April 2026

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

IN THIS EDITION

• Every Mind Matters - May is Mental Health Awareness Month
• Autism Acceptance Month
• Karen & Stephanie Named to ROI-NJ's Influencers: Women in Business
• Moving On Up - Celebrating Staff Promotions
• George Vessels Honored at 2026 NJ Social Innovation Awards 
• Thrift, Choice, & Dignity: ISH Team Brings Shopping Experience to Life
• Wellness in Action: Bridgeway Hosts Wellness Fair
• Welcome Our First Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
• Trustee Reflections - Why Access to Care Matters Now More Than Ever
• Run (or walk) for Woods System of Care
• In the Community
• Awareness and Key Dates
• Build Your Career
• Mindful Moments

EVERY MIND MATTERS: LOOKING AHEAD TO MENTAL HEALTH AWARENSS MONTH

As we close out April and look ahead to May, we enter a time that is especially meaningful to all of us at Bridgeway: Mental Health Awareness Month.

Observed nationally since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to reducing stigma, increasing understanding, and encouraging individuals to seek support. For Bridgeway, this month is more than awareness. It reflects the work our teams do every day across programs, communities, and service lines.

“Every day, our teams make it possible for individuals and families to find support when they need it most,” said Cory Storch, President and CEO of Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services. “Mental Health Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to recognize that impact and reaffirm our commitment to accessible, community-based care.”

AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH - SUPPORTING EVERY JOURNEY

Supporting Every Individual, Empowering Every Family 

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and support individuals with autism while deepening our collective commitment to inclusion, understanding, and access to care. At Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, this work is not limited to one month. It is embedded in everything we do. 

Bridgeway proudly provides compassionate, person-centered care for children, teens, and adults with autism, as well as individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who need mental health or co-occurring services. From early intervention through adulthood, our approach ensures that every individual receives the support they need to achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential. and reaffirm our commitment to accessible, community-based care.”

KAREN & STEPHANIE NAMED TO ROI-NJ'S INFLUENCERS:

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2026 LIST

We are proud to share that two members of the Bridgeway leadership team have been named to ROI-NJ's Influencers: Women in Business 2026 list: Stephanie Simon, Vice President of Outpatient Services (right), and Karen Kaufman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications (left).

This recognition reflects the dedication and compassion that Stephanie and Karen bring to their work every day, and the difference that makes for the people and communities we serve. Congratulations, Stephanie and Karen!

MOVING ON UP

We are proud to recognize two outstanding team members whose recent promotions reflect their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Please join us to congratulate Ruth Ruiz and Tonia Hatcher on these well-deserved promotions.

Ruth Ruiz Named Team Leader for Intensive Supportive Housing

Bridgeway proudly announces the promotion of Ruth Ruiz, LSW, (pictured on left) to Team Leader for the Intensive Supportive Housing (ISH) program in Union County.

Tonia Hatcher Promoted to Senior Program Support Specialist

Bridgeway also congratulates Tonia Hatcher (pictured on right) on her promotion to Senior Program Support Specialist for the Community Support Services (CSS) teams.

GEORGE VESSELS HONORED AT

2026 NEW JERSEY SOCIAL INNOVATION AWARDS

George Vessels (left) celebrated his award with Bridgeway professional staff, 
Supportive Housing Director April Cistrelli (center) and Program Director Christine Backiel.

We are proud to celebrate George Vessels Jr, MSW Housing Director for Homeless Outreach Services, who was named a 2026 Award Winner in Housing and Community Development at the New Jersey Social Innovation Awards, hosted by the Social Innovations Journal on April 9th.

George was recognized in a category honoring innovative, attainable housing models that strengthen communities. Selected from more than 250 nominees and chosen by more than 2,500 New Jersey residents, the award spotlights leaders advancing bold, community-driven solutions across the state.

His recognition reflects years of dedicated leadership supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, including those living with mental health challenges. George's work embodies Bridgeway's commitment to dignity, stability, recovery, and community integration.

THRIFT, CHOICE, AND DIGNITY:

ISH TEAM BRINGS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE TO LIFE

Bridgeway’s Intensive Supportive Housing (ISH) team recently turned a simple idea into a meaningful, person-centered experience with a creative “Thrift Group” event for persons served.

