August 2026

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

IN THIS EDITION

• Give Hope A Home - Chairperson's Dinner
• A New Home for Mobile Crisis Outreach
• Expanding Our Expertise: Three Bridgeway Clinicians Earn Certified Autism Specialist Credentials
• Two Mental Health Urgent Care Locations, One Commitment to Helping People Feel Better
• Staff Spotlight: Richard Chavis and Prathap Balakrishnan 
• Bridgeway Celebrates National Night Out Across Four NJ Counties 
• Bridgeway Joins Union County CIT Community at Annual BBQ
• Order Your Bridgeway Swag
• Trustee Reflections
• In the Community
• Awareness and Key Dates
• Build Your Career
• Mindful Moments

CHAIRPERSON'S DINNER

Give Hope a Home at the 2026 Chairperson’s Dinner! 

We’re excited to officially launch this year’s Chairperson’s Dinner – Give Hope a Home! Join us for a memorable evening that brings our Bridgeway community together while supporting expanded services and new possibilities for the individuals and families we serve. 

The evening will also feature an exciting Tricky Tray and 50/50 raffle—and you can even purchase raffle tickets if you can’t attend! 

Visit our Chairperson’s Dinner Event Site to learn more, purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or place an ad in the event journal. 



Buy Tickets | Become a Sponsor | Purchase an Ad

A NEW HOME FOR BRIDGEWAY'S MOBILE CRISES OUTREACH

A New Home for Bridgeway's MCORT: Continuing Our Commitment to Community Care 

By: Richard Chavis, CRSP, CPRS, Peer Support Specialist, MCORT-2 (Somerset, Warren & Hunterdon- Counties)  

The Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Team (MCORT) has officially moved from its longtime location in Somerville to a new office in Bound Brook. 

While the address may have changed, our commitment to providing compassionate, responsive, and person-centered crisis services remains stronger than ever. This relocation represents more than a physical move - it is an investment in the future of our program, and the individuals, families, and communities we serve every day.  

EXPANDING OUR EXERTISE:

THREE BRIDGEWAY CLINICIANS EARN CERTIFIED AUTISM SPECIALIST CREDENTIALS

Bridgeway is strengthening its ability to provide informed, person-centered behavioral health care for individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Three Bridgeway outpatient clinicians recently completed specialized training through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and earned the Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) credential:

• Christopher Plaugic, Licensed Wellness Clinician - Union County
• Jessica Bleyhl, Licensed Wellness Clinician - Sussex County
• Samantha Shery, Senior Licensed Wellness Clinician - Hudson County

The credential reflects advanced education and training related to autism, including approaches for understanding and responding to an individual’s communication, sensory, emotional and behavioral needs.

TWO MENTAL HEALTH

URGENT CARE LOCATIONS

Two Mental Health Urgent Care Locations, One Commitment to Helping People Feel Better

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services offers Mental Health Urgent Care in both Union and Hudson counties, providing immediate, compassionate support for people experiencing emotional distress or urgent mental health needs.

Our Mental Health Urgent Care centers are designed to feel calm, welcoming, and safe. Licensed professionals are available to help individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, overwhelming stress, grief, trauma, serious mental illness, or other emotional challenges.

Even if someone simply needs a caring professional to talk to, Bridgeway is here to help.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT:

PRATHAP BALAKRISHNAN

AND RICHARD CHAVIS

Pictured Prathap Balakrishnan and Richard Chavis.

Bridgeway is proud to highlight Richard Chavis and Prathap Balakrishnan, two members of our Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Team (MCORT) whose work exemplifies the compassion, collaboration, and expertise at the heart of community-based crisis response.

Richard and Prathap were recently selected as recipients of the Bridgeway Staff Appreciation Award after being nominated by their supervisor, Julie Roca, who recognized both their individual contributions and the strength of their partnership in supporting individuals experiencing crisis. 

