#United States #mental health #Elizabeth #Bridgeway Behavioral #Union County NJ

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services: A New Dawn for Community Mental Health

Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services has unveiled an ambitious capital campaign aiming to raise $2 million to boost outpatient mental health services in Union County, New Jersey. Dubbed "A Legacy of Impact – A Future of Recovery," this initiative is timely as the area grapples with an escalating behavioral health crisis, emphasizing the need for accessible and integrated care.

A Vision for the Future

Located at 567 Morris Avenue in Elizabeth, NJ, Bridgeway's facility has been a cornerstone of community support since 1997. Now, with the planned renovations, it anticipates a complete modernization aimed at catering to both youth and adults who require mental health support. This campaign seeks to completely reimagine the outpatient center, featuring expanded urgent care facilities, private and group therapy spaces, and will also include treatment for co-occurring substance use issues.

Cory Storch, President and CEO of Bridgeway, emphasizes the depth of this project, stating, "This project is about more than modernizing a building; it’s about ensuring that no one in our community falls through the cracks when they need help the most. Timely, local, and compassionate care is not a luxury—it's a right." This sentiment reflects a profound understanding of the community’s pressing mental health needs.

Initial Support and Campaign Goals

Thus far, Bridgeway has successfully garnered over $1 million in early support from key donors such as the Woods System of Care, The Hyde Watson Foundation, and Columbia Bank, which underscores the widespread recognition of the importance of this endeavor. The organization is now reaching out to the broader public to close the remaining funding gap of $1 million by the end of 2027. Their newly launched campaign website, bridgewaybhscare.org/capital, includes a video introduction, a downloadable Case for Support, and a campaign progress tracker, showcasing transparency and engagement with potential donors.

Rob Spitzer, Senior Vice President at ConnectOne Bank and Chair of the Capital Campaign, voiced the significance of the Center: "This Center will be a lifeline for thousands of individuals and families across Union County—providing urgent mental health and substance use care, helping people return to work, school, and their communities."

What’s New: Renovation Details

The proposed remodeling will encompass:

• - An 8,000-square-foot outpatient facility to accommodate more patients.
• - Separate waiting areas for youth and adults, ensuring comfort and privacy.
• - 8 individual counseling rooms and 8 group therapy spaces, enhancing therapeutic options.
• - Expanded urgent care access available 7 days a week, a critical step in addressing immediate needs.
• - Integrated services for both mental health and substance use treatments, offering holistic support.
• - On-site examination and medication rooms, as well as dedicated spaces for telehealth and case management support.

Peter Pogany, Owner of Rapps Pharmacy and Honorary Chair of the Capital Campaign, reinforced their mission: "Everyone deserves access to care without delay. This campaign ensures we’re not only responding to that need—we’re meeting it with compassion, equity, and purpose." His words resonate deeply in a community that often experiences significant delays in receiving mental health support.

Moving Forward: Join the Cause

To learn more about Bridgeway’s campaign, to support it, or to track its progress, consult the campaign website. Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services has been a stalwart community supporter for over 50 years, focused on recovery-oriented services. Their unwavering commitment seeks to empower individuals towards wellness and independence, demonstrating that mental health care is essential for a thriving community in Union County.

In conclusion, this capital campaign marks a pivotal moment for Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services and the community they serve. Through collaboration and support, it promises not just renovations of a building, but a revitalization of hope and healing for countless individuals in need.