57 Graduate from NewBridge Youth Employment, Education Program

NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS Provides Employment, Education Opportunities to Young Adults

Pequannock, NJ - June 11, 2009 - Fifty-seven members of the largest-ever graduating class of NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS received their state-issued high school diplomas at the Class of 2009 commencement yesterday in Boonton, NJ. After leaving traditional high school for various reasons, these associates found another way to achieve academic success - through this alternative education program run by NewBridge Services, Inc., a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and education programs and services.

"I liked NewBridge 70001 because the teachers focused on me and treated me as an adult," said graduate Stephanie Rivera of Dover, N.J., who will attend County College of Morris in the fall and hopes to transfer to Brigham Young University-Idaho to study journalism and photography. "I struggled with math, but the teachers helped me every step of the way, they were always there when I needed help. I never received that kind of one-on-one attention before."

This year's graduates hail from throughout the area and include residents from Boonton, Budd Lake, Butler, Cedar Knolls, Denville, Dover, Flanders, Kinnelon, Lake Hopatcong, Landing, Ledgewood, Lincoln Park, Long Valley, Madison, Mendham, Mine Hill, Morristown, Morris Plains, Netcong, Parsippany, Randolph, Rockaway, Riverdale, Sparta, Stanhope, Victory Gardens, and Wharton.

NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS provides Morris, Sussex and Warren county residents between the ages of 16 and 21 with an opportunity to earn their state-issued high school diplomas and focus on long-term career goals. This free program offers group and individual educational, job training and placement assistance, as well as free transportation in Morris County.

Francis McEnerney of Chester, NJ, founding partner of McEnerney, Brady & Company, and father of a 70001 graduate, delivered the keynote address. During his speech, McEnerney expressed gratitude for 70001 and credited the program for his daughter's increased confidence and enthusiasm to take college classes.

NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS, which fills the growing need for educational alternatives for young adults, receives funding from a number of sources, including the Workforce Investment Board of Morris//Sussex and Warren Counties, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, United Way of Morris County, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, NewBridge Fund, as well as community residents and businesspeople who believe in this program and its students. As budgets tighten and funding continues to shrink, NewBridge relies on contributions and grants to maintain this program, which is free of charge to participants.

For information on NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS, call Kim Rivera at (973) 335-0666. For more information about NewBridge, call 888-746-9333 or visit www.newbridge.org.

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 973-686-2200 or click here.