Rendering of Bridgeway Behavioral Health’s future Center for Integrated Outpatient Services, 567 Morris Ave, Elizabeth, NJ. Design by Buckman Architectural Group. The Center for Integrated Outpatient Services A Legacy of Impact - A Future of Recovery
Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services is embarking on a transformational journey to meet the rising need for high-quality mental health care integrated with other health care needs. Our $2 million Capital Campaign will fund the renovation of our long-standing location at 567 Morris Avenue, turning it into a modern, accessible, and welcoming Center for Integrated Outpatient Services. We have already secured $1 million in lead gifts—and now we seek your partnership to raise the remaining $1 million by December 2027. Why Now? Why Here? Union County is facing a behavioral health crisis. The need for timely, high-quality care has never been more urgent. According to Union County’s 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment, mental illness is the most pressing health concern across the region. Yet the county currently ranks 15th out of 21 New Jersey counties for access to behavioral health services. Community members routinely face wait times of 8 to 12 weeks—or even longer—for an initial therapy or psychiatric appointment. In the meantime, symptoms worsen, families struggle, and lives unravel. Instead of receiving timely care, individuals often end up with no care or in emergency rooms, jails, or on the streets, placing enormous strain on public systems. Bridgeway’s walk-in Crisis Intervention Services (BCIS) program in Elizabeth has already proven how urgent care access can divert people from these outcomes. But more is needed—faster, broader, and more culturally responsive care. This renovated facility will be more accessible and serve more people in the region. Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
The Need in Union County: • 449:1 ratio of residents to mental health providers (nearly double the national ideal) • 4.4 poor mental health days/month reported by residents • 13% of residents are uninsured, limiting access to treatment • 30–50% of clients present with both mental health and substance use challenges • Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ populations face additional barriers due to stigma, discrimination, and systemic inequities A Legacy of Impact – A Future of Recovery
“ Without an accessible entry point into treatment, many residents, especially youth, working-class families, and communities of color simply fall through the cracks. Challenges 8–12 week wait for care High resident-to-provider ratio Lack of culturally tailored care Over-reliance on ERs and jails Disjointed healthcare How the New Bridgeway Center Responds Same-day intake and walk-in access Expanded counseling and medication capacity Bilingual staff, peer support, and inclusive outreach Immediate connection to structured outpatient services Integrated treatment under one roof What This Project Will Achieve The people we serve need a relentless, tenacious presence representing them. We need to keep fighting for the services that all New Jersey residents deserve.” – Buddy Garfinkle, MSW, Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services That’s Why Bridgeway is Taking Action Now That’s why Bridgeway is taking action now through a full renovation of our longstanding location at 567 Morris Avenue in Elizabeth, New Jersey. This central site has ample parking available, is walkable from Kean University and the Elizabeth Train Station, one mile from the Union Train Station, accessible by bus, and ready to become a modern Center for Integrated Outpatient Services. Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
“ “ At Bridgeway, we believe no one should fall through the cracks. This new Center is a promise to our community: that timely, local, and compassionate care is not a luxury—it’s a right.” — Cory Storch, President & CEO, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services Bridgeway has a unique ability to have an immediate impact on the people it serves with this Center, providing swift, critical support to the community. Together, we can create a place that offers hope and healing—not someday, but now.” — Rob Spitzer, Chair, Capital Campaign; Board Member, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services By transforming our facility, we are not just updating a building—we are reshaping the behavioral health system in Union County. With rapid care access, outpatient therapy, case management, and support for co-occurring conditions all under one roof, this Center will become a lifeline for thousands of residents each year. A Legacy of Impact – A Future of Recovery
Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services A Legacy of Impact – A Future of Hope For more than 50 years, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services has been a trusted source of care and advocacy in New Jersey. Our services extend far beyond therapy— embracing housing, employment, criminal justice support, and crisis intervention. Bridgeway helped me to calm the inner voice in my head that told me I wasn’t good enough; ...gave me the tools to claim my power over my mental health; ... gave me a pathway to free the constraints my mental health put on my ability to thrive in a chaotic world. I came to my first appointment feeling like a failure. I now feel empowered to take control of my path through life! I reclaimed my inner strength through therapy. I am able to thrive now.” — Joanne, Bridgeway Outpatient Service Recipient Bridgeway has played a vital role in my personal growth. Through the support I’ve received, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself and the factors that shape who I am. This self-awareness has allowed me to manage my mental health more effectively and navigate challenges with greater confidence.” — Luke, Bridgeway Outpatient Service Recipient “ “ This new Center will be a beacon of hope and healing for thousands of Union County residents every year—helping them avoid hospitalization, stay out of jail, return to school or work, and reconnect with their families.
