Febuary 2026

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

IN THIS EDITION...

Black History Month
Love, Kindness and Mental Wellness
Bridgeway Celebrates Promotions and Growth
Food Assisstance for Adults 60+
Tania Vargas Appointed
Trustee Reflections
Heart Health Month
Bridgeway Swag is Here!
Awareness and Key Dates
Build Your Career
Mindful Moments

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month: Honoring Resilience, Healing, and Mental Wellness

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Black communities while also reflecting on the ongoing journey toward equity, healing, and well-being. At Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, we recognize that mental health is deeply shaped by lived experience, culture, and community. This month, we are highlighting the strength, resilience, and leadership that continue to shape mental wellness in Black communities.

Black Mental Health Pioneers

Black psychologists, clinicians, and advocates have played a vital role in advancing mental health care, often while challenging systems that excluded or marginalized them. Pioneers such as Kenneth Clark and Mamie Phipps Clark helped expose the psychological impact of racism and segregation, shaping both mental health research and social justice movements. Their work laid critical groundwork for culturally responsive care and continues to influence how we understand identity, trauma, and healing today.

LOVE, KINDNESS AND MENTAL WELLNESS

February is often associated with love and connection. Valentine’s Day on February 14 reminds us to show appreciation for the people we care about, while Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17 highlights the power of small, everyday gestures to brighten someone’s day.

In behavioral health, love and kindness are not just sentiments. They are essential to healing and recovery.

A kind word, a moment of patience, or a simple check-in can help someone feel seen, valued, and supported. These moments build trust, reduce isolation, and strengthen emotional well-being. For individuals navigating mental health challenges, small acts of compassion can make a meaningful difference.

At Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, kindness is at the heart of the work we do every day. From providing compassionate care to supporting recovery and connection across our communities, we see firsthand how empathy and human connection support mental wellness.

This month, and always, we invite you to take a moment to check in on someone, offer encouragement, or lend a helping hand. Love and kindness add up, and together, they help create healthier, more connected communities.

BRIDGEWAY CELEBRATES STAFF PROMOTIONS AND GROWTH

Bridgeway proudly celebrates four team members whose recent promotions recognize their leadership, dedication, and commitment to the people we serve. These individuals step into their new roles with experience, passion, and a clear focus on impact.

Congratulations to Nicolas “Nick” Guerrero (pictured), Emily Sworen, Natalie Quelopana-Castillo, and Leana Pompilus!

FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR ADULTS 60+

Good nutrition plays an important role in overall health and well-being - especially as we age. If you or someone you care about is 60 or older and could use help with groceries or meals, several programs in New Jersey are available.

NJ SNAP

Eligible adults can receive $95 or more per month to help purchase groceries.

Senior Farmer’s Market, Congregate & Home-Delivered Nutrition Programs

$30 to use at participating farmers markets for fresh fruits and vegetables
Free lunch at local senior or community centers
Home-delivered meals for those who need them

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Receive a monthly food package with nutritious staple items.

For additional food resources, including local food pantries, call 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

Please share this information with anyone who may benefit. Access to healthy food supports both physical and mental wellness - and no one should have to navigate that alone.

TANIA VARGAS APPOINTED

Bridgeway Leader Selected for Jersey City Mayor’s Transition Team

By Karen Kaufman, VP of Marketing and Communications, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services proudly celebrates Tania Vargas, LCSW, SIFI, Director of Hudson BCIS at Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, on her appointment to the Transition Team for James Solomon, Mayor of Jersey City, NJ.

Mayor Solomon recently announced the launch of his Transition Co-Governance Committees, a body of community leaders and subject-area experts who will work alongside Policy Committees to engage residents and help shape the city’s direction during the Mayor’s first 100 days and beyond. The initiative reflects a strong commitment to partnership, transparency, and community-driven decision-making.

TRUSTEE REFLECTIONS

Healing a Community From the Inside Out: How Bridgeway’s Social Workers Are Advancing Minority Health Care in Union County
By Mark T. Williams, BSN, RN-BC

In Union County, New Jersey, the path to mental health and wellness is not the same for everyone. For residents in the county’s predominantly minority communities, particularly Black, Hispanic, and working-class families, accessing care has historically meant navigating weeks-long waitlists, a lack of culturally appropriate services, and a system that often exacerbates urgent care needs into full-on emergency room crises or worse, law enforcement intervention. The barriers have been insurmountable for many families.

At the forefront of confronting this challenge are the social workers of Bridgeway Behavioral Health Care, who are redefining what it means to advance minority health care through on-the-ground action, advocacy, and systemic reform.

WOODS SYSTEM OF CARE (WSOC) SHARES HEALTHY TIPS

BRIDGEWAY SWAG IS HERE!

Bridgeway-branded merchandise is available through Woods Wear, the custom print shop of Woods System of Care. Items include T-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, water bottles, and more. There are no minimum order requirements for the items listed on the flyer, and additional colors and items may be available beyond those shown.

Purchasing Bridgeway swag through Woods Wear supports job training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and we are proud to partner with Woods in this important work.

Orders should be placed directly with Woods Wear, with online ordering coming soon. For questions or to place an order:

215-809-8777 | woodswear@woods.org

Learn More About Woods Wear

AWARENESS & KEY DATES

March | Social Work Month

Celebrating the vital role of social workers and this year’s theme, “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.”

March | Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Promoting inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities.

March 1 | Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD)

Breaking stigma and encouraging open conversation about self-harm. Bridgeway is here to help.

March 2 | World Teen Mental Wellness Day

Raising awareness of teen mental health and promoting early support and help-seeking.

March 6 | Employee Appreciation Day – Internal Celebration

Celebrating our dedicated team and their commitment to our mission.

March 10 | Gambling Disorder Screening Day

Encouraging awareness and screening for gambling-related concerns.

March 15–21 | National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week®

Providing science-based facts and shattering myths about substance use.

March 17–21 | National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week

Promoting inclusive, affirming healthcare and addressing health disparities.

March 18 | 9:00 AM

NJAMHAA Spring Conference – Atlantic City, NJ

March 20 | International Day of Happiness

Recognizing happiness and well-being as essential to healthy communities and promoting a more inclusive, balanced approach to overall well-being.

April 2026 | Join us as we celebrate the opening of our

Center for Integrated Outpatient Services. Details to come!

Support the Capital Campaign

Have an event to share?

Submit an Event for the Next Newsletter

BUILD YOUR CAREEER.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT BRIDGEWAY

At Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, we make a difference; supporting the goals of those we serve and of our employees. Our team enjoys 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

“My story is rooted in strength, resilience and hope.”

Honoring our history also means honoring our well-being.

Caring for your mental health is an act of strength.

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: