Meet Ken, Our Amazing Client

Ken’s life was once ruled by obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. He was afraid to leave his house. He took two-hour showers. He brushed his teeth so much he stripped the enamel.

Diagnosed at 18, he cycled through medications that either didn’t work or had unbearable side effects. After his father died in 2000, he moved from Long Island to New Jersey, where his sister found NewBridge’s adult psychiatric day treatment program.

Ken participated in group interventions and individual therapy, learning to manage stress and maintain sobriety following 12 years of self-medicating with alcohol. He also made friends.

Life Skills and More

In March 2002, he moved into a NewBridge group home where he learned life skills, including cooking. “I really developed a love for it,” said Ken, whose signature dishes include lemon chicken, baked ziti and meatloaf.

His NewBridge psychiatrist helped Ken find the medication that works for him, allowing him to take the next step toward independence. He transitioned to a shared NewBridge apartment and then, with Section 8 funding, he landed his own apartment in 2012.

NewBridge’s Community Support Services program helps him stay on track. His case manager checks in on him, takes him grocery shopping, and accompanies him to medical appointments.

“I have a much better quality of life with NewBridge,” Ken said. The 51-year-old attends the day treatment program three afternoons a week, down from the five full days he needed when he first joined.

“All the counselors and workers at NewBridge give me good advice and assistance,” said Ken, who enjoys hosting friends for dinner. “NewBridge has made a big difference in my life.”