NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS Puts Young Adults on Track to Success
Boonton, NJ - June 10, 2010 - Once high school dropouts, 46 young adults who make up the graduating class of the NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus program received their state-issued high school diplomas yesterday. These members of the Class of 2010 left traditional high school for various reasons but found academic success through an alternative education program run by NewBridge Services, Inc., a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and education programs and services.
"It was exactly what I needed," said Wharton resident Wuendy Faillos, 18, who attended the commencement. Her father had been out of work for eight months in September 2009 when she decided to drop out of Randolph High School to work more to help support the household. School had been a struggle for her at times. A friend told her about NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus Program, and it sounded like the perfect fit. While math had never been her forte, her NewBridge teacher took the time to help her grasp concepts, and she wasn't embarrassed to ask for the help, she said. It took her only 2 1/2 months to complete the program.
"The teachers are great. Everyone is so friendly," Faillos said. NewBridge helped her enroll at the County College of Morris for September and obtain financial aid. Faillos looks forward to a future as an early childhood educator. "I'm so ready for it," she said.
This year's graduates 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.
William Byrnes of Wharton, the program officer for the F.M. Kirby Foundation, delivered the keynote address.
In its 26th year, NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus provides Morris, Sussex and Warren county residents between the ages of 16 and 21 an opportunity to earn high school diplomas and focus on long-term career goals. The program offers group and individual educational, job training and placement assistance, as well as free transportation in Morris County.
NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS 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, and Verizon, as well as from community residents and business people. 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.
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.