Bridgeway’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Teams (MCORT), linked with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, provide voluntary, in-person community response for individuals experiencing non-life-threatening mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises. Richard and Prathap bring two distinct and equally important perspectives to this work.

BRIDGEWAY CELEBRATES

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT ACROSS

FOUR NJ COUNTIES 

Here are some highlights from National Night Out 2026! Bridgeway proudly celebrated National Night Out across four counties, joining residents, law enforcement, first responders and community partners at events throughout the communities we serve. 

Our teams were out across multiple municipalities, sharing behavioral health resources, connecting with residents and strengthening the relationships that help make our communities healthier, safer and more connected. 

National Night Out is an important opportunity to build positive relationships between communities and law enforcement, and Bridgeway is proud to be part of that partnership. Thank you to all of our staff who represented Bridgeway and to the police departments, community organizations and residents who welcomed us. 

Building Stronger Crisis Response: Bridgeway Joins Union County CIT Community at Annual BBQ

Photo 1 - Captain Abdul Williams is recognized for his years of CIT leadership alongside key members of the CIT community, including Bridgeway's George Vessels Jr., MSW.

Photo 2 - Bridgeway's Millie Cardona, Nancy Schneeloch and Nicole Crowley with Tiffany Wilson, Director of the NJ Attorney General’s Office of Alternative and Community Responses, and Captain Abdul Williams, longtime Coordinator of the Union County CIT Program.

Photo 3 - Kimberly Matos, Yerlissa Nunez, Janea Clark, Jaylen Wilson, Karen Sinfleur, Natalie Quelopana, April Cistrelli

Photo 4 - Robin Foy of Bridgeway's Homeless Outreach Team shares a moment with a police therapy dog during the Union County CIT BBQ at Kean University.

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services joined law enforcement officers, behavioral health professionals and community partners at the Union County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) BBQ at Kean University on August 20, celebrating the relationships that help create safer, more compassionate responses for people experiencing mental health crises.

The gathering was particularly meaningful this year as the CIT community honored Captain Abdul Williams. Coordinator of the Union County CIT Program, ahead of his retirement. Williams has been a longtime leader and advocate for Crisis Intervention Team programs in Union County and throughout New Jersey, helping strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and the behavioral health system.

What Is CIT?



The Crisis Intervention Team, or CIT, model brings law enforcement and behavioral health professionals together to improve the way communities respond when someone is experiencing a psychiatric crisis.

BRIDGEWAY SWAG IS AVAILABLE!

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

TRUSTEE REFLECTIONS

Interprofessional Collaboration Beyond Academia: Advancing Mental Health Recovery in Outpatient Care.  

Lessons from the Philippines/TUFH 2026

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

Bridgeway Board Trustee

Interprofessional education (IPE) has traditionally been associated with academic settings where students from different healthcare disciplines learn together to foster teamwork and collaborative practice. However, the principles of interprofessional collaboration should not end at graduation. In contemporary outpatient mental health settings, ongoing interprofessional collaboration among clinicians, counselors, social workers, nurses, psychiatrists, peer support specialists, and case managers is increasingly recognized as a critical component of high-quality, recovery-oriented care. 

Mental health recovery is a multifaceted process influenced by biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. No single profession possesses all the expertise necessary to address the complex needs of individuals living with mental health conditions. Interprofessional collaboration allows healthcare professionals to integrate diverse perspectives and develop comprehensive treatment plans that address the whole person rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction. 

IN THE COMMUNITY

Exploring Creativity Through Gratitude

The Skyway Family Success Center in Jersey City recently invited participants to explore their creativity by making gratitude jars. Bridgeway staff facilitated the activity and shared resources with the attendees. The hands-on activity provided a fun and meaningful way to reflect on the things that bring joy, appreciation, and connection to everyday life.

