June was a month defined by advocacy, achievement, and collaboration at Mental Health Association. Across our programs and throughout New Jersey, we continued working alongside community partners, policymakers, and the individuals we serve to advance our mission of promoting mental health, recovery, and hope for all.
Advocating for Mental Health at Hill Day
Earlier in June, MHA’s Chief Executive Officer Bob Davison joined fellow advocates from Care Plus NJ, Integrity House, and Bright Harbor Healthcare for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Annual Hill Day in Washington DC. They met legislators, including the offices of Senator Cory Booker, Senator Andy Kim, Congresswoman Analilia Mejia, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Congressman Rob Menendez and Congressman Christopher Smith, to discuss the importance of continued investment in mental health services and community-based supports.
These conversations provided an opportunity to share the real impact that accessible mental health care has on individuals and families while reinforcing the need for funding that strengthen behavioral health services throughout New Jersey.
Celebrating Leadership and Community at Prospect House
Prospect House, MHA’s day program, hosted a special Community Provider Open House, welcoming community partners to learn more about the innovative programs and services that help individuals living with mental illness learn, grow, and thrive.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of two heartfelt awards from Prospect House members to our Chief Executive Officer Robert N. Davison, and Chief Operating Officer Nadine Venezia, recognizing their outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to strengthening programs that empower our community. These meaningful recognitions reflect the impact that compassionate leadership has on the lives of the people we serve every day.
Three More Years of CARF Accreditation
We are proud to announce that MHA has once again earned a three-year accreditation from CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) International, reaffirming our commitment to providing high-quality, person-centered services.
CARF accreditation is awarded to organizations that demonstrate excellence in service delivery, continuous quality improvement, and positive outcomes for the individuals they support. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff across every program, whose passion and professionalism ensure that individuals receive compassionate, effective care every day.
This recognition reinforces our promise to continually improve, innovate, and provide services that meet the highest standards of quality.
Read the full survey report, here.
Strengthening Support for Our Veterans
Representatives from the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs, including the Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Esther Chucaralao and Chief of Staff Dillon Chorba, along with Morris County leadership, including the Morris County Commissioner John Krickus and representatives from the Morris County Government, to our Parsippany location for a meaningful conversation centered on advocacy and collaboration for veterans.
The meeting brought together senior leadership and members of MHA's Veteran Support Group, who shared firsthand how peer support and community-based services have positively impacted their lives. Their voices highlighted the importance of programs that foster connection, resilience, and recovery.
Together, attendees explored opportunities to strengthen partnerships and expand services for veterans throughout our communities. As a symbol of appreciation for their collaborative partnership and shared commitment to serving those who have served our country, our Chief Executive Officer Bob Davison presented MHA Challenge Coins to our distinguished guests.
Honoring Emerson's Leadership
This month, we were also proud to celebrate Emerson Crooks, MHA Board Vice President, on being named one of the recipients of the 2026 Morris County Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Scouting America’s Patriots’ Path Council! Emerson’s commitment to service extends through many facets of the community, including his role on our Board of Directors, where his guidance and advocacy help advance our mission of supporting mental health and wellness for all.
Looking Ahead
As we close out June, we are reminded that meaningful progress happens through partnership, advocacy, and a shared commitment to building healthier communities. Whether advocating for mental health policy, celebrating milestones in quality care, honoring outstanding leadership, or strengthening support for veterans, each step forward reflects our mission in action.