NewBridge Executive wins National Exemplar Award
Pompton Plains, NJ - April 28, 2010 - NewBridge Services Associate Executive Director L. Michelle Borden thinks on her feet - by nature and necessity. When her boss, Robert L. Parker, was seriously injured in a February 2009 accident, Borden handily filled in for five months, leading the organization's first relocation in 25 years and guiding it through one of its toughest financial years.
Because of Borden, NewBridge "did not miss a beat and is a stronger, more flexible organization today,'' said Parker, whose nomination of Borden resulted in her winning the National Network for Social Work Managers' National Exemplar Award. Borden was one of three social work executives will receive the National Exemplar Award Thursday at a luncheon in New York City.
Stepping in to run NewBridge's 200-employee operation is only one example of Borden's hands-on leadership. Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Borden helped create a Morris County crisis response network, which became a model statewide. Borden then helped New Jersey become one of the first states in which people could become certified as Disaster Response Crisis Counselors.
Known for her calm demeanor even in the most stressful of situations, the 56-year-old Little Falls resident believes "It is so important for social workers to be on the forefront of running human services organizations.'' And she was honored by the national organization's recognition.
"I feel very lucky - and grateful - to be able to say that I love what I do and that my work gives me great satisfaction,'' she said. "I also feel very lucky that my path crossed with a progressive organization like NewBridge Services, where I am given the opportunities to grow professionally, foster and guide new leaders, and to help shape and support the organization as it continues to meet challenges in the human services field on behalf of our communities."
As associate executive director at NewBridge, Borden oversees the operations of all agency behavioral health programs, supervises the school-based services program and develops and implements new policies and procedures. She also participates on numerous state, county and local committees and task forces and teaches social work management to Rutgers University graduate students.
She earned a MSW at the University of Connecticut, School of School Work and a BA in Cultural Studies at Bates College. She is also a Certified School Social Worker, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Social Work Manager.
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.