Novartis Awards $50,000 To NewBridge

Grant benefits NewBridge youth employment and education program in Morris County

Recognizing the need to bring alternative education programs to local teens, Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation has presented a $50,000, two-year grant to NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS, an alternative education and youth employment program for Morris County high school students. This grant provides critical funding for this innovative program. From left, Rhonda Critchlow, Executive Director, Alliance Development & Philanthropy & Community Development, Novartis; Robert L. Parker, Executive Director, NewBridge; and Nina McCormack, Director of Development and Marketing, NewBridge. NewBridge, a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and education programs, depends on donations to fund programs like 70001.

Pompton Plains, NJ - August 1, 2008 - High school dropouts who want a second chance at success got a huge vote of confidence from Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation this summer. The Morris County-based company has awarded a two-year, $50,000 grant to NewBridge Services, Inc., a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and education programs and services, to benefit NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS, a youth employment and education program for Morris County high school dropouts.

"We are proud to provide a donation for this initiative, which is consistent with Novartis' commitment to support health and educational programs that enhance quality of life," said Rhonda Nesmith Crichlow, Executive Director, Philanthropy and Community Development, Novartis. "As a guest at the 70001 graduation, I witnessed the students' pride and sense of achievement, as these young men and women have clearly set a new course for themselves and their families with the help of this program."

Fifty-two young men and women graduated from NewBridge 70001 in June with their state-issued high school diplomas. The Class of 2008 is the 25th graduating class of NewBridge 70001, which has helped thousands of young adults turn their lives around since its inception in 1983.

"70001 is such a vital program, and it's going to take all parts of the community to come together in support," said Mary Jo Buchanan, Director, Department of Human Services, County of Morris. "The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders has invested so much in 70001 in various ways, and now Novartis fills the corporate gap to create what is truly the perfect collaboration of funders."

"We are grateful that Novartis has stepped forward to help," said Robert L. Parker, Executive Director, NewBridge. "Novartis joins a public/private/nonprofit partnership that includes supporters like the Morris County Department of Human Services, Workforce Investment Board, and United Way of Morris County, in the pursuit of a common and goal-to help youth succeed."

"NewBridge 70001 really changes the lives of students," said Buchanan. "We hope that Novartis leads as an example to other corporations so this program can continue to make a difference."

For more information on NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS, call toll-free (888) 746-9333 or visit www.newbridge.org.

About NewBridge Services
Founded in 1963, NewBridge Services, Inc. is a nonprofit community organization providing innovative programs and education services in five focus areas: mental health, substance abuse, housing, youth programs and senior assistance. Whether guiding people as they cope with stress, grief, or substance abuse, or providing advice to those with parenting, relationship or caregiving challenges, NewBridge helps people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-839-2520 or click here.