NewBridge Services’ Michael Fritts was named Supervisor of the Year by the New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (NJPRA).

“Mike is a natural advocate for allowing the values and capabilities of the individual served to dictate the type of help delivered,” said Carolyn Dean, our Executive Director of Community Outreach and Support.

Fritts is a community support services team leader who joined NewBridge in 2016 as an outreach case manager. “I learned long ago that there is no cookie-cutter answer for everyone, and what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another,” Fritts said. “If they don’t buy into the idea, they’re not going to do it.”

Fritts described NewBridge’s nurturing work environment, noting his supervisors encouraged him to return to earn his Master of Social Work at Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Over the summer, he and NewBridge supervisor Patrick Pierson were honored by NJPRA for their exemplary leadership and dedication to treating clients with mental illness with dignity and autonomy.

“NewBridge is grateful for all of the compassion and personalized, committed care they bring to our organization and people we serve,’’ Dean said. “NewBridge Services, staff and consumers alike owe both Patrick and Michael a debt of gratitude for their passion and advocacy.”

Pierson joined NewBridge in 2001 and was promoted to Assistant Director of Community Residences in 2014, overseeing the nonprofit’s five group homes. He grew up in a family that ran a nursing home and residential healthcare facility serving people with mental ill- ness discharged from Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital.

“The support and services we are able to provide for people with mental health struggles is a deeply rewarding experience,” Pierson said. “The challenges of the job are what keep it fresh; it is aways a learning experience.”