Community Outreach Programs in New Jersey
Building Stronger Communities Through Education and Support
Mental health challenges touch every corner of our communities, and no one should face these struggles alone. The comprehensive community outreach programs at NewBridge Services bring vital mental health education, crisis prevention training and wellness resources directly to companies, schools, organizations and community groups throughout northern New Jersey.
Our evidence-based outreach initiatives are designed to break down barriers, reduce stigma and empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to support themselves and others. Each training is delivered by experienced professionals who bring both clinical expertise and genuine compassion to every presentation.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid teaches people to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. NewBridge offers evidence-based training focused on either adults or youth, plus specialized modules designed for older adults, caregivers of older adults and public safety professionals. Training includes expanded content on trauma, substance use and self-care, with participants learning to apply the MHFA Action Plan.
Suicide Prevention Workshops
Our free, hour-long suicide prevention workshops grew out of the national Zero Suicide initiative, a system-wide model to transform suicide prevention and save lives. These evidence-based presentations address common myths about suicide, cover risk and protective factors, and teach participants how to recognize warning signs, approach someone with suicidal thoughts, and what to avoid during interventions.
Programs for Older Adults
Through our Tame the Pain initiative, NewBridge offers specialized programs free to Morris County residents who are age 60 and older to improve health and well-being. These include six-week chronic pain self-management courses covering fitness, nutrition and medication use, three-week Get Connected workshops addressing life transitions and virtual Bodies in Motion classes offered in partnership with Life Center Stage and Syzygy Dance Project. Bodies in Motion is periodically offered in person.
Ready to bring mental health education to your community? Call us at (973) 839-2520 and ask for Beth Jacobson, Community Outreach Director, or submit a contact form online to get started!
Who Benefits from Our Community Outreach Services
Our community outreach programs are designed for anyone who wants to make a positive difference in their community's mental health and wellness — and in their own lives. School staff, health care workers, faith-based organizations, companies, employers and community groups regularly participate in our training to build confidence in recognizing mental health challenges and responding appropriately.
By training community members across different sectors, these programs create a ripple effect. Each person who completes our training becomes equipped to support family members, colleagues and neighbors during challenging times, building a stronger safety net throughout northern New Jersey. This collaborative approach helps normalize conversations about mental health while ensuring more people have access to timely, appropriate intervention.
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Meet Madyson, One of Our Amazing Clients Patient StoriesAnxiety triggered by crowded, noisy halls made attending Roxbury High School untenable for honor student Madyson. “I was struggling to even walk in the building,” Madyson said. She withdrew in October ...
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Meet Ashley, One of Our Amazing Clients Patient StoriesStruggling with depression and anxiety, Ashley high school experience got off to a rough start — and went downhill from there. By junior year, when she returned to in-person classes after the long ...
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Meet Our Amazing Client Crystal Patient StoriesCrystal has found her professional calling, and she credits NewBridge Services’ alternative education and career program with helping her onto the path. The 25-year-old mother of two is working in ...
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How Our Community Outreach Programs Work
Participation in NewBridge's community outreach programs is straightforward and designed to accommodate busy schedules and diverse learning preferences. Most of our offerings use a blended learning approach that maximizes both convenience and effectiveness:
- Flexible Training Formats: Self-paced online components are combined with interactive, instructor-led sessions ranging from one hour to six weeks.
- Customized Content Delivery: Workshops can be adapted to address specific community concerns and delivered at your preferred location.
- Evidence-Based Curriculum: All programs follow nationally recognized standards and incorporate the latest research in mental health education.
- Follow-Up Resources: Participants receive materials and connections to ongoing support services within their communities.
Our experienced facilitators bring both clinical expertise and real-world application to every session, ensuring participants leave with confidence and practical tools they can immediately implement. Many programs also offer continuing education credits for professionals, making them valuable for both personal growth and career development.