Led by Natalie Quelopana-Castillo, BA, Senior Wellness Specialist (pictured), the initiative transformed donated items into a welcoming, thrift-style shopping experience. Participants were invited to browse, select, and take home items they needed or simply loved, creating a sense of choice, independence, and dignity that goes far beyond traditional distribution.

WELLNESS IN ACTION: BRIDGEWAY HOSTS ENERGIZING WELLNESS FAIR

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services hosted a vibrant Wellness Fair at it's Union location, led by Natalie Quelopana-Castillo, BA, Senior Wellness Specialist, and a dedicated staff committee.

The event welcomed more than 40 individuals for an afternoon centered on movement, mindfulness, and whole-person well-being. From arrival through the final raffle, the experience was intentionally designed to promote connection, healthy habits, and practical skills participants can carry into their daily lives.

BRIDGEWAY WELCOMES

CATARINA DORIA

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services welcomes Catarina Doria as our new Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, starting March 23.

This newly created role strengthens how we connect with communities, expand referral relationships, and improve access to care. Catarina brings hands-on experience in outreach, partnership development, and program coordination, most recently serving as a Community Outreach Liaison. She has worked closely with community organizations, youth, and families, and is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

In her role, Catarina will connect referral partners with Bridgeway’s Central Access Line and clinical teams, while representing Bridgeway in the community and supporting outreach efforts across programs.

Interested in partnering with Bridgeway? Contact Catarina to coordinate outreach opportunities, community events, trainings, or referral partnerships.

We are excited to welcome Catarina and look forward to the impact she will make in expanding access to care.

TRUSTEE REFLECTIONS

Breaking Down Walls, Building Up Hope: Why Access to Care Matters Now More Than Ever
By Mark T. Williams, BSN, RN-BC

As a Board Trustee, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless moments of transformation - when a person struggling in silence finally sits across from a compassionate clinician and begins to heal. But I’ve also seen the other side. The phone calls that go unanswered, the weeks-long wait for an intake appointment, the transportation barriers that turn a 15-minute trip into an all-day ordeal.

These aren’t just logistical inconveniences. They are barriers to care. And right now, in our post-pandemic world, those barriers are becoming more concerning than ever.

The Urgent Care Difference: Walk in, Be Seen, Start Healing

Our urgent care model is built on a simple but radical premise, mental health care should be as accessible as physical health care. If you sprain your ankle, you can walk into an urgent care and be seen the same day. If you’re having a panic attack, feeling suicidal, or struggling to function, why should it be any harder to get help?

2026 RUN FOR WOODS

SYSTEM OF CARE (WSOC)

Team Bridgeway Hits the Ground Running!

Team Bridgeway is officially registered for the Run for Woods System of Care and we’re ready to make every step count.

Join us as we run, walk, and rally together to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and behavioral health needs. Led by Team Captain Jodi Traina, we’re building momentum and would love for you to be part of it.


There's an awesome morning planned, including a 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. The festivities kick off with an opening ceremony at 8:45 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:00 a.m. and the 1-Mile Fun Run at 9:10 a.m. 

Whether you lace up your sneakers, cheer from the sidelines, or make a donation, your support helps turn miles into meaningful impact.

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Woods Services, 40 Martin Gross Drive, Langhorne, PA

Join Team Bridgeway, sponsor, or donate

Let’s show up strong, have fun, and make a difference - together. 

IN THE COMMUNITY

FELLAS Hudson County Kick-Off Event

Bridgeway attended the FELLAS Hudson Kick-Off event hosted by the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ on April 17th at the Culinary Arts School and Conference Center in Jersey City. The program recently received a five-year grant and has expanded from Essex County into Hudson and Passaic Counties. FELLAS supports fathers ages 18+ through weekly one-on-one services focused on strengthening parenting and co-parenting skills, promoting healthy relationships, and providing economic stability support, and resource connections. 

