WHERE: Kennedy Park, Sayreville, NJ- Big Lake 
WHEN: Sundays
AGES: 7-15
INCLUDES: Fishing Pole & Tackle Box (it's YOURS)  Bait, 3 hour Lesson
    ***Bring your own life vest and snack/lunch- Drinks included
    ***Contact details for scheduling to be provided to randomly selected families


 

At Transcend Community Healing, we believe healing and connection happen both inside and outside of traditional clinical spaces. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen in nature, through mentorship, laughter, learning new skills, and simply spending quality time together.
 

That's why this spring and summer, we are proud to partner with local fishing instructor Richard Huff, whose passion for teaching children to fish goes far beyond fishing itself. Rich is no stranger to hardship, adversity, and the challenges that can come with growing up in difficult environments. During some of the hardest periods of his own childhood and adolescence, fishing became more than a hobby. It became a healthy outlet, a sense of peace, a way to disconnect from chaos, reconnect with himself, and find clarity during overwhelming moments in life. 
 

Rather than keeping that experience to himself, Rich chose to turn it into something meaningful for others. His goal is simple but powerful: to give children and teenagers a positive escape, healthy coping outlet, practical life skill, and supportive mentorship experience that they can carry with them throughout their lives.
 

At Transcend Community Healing, we deeply value programs that remind children and families that healing does not always begin in an office. Sometimes healing begins outdoors, beside the water, learning patience, confidence, emotional regulation, and connection through experiences that make young people feel seen, capable, and supported.
 

We are honored to help sponsor this opportunity for local youth and families within our community.

Transcend Community Healing will sponsor two children from our community to participate in a local fishing instruction program led by experienced mentors who are passionate about teaching children patience, confidence, outdoor skills, and healthy connection away from screens and daily stressors.
 

The selected children will receive:

• A guided fishing lesson experience

• Fishing pole, tackle box, and bait included

• Equipment they can keep

• An opportunity to build confidence, mindfulness, patience, and positive memories outdoors
   

As part of this community initiative, parents or guardians are invited to complete our brief “Gaps in Healthcare & Community Support” survey. The purpose of this survey is to help Transcend better understand the real-life challenges families face when navigating mental health care, community resources, parenting support, care coordination, and related services.
 

The information gathered will help us continue building programs and supports that truly reflect the needs of our community.
 

At the conclusion of the survey period (May 20, 2026) two participating children will be selected at random for sponsorship into the fishing instruction program. 
Thereafter, we will continue the sponsorship by entering the surveys into a raffle monthly through September- allowing 6 children total to learn how to fish and teach another to do the same one day!
 

We sincerely thank all participating families for helping us grow a more compassionate, connected, and supportive community.