Tough Times Increase Demand for Services But Cut Into Funding

NewBridge Launches Annual Appeal

MORRIS AND PASSAIC COUNTIES - Dec. 9, 2009 - NewBridge Services Inc., which helps North Jerseyans manage life's challenges, is seeing demand for its programs grow while financial support drops in the recession's wake.

In kicking off NewBridge's Annual Giving Appeal, Executive Director Robert L. Parker explained that programs that keep high school dropouts from falling through the cracks, teach schoolchildren resiliency skills, and help those 60 and older continue living independently are facing cuts.

"We have stretched our dollars to keep these vital programs going, but I fear we are reaching the tipping point," Parker said. "We rely on donations from individuals, families and corporations to provide services that turn lives around."

NewBridge is a recognized safety net in North Jersey, providing services to 15,000 residents whose needs would otherwise go unmet. Founded 46 years ago, NewBridge has expanded its offerings in response to the needs of communities it serves and now provides counseling, substance abuse treatment, housing and specialized programs for children and seniors.

Here are highlights of NewBridge's impact:

• Nearly 10,000 schoolchildren in 2008 attended NewBridge interactive workshops that help them handle bullying and peer pressure, cope with depression, bolster their self-esteem and resolve conflicts gracefully.
• An estimated 1,700 parents and educators learned strategies to help children feel empowered and make healthy decisions.
• About 560 senior citizens are living independently - helping to stabilize their neighborhoods - because NewBridge connected them with needed services.
• More than 1,000 high school dropouts - 57 in 2009 alone - have earned GEDs and life skills to become successful adults through NewBridge's 70001 Jobs Plus program.
• Struggling individuals and families have homes thanks to NewBridge, which teamed up with partners to build 25 affordable housing units. Another 37 are in the immediate pipeline.
• When a crisis strikes a school or town, NewBridge responds quickly, providing assistance and guidance as well as grief and trauma counseling several hundred times each year.

Growing demand and waning revenue is a "lethal combination" for nonprofits like NewBridge, Parker said. Several of NewBridge's most popular programs receive no state aid and have lost relied-upon funding due to the struggling economy. That will force NewBridge to reduce services unless it gets an infusion of revenue.

"The recession has created tough times all around, but I am asking residents and local businesses to support NewBridge so it can continue being a lifeline for neighbors in need," Parker said.

Donations can be made online at www.newbridge.org, by mail at P.O. Box 336, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 or by calling Nina McCormack, director of development, at (973) 839-2521 ext. 2246.

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.