NewBridge Gala Celebrates Strides in Mental Health
Monarch Housing,United Way and Chilton Hospital leaders honored for contributions
Pompton Plains, NJ - March 30, 2007 - "A plant doesn't care if you've had a lousy childhood or a bad day; it just needs a hole to be dug and some water to drink. And it is your job to provide that," said Dominick Bianca, keynote speaker of NewBridge Services' annual gala, The Magic of NewBridge.
Bianca, who became a leader and volunteer at the Enrich horticultural therapy garden, was one of 175 supporters who came together on Thursday, March 29 at the Knoll Country Club in Parsippany, NJ, to celebrate strides in mental health services. Proceeds from the annual gala provide funding for NewBridge, a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and education programs and services.
"At NewBridge Enrich, I realized that hard work could be fun and physical labor could be another form of therapy, a way for the body to make the mind healthier by focusing on something outside of its own problems," said Bianca.
"Dominick brings to life how innovative programs like NewBridge Enrich can change lives," said Robert L. Parker, Executive Director, NewBridge. "For this opportunity we are grateful to our supporters and award winners, who help propel community mental health forward with the ultimate goal of improving people's lives."
The annual gala shines a spotlight on the great strides being made to help those with mental illness and recognizes individuals whose personal contributions have made a difference. Richard W. Brown, Executive Director of Cranford-based Monarch Housing Associates; John Franklin, CEO, United Way of Morris County; and Deborah Zastocki, President & CEO, Chilton Memorial Hospital, received the 2007 Helping People Move Forward Award.
Brown has worked with NewBridge's family housing workgroup since 1998, educating agency leaders and family members of those with mental illness on the housing funding opportunities available to them. His efforts have helped people successfully find a home for themselves and enjoy a better standard of living.
"A major reason for agreeing to accept this award is the fact that NewBridge and Monarch have a common vision and a shared dream of how housing and services for persons with disabilities and the homeless should be provided," said Brown. "Together we have imagined a world where everyone who needs supportive housing will be able to find a place to call home."
In committing to make a difference with people, Franklin left the corporate world for the nonprofit sector, as the Executive Director of the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown and head group worker in an inner-city child care center. He ultimately moved on to fulfill the mission of "what matters," as CEO at the United Way of Morris County.
"I think that together United Way and NewBridge will define new paths for collaboration and community building that will be an example for all," said Franklin.
An accomplished administrator, nurse, educator and author, Deborah Zastocki joined the ranks of only 25 other female hospital CEOs in New Jersey in 2004.
"Now I know that sometimes the worst times are not the end, but rather the beginning of something new and unexpected," summarized Bianca. "I am grateful for all the opportunities I got through NewBridge and the people who helped me realize that life begins new each day."
Chilton Memorial Hospital was the Diamond Sponsor for the event, Robert D. Collins Fund was the Gold Sponsor, North Fork Bank and Wyeth were Silver Sponsors, and Janssen, Pfizer, Wall Street Business Products and Washington Mutual were bronze sponsors.
For more information on NewBridge's programs and services, call toll-free (888) 746-9333.
About NewBridge Services
NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit community organization founded in 1963, provides innovative mental health, substance abuse, housing, children’s and senior services and education programs. Whether dealing with stress, grief, or substance abuse or in need of parenting, relationship or caregiving advice, NewBridge offers counseling programs, educational forums and life-enriching services to help people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-839-2520 or click here.