Press Releases

Trio of New Jersey Advocates To Be Honored at NewBridge 45th Year Celebration

Denk, Irwin and Ludwin Will Receive "Helping People Move Forward" Award

Etta Denk
Market Development Mgr.
Bank of America

Herbert W. Irwin, Esq.
Co-Founder
NewBridge Services

Connie Ludwin
State Director
Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey

Pompton Plains, NJ - February 11, 2008 - NewBridge Services, Inc., a nonprofit community provider of behavioral health and education programs and services, will honor Etta Denk of Bank of America, Herb Irwin, a NewBridge founder, and Connie Ludwin of Boys & Girls Club in New Jersey with the NewBridge 2008 Helping People Move Forward awards. The trio will receive their awards during NewBridge's annual gala, The Magic of NewBridge, on April 3, 2008 at The Villa at Mountain Lakes.

Denk, of Millburn, has worked on behalf of nonprofit organizations that assist individuals and families in finding homes of their own for many years, and serves as the New Jersey Market Development Manager at Bank of America.

"As a pioneer for the promotion and creation of affordable housing in New Jersey, Etta Denk has made great inroads advocating on behalf of those with special needs. We proudly celebrate her personal and professional commitment to the nonprofit sector and the people it serves," said Robert L. Parker, Executive Director, NewBridge.

Attorney and municipal judge Irwin of Pompton Plains was one of a handful of residents who met in 1963 to address the need for a community mental health center, helping set in motion a plan for the creation of what is today NewBridge.

"Helping to found NewBridge 45 years ago is an example of Herb Irwin's caring nature-he always wants to help others and the community and takes the extra steps to do it right. For his lifetime of leadership in improving the quality of life for people, Herb Irwin deserves this recognition," said Dot Emmerich, gala co-chair and longtime colleague.

Ludwin, of Madison, has used her passion for helping children in New Jersey as the State Director of Boys & Girls Club in NJ, and formerly as the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Morris County, located in Pequannock, NJ.

"Connie Ludwin knows what children need in order to develop healthy attitudes and behaviors. She revitalized the Morris County Boys & Girls Club, and as its state director she is a formidable advocate for children's needs and rights across New Jersey," L. Michelle Borden, Associate Executive Director, NewBridge.

Sponsorships are still available for this event. To date, NewBridge announces TD Banknorth as Diamond Sponsor, Robert D. Collins Fund as Gold Sponsor, Pfizer, St. Clare's Health System and WaMu as Bronze Sponsors, and Johnson, Murphy, Hubner, McKeon, Wubbenhorst, Bucco & Appelt, P.C. and Joseph A. Trunfio, Ph.D as Cocktail Hour Sponsors.

The Magic of NewBridge includes cocktails, dinner, themed gift baskets and silent auction. A limited number of seats are still available at $125 each. To reserve sponsorships or seats, please contact Nina McCormack, Director of Development, NewBridge, at 973-839-2521, ext. 420, or click here.

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.