January 2026

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

IN THIS EDITION...

Honoring Mental Wellness Month at Bridgeway
Technology Can Support Wellness. People Deliver Care.
A Stronger Network of Care: Bridgeway and Woods System of Care
Strengthening Autism and IDD Services
Trustee Reflections - Honoring the Legacy of Gov. Richard Codey
Answering the Call: Honoring Dr. King
Your Support at Work: New Center Nears Completion
Bridgeway in the News
Build Your Career
Mindful Moments

NEW YEAR, NEW PERSPECTIVE: MENTAL WELLNESS AT BRIDGEWAY

January is Mental Wellness Month, a time to reflect on how emotional well-being fits into everyday life. At Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, we believe mental wellness grows through small moments, supportive connections, and access to compassionate, community-based care.

Mental wellness is not about having everything figured out. It is about knowing support is here when you need it.

Whole-Person Care, Rooted in Community

At Bridgeway, mental wellness means caring for the whole person within their community. Our services go beyond managing symptoms to support long-term well-being through outpatient care, recovery-focused programs, and Mental Health Urgent Care Centers. Care meets people where they are and adapts to real life.

TECHNOLOGY CAN SUPPORT WELLNESS.

PEOPLE DELIVER CARE.

Innovations like ChatGPT Health reflect a growing interest in making health information more accessible. Digital tools can offer general wellness tips, answer basic questions, and help people think through next steps. Used appropriately, they may serve as a starting point for learning or reflection.

But technology cannot replace what matters most in behavioral health: human connection, clinical expertise, and community support.

Mental health care is deeply personal. It requires trained clinicians who can assess risk, understand nuance, respond to emotion, and build trust over time. It requires group support where people feel seen, heard, and understood by others walking similar paths. No AI tool can read a room, recognize subtle warning signs, or provide the compassionate accountability that drives real recovery.

For 60 years, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services has provided that human-centered care. Our clinicians, care teams, and peer supports bring experience, empathy, and clinical judgment that technology simply cannot replicate. We meet people where they are and walk alongside them as they build stability, resilience, and hope.

If you or someone you love needs immediate help, 988 is available 24/7 for crisis support.

And when you are ready to connect with care, Bridgeway is here. You can call Access Behavioral Health Services at 877-692-5664 to speak with a real person who listens, understands, and knows how to help. No algorithms. Just people who care.

Because while technology may inform, healing happens through human connection.

A STRONGER NETWORK OF CARE:
BRIDGEWAY AND

WOODS SYSTEM OF CARE

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services is proud to be an affiliate of the Woods System of Care, a nationally recognized nonprofit network dedicated to advancing integrated, person-centered care for children, adults, and families with complex behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disability, and trauma-related needs.

Founded more than a century ago, Woods System of Care brings together a diverse group of organizations that share a commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and access to care. Through this collaborative network, affiliates benefit from shared clinical expertise, research, training, and evidence-based best practices, while maintaining strong local leadership and deep community connections.

“Being part of the Woods System of Care strengthens our ability to serve individuals and families with increasingly complex needs,” said Cory Storch, President and CEO of Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services. “It allows Bridgeway to remain community-based and person-centered, while also drawing on national expertise and proven models of care.”

STRENGTHENING AUTISM AND IDD SERVICES THROUGH SYSTEM-WIDE CLINICAL LEADERSHIP

As part of the Woods System of Care, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services is pleased to welcome Nina Wall, MSS, LSW, and Jordan Hollander, BCBA, who will serve as leaders for Autism Clinical Strategy, Excellence, and Training. Their expertise strengthens Bridgeway’s autism and IDD services and supports our staff in delivering high-quality, person-centered care to individuals and families.

Expanding Expertise to Support Better Outcomes

Bridgeway serves individuals throughout northern and central New Jersey who have autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities along with co-occurring behavioral health disorders. Through Woods System of Care’s investment in autism-focused clinical leadership, Bridgeway is gaining even more access to advanced expertise, training, and collaborative resources that enhance care quality, expand service capacity, and support sustainable program growth.

TRUSTEE REFLECTIONS

Honoring the Legacy of Gov. Richard Codey

By Mark T. Williams, BSN, RN-BC

We at Bridgeway join our state in profound grief at the passing of former Governor Richard J. “Dick” Codey, whose lifelong, transformational advocacy for individuals and families living with mental illness has left an indelible mark on New Jersey.

Governor Codey, who served a record 50 years in the New Jersey Legislature and as the state’s 53rd Governor, was not just a political supporter but a hands-on, pioneering force who fundamentally reshaped our mental health system.

His work was driven by a core belief that “access to comprehensive care and quality treatment for individuals with mental illness is a right.”

Answering the Call: Honoring Dr. King Through Mental Health Advocacy & Community Care

By Mark T. Williams, BSN, RN-BC, Board Trustee

February is a time for national reflection on the history, culture, and achievements of African Americans. In advance of that and to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy: a relentless pursuit of justice, equality, and beloved community. He taught us that “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve.” This year, we are called to extend that service to a critical, yet often overlooked, dimension of our community’s well-being: Mental Health.

In New Jersey, 1 in 5 adults experiences a mental health condition each year. The need for support, understanding, and compassionate action has never been greater. Stigma still silences too many of our neighbors, friends, and family members, creating barriers to care and connection that Dr. King would challenge us to dismantle.

YOUR SUPPORT AT WORK:
NEW CENTER NEARS COMPLETION

Construction on the new Center for Integrated Outpatient Services in Elizabeth is now 75% complete, with plans to open in Spring 2026.

This Center will expand access to integrated, community-based outpatient mental health services, helping individuals and families receive the support they need, close to home.

We are continuing to raise funds to complete this important project. Gifts to the Capital Campaign directly support the Center’s completion and long-term impact.

Learn more or make a donation at BridgewayBHSCare.org/capital.

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services continues to be recognized across New Jersey as a leading voice for behavioral health care, social equity, and wellness. Our leadership team is often 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.

New Jersey 101.5 - December 30. 2025

Stephanie Simon, VP of Outpatient Services at Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, was featured on New Jersey 101.5 sharing what our teams are seeing across New Jersey, which is more people feeling lonely, emotionally exhausted, and overwhelmed.

With many adults reporting feelings of isolation, Stephanie shared how ongoing loneliness and grief can quietly build over time, affecting both emotional and physical health and leaving people feeling depleted before they realize they need support.

At Bridgeway, we believe no one should have to reach a breaking point to receive support. That’s why our Mental Health Urgent Care Centers offer walk-in access and timely care, often seeing individuals within hours and helping prevent emotional distress from escalating into crisis.

Listen to the segment below.

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 enter this new year with compassion for myself.”

Growth doesn’t require perfection.
Honoring where you’ve been makes space for where you’re going.

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: