December 2025

Shining a light on lives restored, hope renewed, and futures transformed.

IN THIS EDITION...

Bridgeway Celebrates Recovery and Resilience at 2025 Achievement Awards
Meridian Health Helps Our Community
Sussex Holiday Celebration
Supportive Housing Team Rings in the Holidays
Trustee Reflections
Thank You for Making Our First Giving Tuesday a Success
Thank You for Making Our Food Drive a Success
Bridgeway in the News
Build Your Career
Mindful Moments

BRIDGEWAY CELEBRATES RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE AT 2025 ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services proudly hosted its 2025 Achievement Awards on December 3 at Galloping Hill Caterers in Union. The event brought together persons served, families, staff, leadership, and Board members for a joyful afternoon celebrating progress, perseverance, and community.

This year, 29 individuals from across Bridgeway programs were recognized for their achievements. Each honoree received a certificate and a 50-dollar Amazon gift card, acknowledging their hard work, personal growth, and commitment to recovery.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the celebration was the heartfelt introductions shared by the staff who nominated and recognized each individual. Their words reflected the strength of the relationships built across Bridgeway programs and highlighted the unique journeys of those being honored.

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY STAY WARM

We are thankful to Hackensack Meridian Health for donating winter warming bags and DoorDash gift cards, offering comfort, dignity, and practical support to people served across Bridgeway programs.

SUSSEX HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Sussex Holiday Celebration: A Day of Community, Care, and Connection

Bridgeway’s Sussex location recently hosted a festive and meaningful holiday celebration that brought together 66 Partial Care members, persons served supported by the Case Management team, and dedicated staff. The day was filled with warmth, connection, and holiday spirit, creating a welcoming and joyful space for everyone in attendance.

The celebration featured a musical holiday sing-along, a hearty hot lunch, a lively dance party, and cake, giving everyone the opportunity to relax, have fun, and enjoy time together. The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation were a testament to the thoughtful planning and care put into the day by the Sussex team.

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING TEAM RINGS IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH CHEER

Bridgeway’s Supportive Housing staff brought holiday cheer to the office with a festive celebration filled with laughter, gratitude, and team spirit. Some staff embraced the fun by sporting their favorite “ugly sweaters,” adding to the joyful atmosphere as colleagues took time to connect, recharge, and celebrate the season together.

These dedicated professionals work tirelessly throughout the year to help individuals and families find safety, stability, and a place to call home. Pausing to celebrate together is one way Bridgeway honors the compassion, commitment, and resilience this team brings to their work every day.

Bridgeway’s Supportive Housing programs provide stable housing combined with wraparound supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and justice involvement. By meeting people where they are and offering ongoing support, the team helps participants maintain housing, build independence, and work toward long-term recovery and stability.

“Our Supportive Housing team shows up every day with heart, dedication, and an unwavering belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” said Nancy Schneeloch, Vice President, Supportive Housing, Homeless Outreach, & Justice Involved Services. “Seeing the team come together to celebrate the season is a reminder of the strong relationships and shared purpose that drive our work all year long.”

Happy Holidays to this extraordinary team and thank you for all you do to bring hope and housing to our community.

TRUSTEE REFLECTIONS

A Lifeline for New Jersey is at Risk. Our Lawmakers Must Act

By Mark T. Williams, BSN, RN-BC

In our busy lives, it’s easy to miss a quiet crisis. But here in New Jersey, a vital lifeline is answering the call. In just the past year, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has responded to over 130,000 cries for help from our neighbors. It’s crucial to remember that behind each call, text, or chat is a person in pain - a parent worried about their child, a veteran struggling with trauma, or a neighbor on the edge of despair.

This system is more than a number; it’s the gateway to a smarter, more compassionate response to mental health crises. Our state is building real solutions, including Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams that can de-escalate situations in the community and new Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers that provide a safe place to turn when the worst happens.

Honor Mental Wellness Month with Small, Steady Steps

By Mark T. Williams, BSN, RN-BC

January is Mental Wellness Month-a time to reflect on the practices that support our emotional and psychological health. Whether you're looking to boost daily well-being or strengthen your recovery journey, consider starting with these small, actionable steps:

Give yourself five minutes. Each day, find just five minutes for you—to breathe deeply, write down what's on your mind, or simply sit quietly. It's a small pause that can help quiet the noise, clear your head, and bring you back to the present moment.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR FIRST GIVING TUESDAY A SUCCESS!

