June 2026

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

IN THIS EDITION

PTSD Month and the Importance of Healing and Support
After Father’s Day, Check in on the Men in Our Lives
Cory Storch Speaks to U.S. Senate on Housing and Disability Rights
Bridgeway’s Buddy Garfinkle Featured on NAMI NJ Advocacy Panel
Moments That Matter - Edward Martin's Journey
Emily Sworen Honored with NJPRA Award
Millagros Pastrana Cardona Honored with NJPRA Recognition Award
Natalie Quelopana Castillo Honored with NJPRA Award
Honoring Bebe Moore Campbell and Minority Mental Health Awareness
Trustee Reflections - Pride Month
Team Bridgeway at the Run for Woods
Woods System Healthy Cookbook
In the Community
Awareness and Key Dates
Build Your Career
Mindful Moments

PTSD: HEALING IS POSSIBLE

Recognizing PTSD Awareness Month: Strength, Support, and Healing

June marked PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and recognizing the strength and resilience of individuals living with the effects of trauma.

PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. While every person’s experience is different, one message is especially important: healing is possible, and no one should have to face that journey alone.

Throughout the month, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services joined communities across the country in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging conversations about the impact trauma can have on mental health and well-being. Access to care, supportive relationships, and community understanding all play an important role in recovery.

“Support, connection, and access to care can make a meaningful difference in the healing journey,” said Cory Storch, President and CEO of Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services. “Bridgeway remains committed to walking alongside individuals as they navigate recovery, offering resources, compassion, and hope every step of the way.”

By continuing to promote awareness and access to mental health services, Bridgeway helps create communities where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported as they heal.

CHECK IN ON THE MEN IN OUR LIVES

Father’s Day has just passed, and we hope all of the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, father figures, caregivers, mentors, and men who show up for others felt appreciated and celebrated.

The day is often filled with cards, cookouts, calls, and family traditions. But it can also be a meaningful reminder to look beyond the celebration and check in on the emotional well-being of the men in our lives.

Many men carry significant responsibilities quietly. They may be caring for children or aging parents, managing work and financial pressures, coping with grief, navigating relationship stress, living with trauma, or trying to be strong for everyone else. Too often, that strength is mistaken for silence. And too often, silence is mistaken for being okay.

CORY STORCH SPEAKS TO U.S. SENATE ON HOUSING AND DISABILITY RIGHTS

Cory Storch, President and CEO of Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, in Washington, D.C., where he spoke at a U.S. Senate briefing on housing, disability rights, and community-based supports.

Cory Storch, President and CEO of Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, spoke at a U.S. Senate briefing focused on housing, disability rights, and the importance of community-based supports for people with disabilities.

The briefing, “Keys to the Community: Housing that Supports People with Disabilities to Live in Their Own Homes and Communities,” was hosted by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

The event commemorated the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C., which affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live and receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

Cory joined national advocates, housing experts, service providers, and people with lived experience for a discussion on why safe, stable, accessible housing is essential to independence, recovery, wellness, and full participation in community life.

BUDDY GARFINKLE FEATURED
ON NAMI NJ ADVOCACY PANEL

Buddy Garfinkle (second from left) joins fellow speakers on the NAMI NJ Saturday Advocacy Panel, “Protecting Mental Health Care After the One Big Beautiful Bill.”

Buddy Garfinkle, Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer at Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, was featured as a panelist at the 2026 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NJ Annual Conference, held June 12 and 13 at the Crowne Plaza Princeton Conference Center in Plainsboro.

The statewide conference, themed “Healing, Hope, and Action: Advancing Mental Health Together,” brought together mental health leaders, advocates, providers, families, and individuals with lived experience for two days of learning, discussion, and community connection.

Buddy participated in the Saturday Advocacy Panel, “Protecting Mental Health Care After the One Big Beautiful Bill,” moderated by Matthew Camarda, Advocacy and Public Policy Director at NAMI NJ. The panel examined how New Jersey can protect community-based mental health care amid federal Medicaid cuts, rising provider costs, and growing pressures on individuals and families.

EDWARD'S JOURNEY OF
GROWTH AND HOPE

A few years ago, Edward Martin was on a difficult path. Today, his life looks very different, and he is the first to say that Bridgeway helped him begin that turn.

Edward has been showing up for himself in meaningful ways. He attends his medical appointments consistently, participates in a weekly exercise group, plays basketball, and stays connected through church groups and services. He recently quit smoking, a major accomplishment that reflects his determination and commitment to his health.

In quieter moments, Edward has been pursuing writing and taking online courses that help him continue learning and growing.

Edward still faces challenges, including concerns with his living situation. But those who know him describe him as resilient, kind, patient, and hopeful.

“My life has consistently improved,” Edward shares.

At Bridgeway, that is what matters. Growth does not always happen all at once, or in a straight line. Sometimes it happens one step, one choice, and one hopeful day at a time.

