NewBridge Executive Receives Prestigious Awards

Honored by United Way of Passaic County & Mental Health Association in New Jersey Inc.

Pompton Plains, NJ - June 17 - Robert Parker's zeal to help those with mental illness and to build strong communities has garnered the NewBridge Services Inc. executive director recognition from two organizations.

The United Way of Passaic County honored Parker yesterday with its Community Cornerstone Award, given annually to an individual who exemplifies a lifetime of service and dedication to the community.

"Bob Parker has taken NewBridge from a small community mental health agency to a powerhouse agency that handles a multitude of programs," said Yvonne Zuidema, president and chief professional officer of the United Way of Passaic County. "NewBridge Services is a tremendous asset to both Morris and Passaic counties."

Responding to the needs of communities, NewBridge offers substance abuse treatment, housing and specialized programs for children and seniors, as well as counseling services. It now helps more than 12,000 people each year and employs more than 195 professionals at 29 locations.

The Mental Health Association in New Jersey Inc. gave Parker a Golden Bell Leadership Award last night at a celebration held at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. The Mental Health Association highlighted NewBridge's Senior Assistance for Independent Living (SAIL) program, which helps residents of Morris and Passaic counties who are age 60 and over remain in their homes.

"Over a 25-year period, when nobody else in mental health paid attention to seniors, Parker created programs that focused on this population in need," said Carolyn Beauchamp, president and chief executive officer of the organization.

Mr. Parker has been a leader in community mental health for 32 years. As NewBridge's executive director since 1992, he oversees operations and program development. Mr. Parker has taken on leadership roles at various nonprofit management and advocacy groups including:

• New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies; past president, director and member
• New Jersey Mental Health Institute; director and member
• Morris County Housing Alliance, United Way of Morris County; member
• Passaic and Morris Mental Health Professional Advisory Committees
• Morris County Mental Health Coalition; director and member
• Youth Council of the Morris/Sussex/Warren Workforce Investment Board
• Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey; member and former director
• Passaic County Advocates for Supportive Housing; founding member
• Employment, Support and Rehabilitation Services Committee, Governor Codey's Task Force on Mental Health; chair (2005)

Mr. Parker holds a master's degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ, and a bachelor's degree in community leadership and development from Springfield College in Springfield, MA.

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.