In Linwood, a grassroots nonprofit is transforming the lives of veterans, individuals struggling with homelessness and those battling addiction. The Hope Exists Foundation Inc. has become a vital force in Atlantic and Cape May counties, providing direct outreach, critical services and unrelenting support to some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
Founded in 2018 by then-Atlantic County Sheriff Eric Scheffler and inspired by the Morris County Hope One Outreach Unit, the organization originally operated under the name Atlantic County Sheriff’s Foundation.
Sheffler then expanded on their model, creating a unique mobile social service program tailored to the needs of Atlantic County.
It began with the “Hope One” mobile outreach unit, which brought Narcan training and addiction resources to the streets at a time when such tools were far less accessible. Over time, the initiative grew in scope and became independent from the Sheriff’s Office, evolving into the Hope Exists Foundation.
The foundation focuses on three primary missions: veteran suicide prevention, substance use and recovery outreach, and food insecurity. Each is supported by federal grants and strong community partnerships, particularly with Rowan University and AtlantiCare.
The veteran outreach work is conducted through the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant, a federally funded program aimed at reducing veteran suicides. The team works to connect former service members with VA benefits, case management, job resources and mental health care.
Because veterans are dispersed throughout the community rather than concentrated in one area, the outreach model is proactive, with team members often meeting individuals at shelters, community events or even at doors.
Equally significant is the recovery outreach, funded through the federal Grant to Benefit Homeless Individuals (GBHI). This program focuses on helping people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder gain access to treatment, recovery coaching and eventually stable housing.
Many of those served are uninsured, which makes navigating the healthcare system even more difficult.
“We connect anyone to treatment that calls us. Most of the clients we have are uninsured, so that’s a big obstacle,” said Hope Exists Foundation Inc. Executive Director Jaime Costello, who was Scheffler’s confidential aide and stepped into her current role in 2024 after he moved on to lead the CRDA. “Even if you have insurance, it’s hard to navigate the system.”
Hope Exists steps in to remove those barriers — arranging transportation, offering harm reduction tools such as Narcan and wound care kits, and walking individuals through every step of the recovery process.
The foundation also plays a direct role in combating food insecurity.
Through a partnership with the Community Food Bank of South Jersey, they organize monthly drive-up food distributions in Hammonton and Pleasantville. The need is so overwhelming that cars begin lining up at dawn, hours before distribution begins. These events often serve as an entry point for people who later seek help for deeper issues.
What sets Hope Exists apart is its “meet-them-where-they-are” philosophy. With a main office in Linwood and a satellite site inside the AtlantiCare HealthPlex in Atlantic City, the team brings services directly to the streets with two outreach vans. Whether someone needs a ride to detox, a case manager to help navigate a recovery program or a bag of groceries to get through the week, the nonprofit offers a hand.
“We meet people where they are — in the streets, wherever they are. We come to them,” said Costello.
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