EMILY SWOREN

HONORED WITH NJPRA AWARD

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services is proud to recognize Emily Sworen, Senior Wellness Specialist with the Tricounty Residential Intensive Support Team (RIST), who has been honored by the New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (NJPRA) with Direct Service Staff Recognition Award as for her dedication and excellence in psychiatric rehabilitation.

This meaningful recognition celebrates Emily’s extraordinary dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to both persons served and her colleagues. Through her leadership, advocacy, and deep understanding of psychiatric rehabilitation, Emily exemplifies the values at the heart of Bridgeway’s mission.

MILLAGROS PASTRANA CARDONA HONORED WITH NJPRA RECOGNITION AWARD

Bridgeway is proud to celebrate Millagros Pastrana Cardona, known to many as Millie, recipient of the New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Recognition Award for Supervisors.

This well-deserved honor recognizes Millie’s outstanding dedication, leadership, and excellence in psychiatric rehabilitation. Her commitment to supporting staff, strengthening services, and helping the people we serve reflects the very best of Bridgeway’s mission and values.

NATALIE QUELOPANA CASTILLO HONORED WITH NJPRA AWARD

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services is proud to announce that Natalie Quelopana Castillo has received the New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (NJPRA) Direct Care Award, recognizing her outstanding work as a frontline professional in the mental health and recovery field.

The NJPRA Direct Care Award honors professionals who demonstrate the spirit and values of psychiatric rehabilitation and lead by example in their service to individuals working toward recovery, wellness, and greater independence.

HONORING BEBE MOORE CAMPBELL AND MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Bebe Moore Campbell’s legacy continues to inspire open conversations, reduce stigma, and advance mental health awareness in underrepresented communities.

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the mental health needs, strength, and lived experiences of underrepresented communities.

The observance honors Bebe Moore Campbell, an author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who worked to bring mental illness out of silence, especially in Black communities and other communities of color. Through her writing and advocacy, she helped people talk more openly about mental health, famiy, stigma, culture, and the importance of support.

TRUSTEE REFLECTIONS

Pride Month: Celebrating Resilience, Confronting Challenges, and Building Bridges

By Mark T. Williams, BSN, RN-BC, FMNLI, FCPP

Bridgeway Board Trustee

In a time of profound social change, LGBTQ+ adults are not merely surviving, they are thriving, creating, and leading with a vibrancy that reshapes our workplaces, neighborhoods, and civic life.

Today, more adults than ever before proudly identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer under the expansive umbrella of gender and sexual diversity. This generation of adults carries a profound sense of self-awareness and authenticity, building chosen families, launching advocacy movements, and redefining what it means to live openly and courageously at every stage of life. Their resilience is not a passive trait but an active, daily practice of joy, creativity, and connection, even when the world around them feels uncertain or unwelcoming.

2026 RUN FOR

WOODS SYSTEM OF CARE

Team Bridgeway Laced Up and Showed Up at the Run for Woods!

Team Bridgeway brought the energy, enthusiasm, and sneakers to the 12th Annual Run for Woods System of Care in Langhorne, PA, and what a day it was!

Nearly 1,000 people came together for this amazing event, including clients, patients, students, families, staff, sponsors, volunteers, community friends, and partners from across the Woods System of Care family. The day was filled with excitement from start to finish, from the buzz at the starting line to the celebrations at the finish.

Bridgeway was proud to be part of the fun and even prouder of our incredible team members who laced up and showed up in support of the mission. A big cheer goes out to Team Captain Jodi Traina and Team Bridgeway members Dominic Traina, Elizabeth Santana, Jeuly Urena, Kaiden Burgos Ferreras, Kaylee Burgos Ferreras, Kimberly Ferreras, Kyler Burgos Ferreras, Marcela Delgadillo, Nicole Crowley, Patrick Taylor, Rudy Lopez, Tara Taylor, Stephanie Simon, and Ingrid Montgomery.

HEALTHY EATING MADE EASY

Explore the 2026 Woods Healthy Eats Cookbook

Good nutrition plays an important role in both physical and mental wellness. That's why Woods System of Care is excited to share the 2026 Healthy Eats Cookbook, a collection of delicious, nutritious recipes designed to help individuals and families make healthy eating part of everyday life.

Featuring a variety of easy-to-prepare meals, snacks, and wellness-focused recipes, the cookbook offers practical ideas for creating balanced meals while exploring new flavors and ingredients. Whether you're looking for quick weeknight dinners, healthy snacks, or inspiration for meal planning, there's something for everyone.

As an affiliate of Woods System of Care, Bridgeway recognizes the strong connection between nutrition and overall well-being. Healthy eating can support energy levels, improve mood, and contribute to better long-term health outcomes.

Scan the QR code to access the cookbook and discover recipes that can help you nourish your body and support your wellness journey throughout the year.

Healthy eating is one of the many small steps that can make a big difference in supporting a healthier, happier life.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Connecting with Community Leaders at Legislative Breakfast

Bridgeway was at the table, and the table was full! Cory Storch, President and CEO and Karen Kaufman, VP of Marketing and Communications enjoyed connecting with local leaders, businesses, and community partners at the Annual Legislative Breakfast, hosted by the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce and Union Township Chamber of Commerce. It was a great morning of conversation, community, and sharing Bridgeway’s mission of hope, healing, and support across New Jersey.

