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2018 Recipient 
Stephanie Reifman
Upper Saddle River, NJ | 17
2018 Award Recipient
When “Glee” star Cory Monteith died in 2013 of a heroin overdose, Stephanie Reifman was devastated. Monteith’s death prompted her to learn about the epidemic of heroin addiction, which had caused more than 24 deaths in her county alone. In response, Stephanie founded H.A.P.P.Y. Week, a heroin education and prevention program for middle and high school students now implemented in more than 40 New Jersey and New York public schools and presented in cooperation with local synagogues, yeshivas, and BBYO regions/chapters, reaching more than 15,000 students. Stephanie was named one of 50 CBS New York People to Know and is a winner of the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. She was also inducted into the American Association of University Women Hall of Fame.
H.A.P.P.Y. Week (Heroin Addiction Prevents People’s Years)
In response to “Glee” star Cory Monteith’s fatal heroin overdose, Stephanie founded H.A.P.P.Y. Week, a heroin education and prevention program for middle and high school students, now implemented in 40+ NJ and NY public schools, local synagogues, and youth organizations to reach more than 15,000 students. Stephanie was named one of 50 CBS New York People to Know and is a winner of the Prudential Spirit of Community Award.