A Legacy of Impact – A Future of Recovery Without an accessible entry point into treatment, many residents, especially youth, working-class families, and communities of color simply fall through the cracks. That’s why Bridgeway is taking action now through a full renovation of our long-standing location at 567 Morris Avenue in Elizabeth, NJ “Everyone deserves timely access to care; not after a wait, not after a crisis. This newly revitalized Center will ensure that when someone is in need, we’re already there with respect, compassion, and the tools to help them heal.”— Peter Pogany, RPh Owner of Rapps Pharmacy; Honorary Chair, Capital Campaign The Vision: A Restored Center of Healing Located at 567 Morris Avenue, our building has served the community since 1997. The 8,000-square-foot facility with 38 off-street parking spaces will be completely transformed to better serve both youth and adults. The Renovated Center will Feature: • Separate reception/waiting areas for youth and adults • 8 individual counseling rooms • 8 group therapy rooms • 2 exam rooms • 2 medication rooms • 6 private offices • A shared 12-desk office workspace • 4 restrooms Services Provided: • Rapid Access for Behavioral Health – Walk-in, 7 days a week, with access to clinicians within 24 hours and prescribers within 24-48 hours • Outpatient Behavioral Health Services – Individual, family, and group therapy for youth (6+) and adults • Case Management – Connecting clients to housing, education, employment, legal support, and more • Integrated Care – Addressing mental health and substance use disorders and physical health in tandem
Your blessing is coming—even if your blessing looks like a normal person in an office with a big smile when your world is falling apart.” — Brooke, Bridgeway Service Recipient At the lowest point in my life, Emma was there for me. Her support helped me survive and start healing when I felt completely lost.” — Lesliann, Bridgeway Outpatient Service Recipient “ “ Bridgeway counselors are available for session-based treatment on your schedule. Your comfort and privacy are our priority. We are available in-person and by telehealth. Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
Our Founding Champions: Leading the Way with $1 Million in Early Support We are proud to recognize the visionary generosity of our Founding Champions, whose early gifts have already brought us halfway to our $2 million goal. These individuals and organizations believe in a future where timely, compassionate mental health and addiction treatment is accessible to all. Their leadership not only reflects a deep commitment to the community but also inspires others to join the effort. Together, these founding donors have pledged and contributed more than a combined $1,006,500 to make the vision for a new Center a reality. Their early investment has laid the foundation for our public Campaign—and now we invite you to build on their momentum. Lead Donors as of June 30, 2025: • Woods System of Care – $500,000 • NJ Dept of Community Affairs – $420,000 $420,000 • The Hyde and Watson Foundation – $20,000 • E.J. Grassman – $15,000 • Columbia Bank – $20,000 • Peter Pogany/RAPPS Pharmacy – $10,000 • Friends of Bridgeway – $21,500 Your gift joins theirs in helping thousands of Union County residents access urgent, life- saving behavioral health and substance use services—right when they need it most. A Legacy of Impact – A Future of Recovery
How You Can Help Your donation will: • Create an entry point for individuals and families needing rapid care without being put on a waiting list • Ensure youth and adults receive timely, compassionate behavioral health care • Reduce pressure on emergency services and public systems • Build a healthier, more resilient Union County We’ve raised $1 million toward our $2 million goal. Now, we need your help to bring this vision to life. Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services “Same day access to a licensed clinician is offered to all individuals, and access to a prescriber is offered within 24-48 hours.” — Stephanie Simon, Stephanie R. Simon, LCSW, NCPsyA, CCS, DRCC Vice President of Outpatient Services, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
Donate Today Every gift makes a difference. Whether you are an individual donor, a foundation, or a corporate partner, your support will directly transform lives. You are the key to open the doors to hope, health, and healing at 567 Morris Avenue. Mail checks to: Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services Capital Campaign 373 Clermont Terrace Union, NJ 07083 bit.ly/BridgewayImpact Together, We Build the Bridge to Recovery Join us as we build the next 50 years of behavioral health services in Union County. Your support is not just a donation—it’s an investment in the well-being of your community. Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Capital Campaign Honorary Chair Peter Pogany, RPh Rapps Pharmacy, Plainfield, NJ Capital Campaign Chair Rob Spitzer, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Team Leader ConnectOne Bank, Bridgeway Board Trustee Track the Campaign: A Legacy of Impact – A Future of Recovery Thanks to donors like you, Bridgeway’s vision for a modern, welcoming Center for Integrated Outpatient Services is becoming reality. Visit bridgewaybhscare.org/ capital to follow Campaign progress, see recent milestones, and learn how your support is helping build the future of recovery in Union County. A Legacy of Impact – A Future of Recovery Donate Here!
373 Clermont Terrace, Union, NJ 07083 I 908-355-7886 I donate@bridgewaybhs.org www.bridgewaybhs.org Board of Trustees 2025 – 2026 Marlene Baldinger, Chairperson Guy Patterson, Vice Chairperson Lou Amato, Treasurer Jeannine Arlotta, Secretary (non-voting) Trustees At-Large Dr. Carol Ash Michael D’ Agnes Tine Hansen-Turton Sudha Kantor Dr. Sander Koyfman Michele Mastrofilippo-Halwagy Jim O’Connor Josue Philistin Rob Spitzer Mark T. Williams Bridgeway Staff Leadership Cory Storch, President & CEO Craig Cook, Director of Electronic Health Record Bohdan Czartorysky, MD, Medical Director Robert Edes, Chief Operating Officer Buddy Garfinkle, Senior VP and Chief Program Officer Karen Kaufman, Director of Marketing and Communications Caren Levensohn, Director of Quality Improvement Allison McFayden, VP, Emergency Services Biren Parikh, Chief Financial Officer Nancy Schneeloch, VP, Supportive Housing Services Stephanie Simon, VP, Outpatient Services Lisa Vara, VP, PACT Services Gina Verne, Chief Human Resources Officer
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