Overdose Awareness Day 2026 

Bridgeway joined Recovery Junction and local community partners at Lincoln Park for Overdose Awareness Day, an event dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding substance use, honoring lives lost to overdose, and connecting community members with local addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. Bridgeway was proud to be part of this important day of remembrance, awareness, and community support. 

Coping Tool Kits at Bayonne Public Library



Our Senior Clinician, Samantha Shery, led an interactive Coping Tool Kit activity at the Bayonne Public Library, helping participants explore healthy strategies for managing stress and supporting their emotional well-being. Samantha also shared information about available Bridgeway services and the importance of prioritizing mental health.

LGBTQ+ Mental Health Summit

Bridgeway provided local mental health resources to attendees at the LGBTQ+ Mental Health Summit hosted by Hudson Pride Center. The event focused on the collective care of LGBTQ+ youth, bringing together social workers, educators, caregivers, and community members for education, resources, and opportunities to earn continuing education credits.

Second Annual Summertime Social

Our Community Outreach Coordinator, Catarina Doria, represented Bridgeway at the 2nd Annual Summertime Social, hosted by the Greater Union Township Chamber of Commerce and Gateway Chamber of Commerce at The Kenilworth Hotel. The sold-out event brought together more than 160 professionals from across Union County, providing an opportunity to build new connections, strengthen community partnerships, and increase awareness of Bridgeway’s services. Catarina is pictured here with Craig Smith of Photos by Craig Smith.

Summer Shopping & Mental Health 

Bridgeway participated in Hudson Care Management Organization's (CMO) Summer Shopping & Mental Health event, which combined access to free essential items such as clothing, and hygiene products with mental health resources and family support. The event offered families a welcoming space to connect with practical resources while also promoting emotional well-being and community care. 

Unearth Your Health Resource Fair

Tania Vargas, Director of Bridgeway’s Mental Health Urgent Care Center in Hoboken, represented Bridgeway at the Unearth Your Health Resource Fair hosted by the Jersey City Department of Health & Human Services and the Jersey City Free Public Library. The family-focused event connected community members with health and wellness resources, youth services and activities, health screenings, immunizations, and other supports ahead of the upcoming school year and fall season.

AWARENESS & KEY DATES

September is Suicide Prevention Month & National Recovery Month

Friday, August 28 | Annual Fall for Health Back-to-School Fair 12-3 pm 

Hosted by the City of Jersey City at City Hall Annex 360 Martin Luther King Dr, Jersey City, NJ 

Gear up for a successful school year! Join the community at the City Hall Annex for an afternoon packed with free school supplies, backpacks, and essential family health resources. Local organizations will provide free health screenings, wellness information, and community resources to ensure your student is ready from day one.

Sunday, August 30 | 4th Annual NAMI NJ Multicultural Summer Celebration 10:00 am.–3 pm 

Thompson Park, Grove 4AB, Monroe Township, NJ 

Join NAMI New Jersey for a fun-filled day in the park featuring games, music, raffles, activities, a complimentary lunch, and wonderful company. Register today. Complimentary tickets are available for those in need.

Monday, August 31 | International Overdose Awareness Day 

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global campaign dedicated to remembering those lost to overdose, supporting individuals and families affected by substance use, and raising awareness that overdose is preventable. Together, we can reduce stigma, promote education, and connect our communities with compassionate, life-saving resources and treatment. 

Monday, August 31 | International Overdose Awareness Day 12-4 pm 

Hosted by Rise Up Recovery Center at the Elizabeth Public Library 11 S Broad St, Elizabeth, NJ. 

Join us in remembering loved ones lost, reducing stigma, and supporting community wellness. Stop by for a free resource fair featuring local community support groups, Narcan (Naloxone) administration training, prevention tools, and inspiring stories of recovery and hope. Attendance is free and open to everyone.

Wednesday, September 9 | Bayonne Health Fair 11 am-3 pm 

Hosted at Fitzpatrick Park, 592-612 Avenue C, Bayonne, NJ. 

