Our Amazing Client John

Voices in John's head said police were summoning him. After more than two dozen trips to the station, officers took him for a psychiatric evaluation. John began treatment, but paranoia persisted. One night, he felt compelled to kill himself.

John spent the next 17 months in a psychiatric hospital after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was released to one of NewBridge Services’ group homes with round-the-clock supervision, and a year later, moved to another, less restrictive NewBridge group home. By May 2017, he was ready to live on his own.

“I feel happy in my own home,” said John, who shares a two-bedroom apartment in affordable housing built by NewBridge, in partnership with Pequannock Township. With a bus stop close by, he gets himself to medical appointments and the movies. He bakes and cooks — shrimp scampi is his signature meal — and neighbors often visit. He can be counted on to take his medication.

“John has done fantastic work. He’s been absolutely stable since he came to NewBridge,” said Veronica Richardson, his NewBridge Community Support Services case manager. When John gets anxious or panicky, “he reaches out for help. He is really on point with his judgment.”

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Our Client Stories introduces visitors of NewBridge’s websites to inspirational people who have worked hard to overcome life’s challenges. We hope that by sharing their stories, you can better understand how NewBridge helps bring balance to people’s lives.