Pinwheel Festival & Food Distribution:



Bridgeway participated in the Unity Family Success Center Pinwheel Food Festival and Distribution on April 18th, hosted by the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ. The event served approximately 150 families and provided food distribution, community resources, health screenings, and free haircuts, supporting overall family wellness and access to essential services. 

Roselle Raises Flag for Autism Awareness Month



Bridgeway attended the annual Autism Awareness Flag Raising Event hosted by The Borough of Roselle on Monday, April 20th to celebrate Autism Awareness Month. Despite the chilly conditions, residents attended the event hosted in front of Borough Hall. 

Clinton's Resource Fair - Plainfield Public School



Bridgeway attended Clinton Elementary School’s First Resource Fair hosted on Wednesday, April 22nd. Snacks and thrift shops were available to parents and students as well as health resources, wellness, education and community services.  

AWARENESS & KEY DATES

April | Autism Acceptance Month 
Dedicated to fostering understanding, inclusivity, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.

May | Mental Health Awareness Month

As we enter Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize the everyday impact of Bridgeway teams in providing accessible, compassionate, community-based care. Together, we continue to expand support, reduce stigma, and meet individuals and families where they are.

May 2 | Wellness Wonderland 2026

We will be there! The Wellness Wonderland Fair is dedicated to raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health.

11:00 am to 2:30 pm at Warinanco Sports Center on 1 Park Drive, Roselle, NJ 07203

May 7 | Vendor Day - Corrections & Nurses Appreciation Week

Come and say, hello! Hosted by the Hudson County Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Center

11:00 am to 7:00 pm at 30-35 Hackensack Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032

May 11 | Mental Health Series Day 1 at Hoboken Public Library

Presented by Stephanie Simons, our VP of Outpatient Services.

Topic: General services, Depression & Suicide Prevention

5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at 500 Park Avenue, Hoboken, NJ 07030

May 14 | Mental Health 101 (Virtual – English)

Presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hudson County. An introductory presentation covering the fundamentals of mental health in an informative and accessible way.

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm online - Registration required.

May 15 | Meadowview Psychiatric Hospital Annual Mental Health Conference

Bridgeway will participate at this year’s More Good Days Together conference, bringing providers together to connect, collaborate, and promote hope and healing.

10:30 am to 2:00 pm at Meadowview Psychiatric Hospital, 635 County Avenue, Secaucus, NJ 07094 

May 16 | 3rd Annual Women’s Health Fair

Bridgeway staff look forward to seeing you at the Healthy Moms,

Healthy Families Women’s & Maternal Health Screening & Resource Fair

11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Anthony Signorello Roselle Park Youth Center

May 16 | Youth Mental Health Walk & Resource Fair 

This event brings together community, resources, and support to uplift youth mental health and create space for connection, awareness, and care. 

11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Lincoln Park, Jersey City 07304 

May 18 | Mental Health Series Day 2 at Hoboken Public Library 

Presented by Stephanie Simons, our VP of Outpatient Services. Topic: Recognizing and responding to mental health crises    

5:30pm to 7:00pm at 500 Park Avenue Hoboken, NJ 07030 

June 7 | Run for Woods System of Care

Join or donate to support Team Bridgeway in the 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. Opening ceremony at 8:45 AM, followed by the 5K at 9:00 AM and the 1-Mile Fun Run at 9:10 AM.

First Thursday of Every Month | Family & Connections Support Group (In Person)

Presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hudson County. Peer-led support for families and individuals seeking connection and shared understanding.

6:30 pm at North Bergen Library, 13th Street and Kennedy Boulevard,

North Bergen, NJ. Registration required.

Third Tuesday of Every Month | Family & Connections Support Group (Virtual)

Virtual peer support for families and individuals.

7:00 pm. Presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hudson County. Registration required.

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

Center for Integrated Outpatient Services. Details to come!

Have an event to share?

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 mental health matters every day,

not just on the hard ones.”

Caring for your mind is an ongoing act of respect for yourself. Small, consistent moments of care can make a meaningful difference.

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: 

• Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Use Services 
• Community-based mental health care (PACT) 
• Homeless Outreach 
• Independent Living with Support 
• Partial Care Programs 
• Career Services & Educational Support 
• And more

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