Helping individuals in crisis has always been a pillar of NewBridge, and that commitment led the organization to take on the role of community first responder. NewBridge has been on the front lines helping communities in Morris and Passaic counties cope with natural disasters since the mid-1980s. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, NewBridge collaborated with other mental health providers, social services agencies and health care providers to create the Morris County Human Services Response Network, which the state recognized for its best practices. The effort led to New Jersey becoming one of the first states to certify disaster response crisis counselors.