Bridgeway participates in 2026 NAMI NJ Annual Conference

Bridgeway exhibited at the 2026 NAMI NJ Annual Conference: Healing, Hope, and Action: Advancing Mental Health Together. The conference brought together mental health professionals, advocates, individuals with lived experience, and community organizations from across New Jersey to share resources, strengthen partnerships, and advance conversations around mental health awareness and recovery.

Representing Bridgeway were Catarina Doria, Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, and Tania Vargas, Director of Hudson BCIS.

Throughout the day, they connected with attendees, shared information about Bridgeway's services, and highlighted the organization's commitment to providing accessible, person-centered behavioral health care throughout New Jersey.

Bridgeway was also represented on Saturday by Buddy Garfinkle, Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer, who served as a speaker on NAMI NJ’s advocacy panel. Read more about Buddy’s participation in this edition.

Also in attendance was Woods Services, which, like Bridgeway, is affiliated with the Woods System of Care. Their participation provided an additional opportunity to showcase the breadth of services available across the System of Care and strengthen connections with community partners throughout the state.

Celebrating Pride, Connection, and Community

Bridgeway proudly participated in Sussex County Pride, an event hosted by Sussex County Pride, the county's first LGBTQ+ advocacy organization dedicated to empowering and supporting the local LGBTQ+ community.

The event brought together community members, advocates, service providers, and allies for a day of connection, education, and celebration. Bridgeway had the opportunity to share information about its behavioral health services, connect with attendees, and strengthen relationships with community partners throughout Sussex County, NJ.

Bridgeway Joins North Bergen's Summer Health Green Family Festival

Bridgeway was onsite at the North Bergen (NJ) Health Department's annual Summer Health Green Family Festival, a community event dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and environmental awareness for residents of all ages.

Held at the North Bergen Recreation Center, the festival brought together healthcare providers, community organizations, local vendors, and families for a day of education, resources, and entertainment. Attendees enjoyed health screenings, wellness activities, live performances, family-friendly attractions, and opportunities to connect with organizations serving the community.

Community Health Fair Highlights Local Resources and Support

Community members gathered in Roselle, NJ on June 13 for the Community Health Fair, a day dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and access to local resources. The event featured a variety of organizations committed to supporting individuals and families throughout Union County.

Bridgeway joined fellow community partners to share information about mental health, substance use, housing, and supportive services available to residents. The event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with community members, answer questions, and increase awareness of behavioral health resources available both locally and throughout New Jersey.

Making connections are, from the left, Jasmine Anderson, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health, Sandra Florent of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and Catarina Doria, Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for Bridgeway.

Hudson Nonprofit Networking & Resource Exchange

Bridgeway attended the Hudson Nonprofit Networking & Resource Exchange hosted by the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health on June 24th. The event brought together community organizations and service providers to share resources, build partnerships, and strengthen support for Hudson County residents.

AWARENESS & KEY DATES

June 29 | Men’s Wellness Celebration 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

7002 JFK Boulevard East, Unit 115

In recognition of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Bridgeway is partnering with Guttenberg Social Services and community organizations for a free Men’s Wellness Celebration. Attendees can connect with local resources, learn about mental health and wellness services, and engage in conversations that promote emotional well-being, support, and community connection.

July 2 | Special Angels Presentation 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Liberty Family Success Center, 341 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ

Bridgeway will present to Liberty Family Success Center’s Special Angels Support Group, sharing information with parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities about behavioral health resources, outpatient counseling, psychiatric services, supportive programs, and referral pathways available through Bridgeway.

July 10 | Inclusive Family Resource Fair 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Union Public Library, 1980 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ

Bridgeway will participate in the Inclusive Family Resource Fair at the Union Public Library. This community event is designed to connect families with valuable resources, services, and supports available throughout the area.

July 16 | Mental Health Craft Series 6 pm - 7pm - Hoboken Public Library

Creativity and wellness come together at the Hoboken Public Library's Craft & Mental Health Series: Gratitude Jars. This interactive program invites participants to explore the positive impact of gratitude while creating a personalized keepsake to support their mental wellness journey.

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.

Save the Date: October 22 | Chairperson’s Dinner

Grand Marquis, 1550 Route 9 South, Old Bridge, NJ

Mark your calendar for one of Bridgeway’s biggest nights of the year! The 2026 Chairperson’s Dinner will be an evening of fun, music, photos, raffles, auction items, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Guests will enjoy a festive night out while helping raise funds for Bridgeway’s new Center for Integrated Outpatient Services in Elizabeth.

Join us as we celebrate the opening of our
Center for Integrated Outpatient Services. Details to come!

Support the Capital Campaign

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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 trauma is part of my story, but it does not define who I am."

You are more than what happened to you.

Your resilience, growth, and potential continue to shape your future.

NEED HELP?

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

To Access Bridgeway's Service Options

Call: 877-692-5664

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: