Angels in Motion (AIM) is an organization founded by Carol Rostucher, a mother whose son was affected by substance use disorder (SUD) in Kensington, Philadelphia. In her efforts to search for her son, Rostucher encountered countless other individuals lost in the depths of SUD and facing overwhelming life challenges. Rather than turning a blind eye, she chose to give these young adults support in a non-judgmental way by providing them with resources to help them survive. Offering compassion and care in a loving, sincere way, Rostucher became a “mom to the streets,” said Susan Long, who heads the Atlantic County chapter of AIM.
In 2015, after her work was highlighted in the Philadelphia Daily News, Rostucher received widespread attention for her cause, leading others who had been personally touched by SUD to reach out and offer their support. In the middle of February 2015, AIM was established in Philadelphia and eventually opened a chapter in Atlantic County.
While AIM has a plethora of vital resources, the heart of the organization is the “Blessing Bag,” which contains the necessities for survival and guidance toward recovery. The bags include snacks, clothing, toiletries, hygiene products and support contact information, along with a note of encouragement.
Volunteers walk up and down streets and alleyways distributing these bags and offering hope. Atlantic County alone distributes approximately 2,000 bags a month with volunteers, families, churches and schools assembling them. Each bag sends a powerful message of being seen, heard and loved, regardless of the recipient’s current situation.
Long brings a deep, compassionate understanding of both the struggles of addiction and the realities of life on the streets because of her own recovery from SUD. Her personal experience allows her to connect empathetically with individuals at their most vulnerable moments. During recovery, she attended Rutgers University for Social Work and began handing out Blessing Bags in the area. This work eventually led her to founding the organization’s New Jersey chapter in Atlantic County with fellow volunteer Kerry Sullivan, where she continues to serve today.
Angels in Motions provides transitional support throughout each stage of recovery, helping individuals navigate the unknown while reminding them they are not alone. Services include transportation to appointments, guidance toward recovery resources and ongoing outreach support.
AIM also offers free yoga, breathing workshops, drumming and other stress-reducing activities. These programs promote emotional regulation, self-awareness and connection, all of which are essential components of healing.
Community connection events are also a key aspect of the organization. On the last Sunday of each month, AIM hosts a pizza party in the park in Atlantic City, creating a welcoming space. Additionally, on the third Saturday of each month, the organization offers free haircuts, fresh meals and access to other resources. AIM also collaborates with other outreach organizations in the area, sharing resources and supporting collective efforts to meet community needs more effectively.
Long also noted a pattern of individuals who were once aided to overcome their struggles returned to help others. Some have even held onto their notes of encouragement from their Blessing Bags, finding comfort in those words during their darkest moments, reminding the individual that someone believed in them when it mattered most.
“Angels in Motion is rooted in the belief that kindness can be life changing. When people feel seen, valued and met with compassion, healing begins — and that ripple of kindness can transform an entire community,” Long said.
As AIM continues to grow with more volunteers getting involved, new initiatives are on the horizon. Long shared that the organization recently acquired a cargo van, with future plans to bring outreach directly to the streets in a more private and supportive setting. She said this will allow volunteers to meet people where they are and better assist with individual needs.
Another major focus is expanding Narcan distribution throughout the community with 24-hour access. Narcan saves lives, and Long emphasized that everyone should carry it, as you never know when it may be needed. Even if you believe you will personally never use it, having it available can make a critical difference in an unfortunate situation you may unexpectedly encounter, she said.
At the core of Angels in Motion is a simple belief: do not judge, because you do not know another person’s full story. As Long said, “Love always wins.” Through every Blessing Bag, conversation and act of service, AIM continues to expand its outreach and offer hope for the future.