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services is grateful to everyone who supported our first-ever Giving Tuesday campaign in support of the new Center for Integrated Outpatient Services in Elizabeth.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, including staff, board members, donors, and supporters, we raised nearly $3,000. This support is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together around a shared mission.

Every gift brings us closer to completing the Center, which will provide same-day access to behavioral health clinicians, integrated mental health and substance use treatment, and bilingual, culturally responsive care for people across Union County. Most importantly, it will be a modern, welcoming space that reflects the dignity, hope, and healing every person deserves.

Giving Tuesday may be one day on the calendar, but the impact of this generosity will be felt for years to come. We are deeply thankful to everyone who gave, shared the campaign, and helped spread the word.

If you missed Giving Tuesday but would still like to support this important project, year-end gifts are welcome and can be made at: bit.ly/BridgewayImpact.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR FOOD DRIVE A SUCCESS!

This Thanksgiving, Bridgeway staff came together in a big way to support families in need. Thanks to the generosity of staff and community members, we collected non-perishable food and Thanksgiving favorites, helping Bridgeway families in need enjoy a warm, full holiday meal.

Donation boxes throughout 373 Clermont were filled with canned goods, pasta, rice, stuffing, gravy, and even a few turkeys! Every item made a difference, and every contribution reflected Bridgeway’s spirit of compassion and teamwork.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who donated, helped collect, and organized the distribution. Your kindness truly embodies the Bridgeway mission of supporting people and communities across New Jersey.

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services continues to be recognized across New Jersey as a leading voice for behavioral health care, social equity, and wellness. Over the past few weeks, several members of our leadership team have been featured in major media outlets, speaking on the urgent issues that affect the people we serve every day.

These stories highlight the compassion, expertise, and advocacy that define Bridgeway, and the collective impact we’re making together.

November 3, 2025

Our City – City of Elizabeth (YouTube)

Supporting Mental Health and Wellness in Elizabeth

On this episode of Our City, Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage sat down with Christine Backiel, Program Director at Bridgeway, and Victoria Lopez, Wellness Specialist, to explore how Bridgeway is supporting mental health, promoting wellness, and strengthening community care in Elizabeth.

Watch the episode

NJBIZ – October 31, 2025

NJ speeds $42.5M in food assistance as SNAP funding risks running dry

Nancy Schneeloch, Vice President of Supportive Housing, Homeless Outreach and Justice Involved Services, reflected on what the disappearance of steady food access and stable housing means for those in recovery. Read the article.

Univision New York – October 27, 2025

Cortarán beneficios del SNAP el 1 de noviembre en Nueva York

Buddy Garfinkle, Executive Vice President & Chief Program Officer, spoke with Berenice Gartner about the growing crisis surrounding the federal government shutdown and its impact on SNAP and WIC benefits. Buddy highlighted the profound mental health implications and the importance of supporting families through this period of uncertainty. Watch the segment.

NJ Spotlight News – October 23, 2025

For some, SNAP loss means more than just hunger

Stephanie R. Simon, Vice President of Outpatient Services, discussed how suspending payouts of SNAP, WIC, and housing vouchers during the government shutdown would affect the mental health of those who rely on these supports—and how providers like Bridgeway are preparing to respond. Reporter Bobby Brier, who covers mental health, will visit our Elizabeth Mental Health Urgent Care Center on November 6 for follow-up coverage. Read the article.

Each of these stories helps raise awareness about the challenges our clients face, and the solutions Bridgeway delivers every day. Thank you to all our staff for the compassion, professionalism, and dedication that make this recognition possible.

Be sure to follow Bridgeway on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, and help us spread the word by liking, commenting, and sharing!

BUILD YOUR CAREEER. MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT BRIDGEWAY

At Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, we make a difference in people’s lives; supporting the goals of those we serve and of our employees. Our team members enjoy meaningful work in a collaborative, compassionate environment. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, exceptional training, and a culture that values growth, teamwork, and career development.

If you’re ready to put your passion to work and help others thrive, explore our open positions and apply today!

View Career Opportunities

MINDFUL MOMENTS

"I can start over at any moment."

A deep breath, a pause, or a kind thought toward yourself can reset the day.

NEED HELP?

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

To Access Bridgeway's Service Options

Call: 877-692-5664

Email: central.access@bridgewaybhs.org

Bridgeway’s Central Access Team is your trusted connection point to compassionate, personalized care. Whether you're seeking mental health or substance use support—for yourself or a loved one—our knowledgeable specialists are here to listen, guide, and connect you with the right services.

With just one call, you can access a wide range of life-changing programs, including: