y.S. Academy, visit the website.

About K.E.Y.S. Academy

K.E.Y.S. Academy offers a dynamic and caring high school experience dedicated to supporting students in recovery from substance-use disorders. The programming includes high school basics like Science, Math, and English, providing a blend of traditional learning alongside one-to-one counseling and support groups. At K.E.Y.S., a non-judgmental healing environment is fostered, emphasizing the connectivity of “we and us,” ensuring students never feel alone on their healing journey.

The program modalities at K.E.Y.S. Academy include recovery counseling, mentorship, health and wellness, individualized academic instruction, individual, group, and family supportive counseling, a 12-step philosophy of recovery, certified peer recovery specialists, and post-secondary college and career planning opportunities. At K.E.Y.S. Academy, small miracles unfold every day, guiding students from hope to healing.