Media Coverage
Daily Record
July 26, 2007
Largest Graduating Class Ever of Second-Chance Students
NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS Provides Employment, Education Opportunities to Young Adults
Longtime friends Liz Acevedo of Rockaway (left) and Nicole Reinhold of Wharton (right), hug Jill Worrall, Employment Services Coordinator at NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS, an employment and education program for Morris, Sussex and Warren young adults from 16 to 21. Both young women received their state-issued high school diplomas at NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS' annual commencement, and will attend college in the fall.
Pompton Plains, NJ - June 28, 2007 - Thirty members of the largest-ever graduating class of NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS received their state-issued high school diplomas at a high-energy Class of 2007 commencement yesterday in Boonton, NJ.
After leaving traditional high school for various reasons, these associates found another way to achieve academic success-through this program run by NewBridge Services, Inc., a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and education programs and services.
"We want to hear you cheer!" exclaimed Robert L. Parker, Executive Director, NewBridge to the standing-room audience. "Tonight we celebrate how you rose above personal challenges to prove you have what it takes, not just to succeed, but to flourish."
This year's graduates reside in Butler, Morristown, Vernon, Parsippany, Hackettstown, East Hanover, Dover, Budd Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Hopatcong, Denville, Landing, Lincoln Park, Succasunna, Rockaway, Mine Hill, Randolph, Wharton, Kenvil, Stanhope, Roxbury, Florham Park, Lake Hiawatha and Pine Brook.
NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS provides Morris, Sussex and Warren county residents between the ages of 16 and 21 with an opportunity to earn their state-issued high school diplomas and focus on long-term career goals. This free program offers group and individual educational, job training and placement assistance, as well as free transportation in Morris County.
"I loved it there (at 70001)," said graduate Nicole Reinhold of Wharton, who will go to County College of Morris in the fall to study nursing. "I miss it already. I loved the environment, it was so laid back. You do the program at your own pace-when you get it done, you get it done."
"I was so sad when I left-it was the one school I liked in my entire life," joked Liz Acevedo of Rockaway Township, who will attend Delaware County College in Pennsylvania this fall to study early childhood education and business. She hopes to open her own daycare center.
The keynote address was delivered by Kenneth Albiston, Assistant Director of Admissions at County College of Morris. A driving force in encouraging associates to continue their education, Albiston got to know many of the students throughout the year.
"Ken has connected so much with the young associates here at 70001. He gets to know what their dreams are in life, and makes them feel like they are the cream of the crop," said Jill Worrall, Employment Services Coordinator, NewBridge.
Many of the young adults who participate in NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS found difficulty assimilating in traditional schools and, in some cases, suffer from personal and social challenges, including drug or alcohol abuse, juvenile delinquency, abuse, neglect, learning disabilities and teen pregnancy.
NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS receives funding from a number of sources, including the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Morris County Office of Workforce Development, United Way of Morris County, Verizon, North Fork Bank and NewBridge Fund, as well as residents and businesspeople who believe in this program and its students. 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 enrollment and donation information, contact Nina McCormack, Development Manager, NewBridge, at 973-839-2521, ext. 420. For information on NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS, call toll-free (888) 746-9333.
About NewBridge Services
NewBridge Services, Inc., a nonprofit 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 973-839-2520 or visit www.newbridge.org.
About NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS
NewBridge 70001 JOBS PLUS was established by NewBridge Services in 1983 to fill the growing need for educational alternatives for young adults, who, for one reason or another, were unable to attain a high school diploma. It is the longest running program of its kind in the area. The program provides young adults with the practical education and experience necessary to begin a successful career path. For information on this program, call toll-free (888) 746-9333.