Cape Assist and its coalitions are sad to announce the passing of Lynne Krukosky, the organization's former executive director for almost three decades. Krukosky is best known for her caring, compassionate, and warm spirit. She was a role model to those who valued her insight, her ever-growing skillsets and her dedication to her community and the field of recovery and prevention.

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“Lynne's courage and advocacy gave a voice to those suffering from substance use disorders at a time when stigma for the disease was at an all-time high,” said Cape Assist’s current Executive Director and CEO Katie Faldetta. “Her unwavering belief that all youth should grow happy, healthy and free from addiction was personified by the sincerity and generosity that led her efforts and will continue to through the many people in this field that she nurtured and mentored.”

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Krukosky began overseeing the day-to-day operations at Cape Assist when she became executive director in July 1990. She managed a Board of Trustees and their various committees who guided and assured the nonprofit's mission. While managing those considerable responsibilities, she also participated in and led fundraising on all levels.

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Cape Assist experienced steady growth during Krukosky’s 26 years of service, which included accomplishments such as securing federal, state and county grants, and assisting with the purchase of Cape Assist’s new headquarters in 2015 with more room to expand their varieties of programming. Under Krukosky’s leadership, Cape May County introduced the first “We Check for 21” program, later adopted statewide by the New Jersey Prevention Network (NJPN). Cape Assist was one of the first New Jersey prevention agencies to receive a federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant and has continued to earn the award for many years.

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The organization is recognized as one of the leading prevention agencies in the state, which is a credit to Krukosky’s guidance and leadership.

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Krukosky was a “Founding Mother” of the New Jersey Prevention Network (NJPN). She also served on the New Jersey Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and on the Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee to the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners for prevention work in 1999.

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Krukosky received her Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) certification in 2004 and was awarded the Alice Stokes Paul Award for her significant contribution to prevention and dedication to improving the quality of life for the women and families in Cape May County in November 2006. She was co-chair for the Professional Drug and Alcohol Providers meeting in the county during her last few years with Cape Assist.

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Krukosky’s passing means Cape Assist has lost a great friend, and the prevention and recovery community has lost an advocate, a pioneer in the field and a major supporter of Cape May County’s success. Lynne’s legacy will continue to live on through the valuable and vital work that was done through Cape Assist and its commitment to creating a safe and healthy space for youth and families to grow.

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“Lynne's work was often daunting and shed light on the many hardships our youth are facing, but despite this, she always maintained her warm sense of humor and unwavering optimism,” said Faldetta. “There is no doubt that countless lives were made better through her work, and countless more will be helped through the legacy she is leaving through the people she touched.”