Pompton Plains, NJ – January 10, 2011 – NewBridge Services Inc., a nonprofit community provider of behavioral health and education programs and services, will honor Paul Boudreau, president of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Mario D. Cardinale, superintendent of the Butler School District, and Ken Wessel, executive director of HomeCare Options, with the NewBridge 2011 Helping People Move Forward award. The trio will receive their awards during NewBridge’s The Magic of NewBridge Celebration, on March 31, 2011 at The Villa at Mountain Lakes.
“The award recognizes people who show exemplary leadership in the private, public and nonprofit sector,” said NewBridge Executive Director Robert L. Parker. “They demonstrate that when community leaders work together, they create an environment that cares for people in need and moves them to find balance in their lives.”
Boudreau came to the Morris County Chamber of Commerce in August 2008 and was named president in November of that year. Under his leadership, the organization’s membership over the past two years increased from 660 members to nearly 800. He has served in leadership roles with a number of state and local organizations, including the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, the Chemical Industry Council of New Jersey, United Way of Morris County, the Community Soup Kitchen, the Morris County Airport Advisory Committee and the Somerset Hills YMCA.
An educator for more than 30 years, Cardinale has shown a deep commitment to youth. He began his career as a social studies teacher and has been superintendent of several area school districts. He took the helm of the Butler schools in 2008.
For more than 30 years, Wessel has led HomeCare Options, a nationally accredited home care agency. Wessel, a licensed social worker, has long advocated for both patients of home care and the workers who care for them. He was instrumental in setting the standards for care at home health agencies in New Jersey and holds two Congressional Certificates of Merit.
“This year’s honorees have been pivotal leaders within Morris and Passaic counties and beyond for many years, unselfishly advocating for services to meet the needs of those in need,” Parker said. “They epitomize the essence of the NewBridge Helping People Move Forward awards.”
The Magic of NewBridge, an annual fundraising event, includes a festive celebration with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a dessert buffet, interactive fundraising, and a silent auction. Admission is $125 per person. For support opportunities or reservations, contact Nina McCormack, NewBridge’s director of development and marketing, at (973) 839-2521, ext. 2246, or visit www.newbridge.org.
About NewBridge Services
Founded in 1963, NewBridge Services, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) community organization providing innovative programs and education services in five focus areas: mental health, addiction, housing, youth programs and senior services. Whether guiding people as they cope with stress, grief, or substance abuse, or providing advice to those with parenting, relationship or caregiving challenges, NewBridge helps people bring balance to their lives.