Prioritize your family's wellness and get connected with local wellness professionals! This community health fair features an array of health resources, interactive wellness exhibits, and vital health screenings. 

Saturday, September 12 | North Bergen Health Fair 10 am-2 pm 

Hosted at Sai Rao Public Library of North Bergen 510 81st St, North Bergen, NJ. Take charge of your wellness and connect with local healthcare resources. The North Bergen Health Fair features a wide range of community wellness services, health education materials, and interactive resource tables. 

Monday, September 14 | GROVE Path Farmers Market 3-7pm 

Hosted at Grove Path Plaza, 325 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ. 

Swing by after work for farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal treats! Stop by our table to connect with the team and grab free mental health resources and community support information. 

Friday, September 18 | 5th Annual Morris County Community Resource Exchange 9-12 pm, 2 Executive Drive, Morris Plains, NJ 

The event brings together county agencies and local nonprofits, connecting individuals and families with essential support, resources, and services to help them thrive. We hope to see you there! 

Friday, September 18 | 6th Annual Community Resource Day 10 am-2 pm, 23 Branford Place, Newark, NJ 

Greater Essex Counseling Services will host a day of free community resources, health information, screenings, educational opportunities, employment connections, and more. Bridgeway will be represented by Daria Smith, Team Lead for RIST 5, serving Essex and Hudson counties. 

Saturday, September 19 | FACT Family Fun Day 10 am-4 pm 

1 Park Drive, Roselle, NJ 07203 

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with community organizations, learn about available services and supports, and enjoy family-friendly activities. Stop by Bridgeway’s table to learn more about our behavioral health services and resources! 

Tuesday, September 22 | NAMI Union County Public Meeting 7-8:30 pm

RWJ Rahway Fitness Center conference room, 2120 Lamberts Mill Rd, Scotch Plains, NJ.

Buddy Garfinkle, Executive Vice President & Chief Program Officer for Bridgeway will present.

Saturday, September 26 | Suicide Prevention Walk 10 am-1 pm 

40 E. Milton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065 

Bridgeway will participate in a Suicide Prevention Walk focused on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting hope and support for individuals and families impacted by suicide and mental health challenges. The event will connect community members with mental health resources and encourage open conversations about seeking help and supporting one another.

Saturday, October 3 | Hoboken Community Wellness Fair 10 am-2 pm 

506 3rd street, Hoboken 07030 

Join us at Bridgeway’s Hoboken location for a Community Wellness Event in collaboration with Hackensack Meridian Health! The community is invited to connect with local organizations, explore health and wellness resources, and take advantage of free physical health and mental health screenings. Interested in joining us as a community vendor? Local organizations are invited to table and share their resources and services.  

Complete our vendor interest form here! 

NAMI Family Support Group 

First and third Wednesday of each month 7 pm 

A virtual peer support group for adult family members and friends of people with mental health conditions. Register by 11 am on the day of to receive the meeting link by noon. 

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group 

Tuesdays 7:30 pm and Wednesdays 7 pm

A virtual peer support group for adults living with mental health conditions. Register by 11 am on the day of to receive the meeting link by noon. 

 
First Thursday of Every Month | Family & Connections Support Group (In Person) 6:30 pm

North Bergen Library, 13th Street and Kennedy Boulevard,

North Bergen, NJ. Registration required.

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

Third Tuesday of Every Month | Family & Connections Support Group (Virtual) 7 pm

Virtual peer support for families and individuals.

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

Save the Date: October 22 | Chairperson’s Dinner 6 - 10 pm

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!

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

"There's Always Room for Hope."

Even during difficult moments, you deserve support, connection, and compassionate care. You don’t have to navigate the journey alone.

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: 

• Mental Health & Substance Use Help 
• Community-Based Mental Health Care (PACT) 
• Homeless Outreach
• Medication Management
• Independent Living with Support 
• Partial Care Programs 
• Career Services & Educational Support 
• And More