Media Coverage

Daily Record
February 3, 2007

NewBridge to honor three at annual gala

Three Morris and Passaic county leaders will be recognized for their lifelong commitment to public service this March when NewBridge Services presents its annual Helping People Move Forward Award.

Richard W. Brown, Executive Director, Monarch Housing Associates; John Franklin, CEO, United Way of Morris County; and Deborah Zastocki, President & CEO, Chilton Memorial Hospital, will receive the 2007 award at "The Magic of NewBridge" annual gala planned March 29 at the Knoll Country Club in Parsippany.

"This year's honorees have all made a personal lifetime commitment to helping others," said Robert L. Parker, Executive Director of NewBridge, a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and education programs and services. "Each year NewBridge honors those in the community who strive to improve the lives of others, and this year's winners make that their mission each and every day."

With an eye on giving people a place they can call home, Brown has 35 years experience in both housing development and the management of permanent, affordable and supportive housing in New Jersey and New York. He has worked with NewBridge's family housing workgroup since 1998, educating agency leaders and family members of those with mental illness on the housing funding opportunities available to them. His efforts have helped people successfully find a home for themselves and enjoy a better standard of living.

"NewBridge's affordable housing initiative was inspired by Richard Brown, who has unselfishly shared his time, expertise and commitment to providing housing opportunities for people with special needs and others," said Parker. "Richard is a true driving force for affordable housing reform in New Jersey, and without a doubt, responsible for the improved quality of life of hundreds of individuals and families."

In committing to make a difference with people, Franklin left the corporate world for the nonprofit sector, as the Executive Director of the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown and head group worker in an inner-city child care center. He ultimately moved on to fulfill the mission of "what matters," as CEO at the United Way of Morris County.

"John Franklin is one-of-a-kind-a consummate volunteer with an impressive history of helping others in a roll-up-his-sleeves way," said Parker. "He is a compassionate and dynamic leader who has committed his talents to increasing the community impact of the United Way throughout Morris County. Morris County residents and service organizations benefit greatly from his far-reaching efforts and accomplishments."

An accomplished administrator, nurse, educator and author, Deborah Zastocki joined the ranks of only 25 other female hospital CEOs in New Jersey in 2004. Under her leadership, Chilton Memorial Hospital is one of the top performing community hospitals in the state, both from a quality of care and financial perspective. This year, the hospital received HealthGrades Stroke Care Excellence Award, ranking the hospital in the top five percent in the nation for stroke care.

"Deborah Zastocki is an extremely focused leader who continually strives to be the best. She brings that level of excellence to all her endeavors with a goal of improving the quality of healthcare for the residents of Northwest New Jersey," said Parker.

For ticket or sponsorship information, call (973) 839-2521, ext. 420.