At MHA, our work extends far beyond programs and services. It lives in the relationships we build, the conversations we foster, and the communities we engage. During the month of March, we had several meaningful opportunities to connect with partners and community members, each reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing mental health awareness and support.

Advocacy in Action

We were privileged to visit Bright Harbor Healthcare, where our Chief Executive Officer, Bob Davison, Chief Operating Officer, Nadine Venezia, and Program Director, Arielle Scarpelli, met with CEO Kim Veith and her outstanding professional staff to share ideas and discuss best and evidenced based practices.

Located in Ocean County, Bright Harbor Healthcare is a national leader in providing mental health, primary care, and substance use disorder services. In recognition of her leadership and Bright Harbor’s commitment to advancing high quality behavioral health care, Bob Davison presented Kim Veith with a challenge coin, a small token symbolizing deep respect and appreciation. We are grateful for their warm hospitability and continued partnership.

 

Partnering for Progress

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with Assemblywoman Aura Dunn alongside our valued partners, Community Hope and NewBridge Services. Assemblywoman Dunn has been a longtime advocate for mental health and addiction recovery services, both in the 25th District and throughout New Jersey.

Our conversation focused on how we can better support access to care, strengthen community-based services, and ensure no one falls through the cracks. Opportunities like this are essential in advancing meaningful change through collaboration and shared commitment.

We appreciate Assemblywoman Dunn’s continued interest and support in strengthening systems of care for individuals and families across our communities.

 

Community Support

We also had the pleasure of connecting with the Thursday Morning Club, a dedicated women’s organization committed to improving the community through volunteer service. Our team members, Madine Despeine-Udoh, Director of Self Help Advocacy & Education, and David Mills, NJ4S Supervising Prevention Consultant, were welcomed to speak about mental health facts and myths, as well as the important work MHA is doing across our communities. This gathering was made even more special through our connection with Board President Barbara Small, a member of the club, and the opportunity to meet Past President Susan Packie.

In a powerful act of generosity, club members assembled care baskets filled with household essentials for clients transitioning into housing, thoughtful contributions that will make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Creating Space for Mental Health Conversations

Continuing these important conversations, our Director of Suicide Prevention Services, Genaya Palmer, and Madine Despeine-Udoh visited the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township to lead a discussion on mental health. Together, they explored what mental health means, why it matters, and how we can support one another in everyday life.

The presentation also provided guidance on recognizing when someone may be struggling, how to start compassionate conversations, and where to turn for help. We are thankful to the church community and worship leaders, Rev. Dr. Edwin D. Aponte and Rev. Thomas A. Brown, for creating a welcoming and supportive space for such an important dialogue.

While each of these moments were unique, they all share a common thread: the power of connection. Whether collaborating with fellow providers, engaging with community organizations, or creating space for open and honest conversations, these experiences remind us that mental health is a shared responsibility. When we come together, we build stronger systems of care, deepen understanding, and create communities where everyone has the opportunity to feel supported.

We are grateful to all who continue to partner with us in this work. Together, we are making a difference, one conversation, one connection, and one community at a time.

Dear Friends of MHA,

As we reflect on 2025, I am filled with gratitude and pride for what this year has represented for Mental Health Association. Together, we marked an extraordinary milestone as we celebrated our 75th Anniversary, honoring decades of service, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to mental health and wellness in our communities.

This year was not only a time to celebrate our history, but also a year of meaningful progress and growth. In 2025, we launched our Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Team initiative  (MCORT) in Essex and Hudson Counties, a vital new program designed to strengthen crisis response and provide timely and compassionate support to individuals and families when they need it most. The successful rollout of MCORT reflects our continued focus on innovation and collaboration as we respond to the evolving needs of our community.

We also expanded access to services by opening two new Community Wellness Centers in Morris County and Sussex County. These centers serve as welcoming spaces where individuals can find connection, support, and resources close to home, reinforcing our mission to make mental health services accessible, inclusive, and centered in the community.

Another significant achievement this year was the expansion of our ARRIVE program, which is now operating in every municipality throughout Morris County. This milestone highlights the strength of our partnerships with local leaders, first responders, and community stakeholders, and demonstrates what is possible when we work together toward shared goals.

In addition to these programmatic successes, 2025 marked an important year for advocacy at the state level. Governor elect Mikie Sherrill appointed Board Vice President Emerson Crooks, Chief Executive Officer Robert Davison, and Program Director Madine Despeine Udoh to the Transition Team Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force, ensuring that community perspectives help inform state policy. She also appointed Senior Director of Programs Rose Brown to the Transition Action Team for Kids Mental Health and Online Safety, supporting efforts to strengthen children’s mental health and promote safer online environments. We are grateful for Governor elect Sherrill’s continued partnership and honored to contribute to this important work.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication of our staff, the leadership of our Board of Directors, the collaboration of our community partners, and the generosity of our supporters. Your belief in our mission continues to move our work forward and ensures that individuals and families can access the care and support they deserve.

As we look ahead, we do so with renewed purpose, inspired by our history and energized by the momentum we have built. Thank you for being part of our journey and for your continued support.

 

With sincere appreciation,

Robert Davison
Chief Executive Officer
Mental Health Association

Our 75th Anniversary Celebration was a milestone event celebrating the legacy and lives we’ve touched over the past seven and a half decades. The evening brought together supporters, partners, and advocates for a powerful night of reflection, gratitude, and inspiration.

The celebration was made possible thanks to the generosity of our incredible sponsors. We are deeply grateful to each of them for standing with us and helping us continue our mission.

 

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors:

Anonymous

The Codey Fund for Mental Health

 

Platinum Sponsor:

Bea and Mike Sherman

 

Gold Sponsors:

Craig W. Alexander, Esq.

Health Care Foundation of the Oranges

Partners for Health Foundation

 

Silver Sponsors:

Advocacy and Management Group, Inc.

Clinical Services Management

Joe and Freya Gervasi

Barry and Leslie Mandelbaum

Mandelbaum Barrett PC

RWJBarnabas Health

Sax LLP

Titan Energy New England, Inc.

YMCA of Montclair

 

We were proud to honor two extraordinary partners in our mission:

Health Care Foundation of the Oranges and Senator M. Teresa Ruiz for their unwavering dedication to ensuring access to crucial mental health programs in our communities. Their leadership continues to pave the way for stronger, more equitable systems of care.

 

 

 

One of the most memorable highlights of the evening was the moving musical performances. The Me2/Orchestra, the world’s only classical music organization created for individuals living with mental illness and those who support them, captivated the audience with a powerful performance that underscored the healing and inclusive power of the arts.

 

In a special moment, our very own CEO took to the conductor’s podium, symbolizing the harmony that can be achieved when leadership, community, and creativity come together.

We were also honored to welcome the New Jersey Symphony Quartet, whose elegant and uplifting performance brought grace and energy to the evening, reminding us of the role music plays in wellness and community connection.

 

 

View other videos from the 75th Anniversary Celebration on our YouTube, here.

 

To everyone who joined us in person, donated, offered encouragement, or worked behind the scenes, thank you. Your support made this evening unforgettable and helped shine a light on the power of community and collective action.

As we look ahead, we carry with us the strength of our past and the momentum to build an even brighter future.

Here’s to 75 years of impact, and to many more.